Panda

I only know the evening Panda. You know, when the clock strikes twelve and things get a little crazy. People ordering shots, drinking beers, dancing in the back room. I've been to several birthdays and celebratory shindigs here as well. Sure, it's a pretty stripped down bar. There's not much seating and the exposed wood, brick and framework makes it feel a lot like your buddy's apartment in East Williamsburg.

But there's art on the walls and everyone working there is incredibly friendly. If you're on this relatively barren block in the evening, it's worth a stop in for some good beats and good peeps.

I stopped by on a Wednesday night and the place was completely dead except for the bartender. They weren't serving any food (although the online menu suggests differently) and sans liquor license there were no drinks either... to their credit they did have soda and juice and the bartender- soda tender- was super friendly (perhaps a result of being alone all day).

The back room was not as lofty or pretty as the pictures I'd been shown and the Panda theme wasn't all that prevalent- I only saw one or two pictures of pandas.

Maybe it's just me but a bar/restaurant/cafe with no food and no alcohol would have to be really, really special to justify a visit. Perhaps they could use the spot for AA/WW meetings- 0% risk of imbibing/gorging.

Stopped here because it was a nice relaxed lounge-y looking place, with plenty of space even at 11pm on a Friday night. Nice, simple decor, and it turns out they'd just re-opened that week.

Menu looked really interesting and we got the ginger drink and one more fruity drink - was it orange, or lime, or raspberry? Anyway both looked really delicious on the menu, and they were mixed with a cocktail that had been soaking in the ginger or the fruit, respectively. The bartender was really nice and explained both drinks to me, and let me use my credit card for the two drinks for $16 even though there's usually a $20 minimum.

However we were greatly disappointed at the drinks. We couldn't even finish them - there was just something off about the flavor and it had a bad aftertaste. Also in this neighborhood at 11pm on a Friday, shouldn't it actually be somewhat crowded than that? I guess I understand why the crowd was fairly thin even though there were bars packed just a couple doors down.

Jane, you nailed it.

Went here for a coworker's bday around 7pm on a friday. WIth the exception of a few beer drinkers at the bar, the place was desolate. We set up in the back, expecting more to join soon, and within a few rounds, the place was packed. Crowded, dancing, drinking, lights, artwork --- oh, and so cool that Panda let my friends DJ for the night.

A remarkably fun night for such an unassuming place. Who knew Pandas could be so much fun?

Wait so you get to drink and look at art? Panda is def. onto something here... It's a great concept of mixing art and drinking, instead of the traditional starting at a T.V. with your beer goggles.
I would recommended it for lovers of art and drinking, not so much peoples that are only into one. The artist seemed to be mostly local up and comers, so it's nice to have the intimate atmosphere.
As a note the bar tender is/was ridiculously friendly, and love to go on about alphabet city in it's crack heyday.
Only down fall here is that when I went; like the other fine yelpers say, the venue didn't have it liquor license yet so drinks were pretty much limited to sangria....red or white. Hopefully they got that issue straighten out.

Another gallery, another open bar. Ho-hum! Parlour Magazine was having their two year anniversary party here, and Belvedere Vodka sponsored with some fine mixed drinks.

I was here once before about six months ago for another magazine lauch. Eclectic mix of hipsters, and always seems to have this endless open bar. Gotta love free events with cute people and open bar. What's better?

I had a decent time here, but it was really about the company.

Like all NY locations that think they're a little cooler than they are, the narrow entrance and hallway make a crowded night here feel like you're at a concert, only you're not watching your favorite band and the bathroom lines are longer. Unlike all NY locations, this place has a pretty baller back room for getting your dougie on. Lots of space to sit if you'd like (by why would you) and even a good amount to throw your stuff down and slap some planks.

Other positives include the photo kiosk (always a winner in my book), relatively well priced booze, and a lax dress code (sneaks and a t with no looks from the bouncer).

However, these goodies were outweighed by the horrible DJ. Around and after midnight, the owls awake from their slumber and wanna boogie, and that wasn't happening there last night. The highlight was "Twist and Shout" but, let's be honest, that's really a karaoke song. Also, the credit card apparatus was busted, hence I spent the night looking for girls to buy me drinks, which means I didn't much, and by much I mean at all.

You may twist my arm and get me to return again, but if that's the case, I want a polaroid session on you.

Was here before it's official opening. I'm a fan of the art gallery/watering hole combo. Everyone working here was super friendly. Def a big hipster vibe with electro indie DJ'd tunes. The art was nothing special, but I'm sure it will be a rotating wall. Manager Daniel was super gracious even though some of the folks in party were drunk and slightly obnoxious. He said there would be both live music and DJ's on the regular. I'd return if in the area.

oh this place is an art gallery? go figure. i came here one night by accident. we were trying to go to the party next door at mystique lounge. cris ac (the promoter) supposedly had a party there but the place was closed. so my friend had to go to the bathroom and we hopped in here.

this place is weird. upon walking in, u see a makeshift bar. u walk thru to the back and there's a dj and a small room to dance. a lot of hipsters here. no dress code, people are here in their tank tops, blowing bubbles with neon lights. cool lets hang around for a bit. after being bumped a few times in the tiny space, we decide to leave.

in my short time there i came to a few quick conclusions. it smells there, its crowded, and a lot of white people. the dj was pretty good, given the fact he didn't play hip hop.

not my kinda place but everyone seem down to have fun here. its a bit hidden, a small panda sign and a door, thats about it. come check it out, its free at least.

btw, i hate cris ac now. don't promote a party if its not open. oh and i hate hipsters. go back to brooklyn.

So I went to this place for a gallery opening I saw on a flyer and I was impressed!! Aparently they are new but the art was cool, the scene is a nice mix of Asian inspired pieces infused with a casual coffee joint. But seriously-best sangria I've ever had and the bartender was cute! I'm definatley a regular now.