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Revival
- Nearest Transit:
-
3 Av (L)
14 St - Union Sq (4, 5, 6, 6X)
Union Sq - 14 St (L)
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Sun 4 pm - 1 am
Thu-Sat 4 pm - 4 am
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
130 reviews for Revival
Review Highlights
"...little oasis in the chaos mindfuck that is union square."
(in 16 reviews)
"The upstairs is perfect to chill."
(in 56 reviews)
"...looks out on the back patio, perfect for people watching."
(in 9 reviews)
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130 reviews in English
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Review from Julia B.
12/18/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Revival messed up my reservation for 25 people for my Secret Santa Party in the lounge area. Basically, they had a bigger party coming in and instead of us having our promised couch lounge area, they shoved us to the a small corner. Starting my night on that note annoyed me but whatever, the manager tried to make it up by giving us lemon drop shots on the house. We gladly accepted the shots but still.
Anyways...I like this bar. They have a decent selection of booze, including Angry Orchard Cider. The 2 bathrooms are kept relatively clean. I've hung out both upstairs where the couches are and where the high top tables are on the bar level. I have yet to come here in the summer time to enjoy the patio.
It's conveniently located near Union Square so this will be my go-to spot when I want to drink in the area. -
Review from Raphael D.
Brooklyn, NY
12/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
The best bar in the Union Square area to give someone a vibrator or a bar of soap or a massage or a kick in the nuts.
The place is pretty spacious but upstairs is a clusterfuck of narrow proportions but whatevs we had fun. To further class things up the whisky in the smaller bar comes in a plastic cup. Just like the way my daddy used to drink it! -
Review from Ben F.
New York, NY
12/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
"You're party was apparently double booked" said the waitress as she pulls us from our awesome corner couch seat as people started to arrive.
"Here we'll put you in the front at a much smaller table with a seat that will cut your friend's leg up when he sits on it and requires a tetanus shot, also everyone and their mother will constantly walk passed you the entire night breaking up your get together." "Sound good? Here's a lemon drop shot on the house"
that pretty much summed up the beginning hour of the Secret Santa Party, any questions? Moving on.....
Strange night for a strange place, first off we weren't even rowdy.... Strange right?
Don't get me wrong there was fondling, harassing passer byers, secret wishing for someone to face plant. But if we were all on our A game im talkin handcuffs.
Anyway, its a dive bar.... they have my beer and a good happy hour. Strangely the second bathroom reeked like pot the entire night but no one would be stupid enough to smoke in there. Strange......hmmm quite.
We had fun anyways we like each other, we love each other. -
Review from Alicia R.
ASTORIA, NY
2/9/2012
OMG quit bitching about your stupid secret santa party! How many reviews are these people going to write??
This place is a fantastic little bar with a good feeling and good company. The bartenders are great, and the outdoor patio was fantastic. Def going back. -
Review from Jeff H.
Sacramento, CA
1/30/2012
This bar was fan-f'ing-tastic. Great friendly bartenders, good beer selection, unique and awesome rockabilly tunes coming out the speakers. Being a tourist, it was nice to visit a bar that felt like the kind of place locals imbibe at.
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Review from Kristy R.
12/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Last night, the fabulous Julia B. set up a Secret Santa for a group of Yelpers. Revival was nice enough to give us an area upstairs for us to exchange and grope one another.
The beginning of the night involved some confusion on Revival's end. They didn't realize we required tables so they had us set up for a smaller area of the upper level rather than where we were originally seated. The lady that was helping us sort things out felt bad that we had to move our things so she offered us a round of shots, which we gladly accepted. That right there gets them an extra star.
Once we were settled, we were able to have a great time drinking, chatting, molesting, and exchanging spit...I mean....Gifts. They have a good beer selection, not a LARGE selection, but a good one. The bartenders are friendly and fast. The upstairs is comfortable with broken-in couches and chairs, along with tables. The only issue with our spot was that it was right by the door so we kept having to deal with people from the next group going in and out and breaking up our conversations at times.
Their bathrooms are pretty clean. I'm big on how clean bar bathrooms are. They could use more than two but the bar itself is tiny so what can ya do?
Definitely a fun place to hang out. -
Review from Jordan W.
11/14/2011
This bar had a really relaxed atmosphere. I was in the downstairs part and just took the tour around to see upstairs and the back patio.
I was here with Aleesa M after that elite event over the summer Upstairs at the Kimberly. It is funny I didn't think I would be able to fit in two more drinks that day since I had so much rum earlier in the day.
Everything was really cool it was a sunday night and I had one Heineken Light ( i believe) and one Makers Mark. I think the Makers didn't really mix well with all that spicy rum from earlier but I made it home ok. No problems getting lost on the train or missing my stop, drunk navigation- Engage!!!!!!
-I would check the place out again in the future to grab a drink or two.Listed in: Completely random
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Review from Mike B.
12/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
a bunch of Yelpers, a tiny bar, friendly bartenders, good beers and strong drinks...a recipe for raunchiness!
a bunch of us came here last night for a Secret Santa organized by Julia B. she reserved an area upstairs for us, which had some comfy seating, a table, and some dimmable lights. "ohhhh my" as George Takei would say!
good place to relax and kick back a few drinks. small bar upstairs for liquor; larger bar downstairs for liquor and beer. Goose Island, Magic Hat, Brooklyn Brewery, Sam Adams...I like.
my only gripe was that the larger party occupying the 99% of the upstairs lounge kept walking through our group (since we were right by the entrance) which kind of killed our party as the night went on. as a murderous yuppie just like Patrick Bateman, I definitely looked upon those hipsters with scorn. #occupyrevival
I'll keep this place in mind next time I go to a show at Irving Plaza for pre- and post-gaming! -
Review from Angela C.
Long Island City, NY
10/21/2011
First I'd like to state that I'm not a bar sort of person at all. I go to a bar once every two months, and usually it's just for a drink after work with the coworkers. I don't like big crowds, frat boys, pretentious hipsters, wall street bankers, etc. etc. Just leave me alone with my friends, don't judge me, I don't judge you.
That being said, I love this bar. This is the go-to bar for my office and whenever I have to suggest a place for drinks, this is my first choice. Why'? Because the drinks are cheap, it's not so loud that you have to scream to be heard. It's comfortably laid back, people are nice. And whatever the size of your group, there's a good spot for them whether it's the backyard area, the bar, the lounge upstairs or the bar tables in the back. -
Review from Mike R.
Yonkers, NY
11/14/2011
Revival was chosen as the venue for a friend's birthday evening. Why? I don't know. I think it was because the couches upstairs would allow us to hang and not yell. Too bad the couches were all taken and we ended up on the loud first floor.
Whoever did their web site did not make enough. It portrays this as a classy joint, whereas Revival is readily classified as a "dive bar" on Yelp. Anyway, I expected greater comfort and more relaxed environment. Instead, I found a bar that was not conducive to hanging out. It's a very narrow space downstairs. The only bar area is downstairs and if you want a couch spot upstairs, get there early on Friday.
Also - the patio is a cool spot! It looks well-kept, however it is small, and would be much more useful in this pre-winter time if there were heat lamps available. One or two would go a long way to alleviate some of the interior cramping.
Overall, Revival is a dive bar struggling to decide if it wants to go divey or dabble in class. Either way, it is recommended as a place to hang for a few Lincolns.
Best: Nicely priced. Hot toddy was a tasty/unique addition. Enjoyed the music selection.
Worst: Tight space. Spacious patio lacked heat lamps. No nosh. -
Review from Allison S.
New York, NY
11/12/2011
Ditto to everyone saying to come drink on the patio. Drinks are relatively cheap, but the beer selection isn't that great, and the bar itself is really hot and tiny, so it's really only worth it to go outside. The patio is really nice though, and there's a fair amount of seating. I just wish people wouldn't smoke so much outside since everyone's still relatively close together.
Revival only gets three stars because it's just an OK bar. Like I said, cheap drinks, nice patio, tiny inside. I go if friends are already going, but it's not my first choice. Or my second. -
Review from Jasz L.
Astoria, NY
12/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Heard of this location forever.. Thanks to Julia B.. I finally made it here and check out this crowded hall. Hanging around the hall upstairs with our group did not allow any privacy since every second, there someone walking by heading toward the back or downstairs.. So not my way of having a private party. All I recalled strangers body's bumping to one another trying to make a way...Not much of a night to remember but of course the holiday gift exchange was the highlight of it all...
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Review from Kenny C.
12/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Dead on a Saturday night. Some interesting drink specials, but it's a tiny place and it's annoying to stand near the front because there are always people passing by knocking into you.
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Review from Meghan M.
Updated - 8/19/2011
Okay, another visit to Revival two years later. My perspective has changed as I've been back in NYC for a bit longer now.
Revival is still a cool little dive bar with a great outdoor space. It's a great find in this neighborhood which is filled with obnoxious college bars. Relatively speaking, I have to upgrade these guys to a 4-star joint.
(*Side note...Beware that it's hot as balls downstairs inside the bar unless you're right in front of the AC so the back patio is likely you're best bet)
In reading some other Yelper's negative reviews, I actually found them funny. The people who are tanking this bar for service being rude appear to be the ones who were acting like d-bags. Tipping $2 on a $20 bill? Obnoxious. Refusing to go inside when the patio is closed (due to code, by the way, not a bar rule)? Obnoxious. No wonder the bartenders were rude...Good for them. Self-entitled New Yorkers are the worst and I applaud people who call them out on it.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/18/2009
There isn't too much to be said about Revival that hasn't been said before. It's a decent dive-ish… Read more »
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Review from Jennifer S.
New York, NY
12/4/2011
I recently returned to Revival and can't figure out why I haven't returned to this bar in over 6 years (pre-Yelping days). It's a low key, but not sure if it entirely qualifies as a dive bar, bar with an excellent happy hour and comfy couches to relax in. Also, it's not too loud to catch up with a good friend. During the warm months, there is an excellent outdoor seating area in the back. I won't let another 6ish years pass without returning to Revival.
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Review from Sean S.
7/21/2011
As far as dive bars go it's not really *that* divey, but it's a damn convenient location. Who know they had burning man meetup events here every Wednesday night?
I ordered a Goose Island as I never tired of this IPA goodness, alas the tap was out. Yet the bartender saved the day with a Bengali Tiger in the can, and poured it into a pint glass at my humble request. Sweet!
Backyard garden is also a nice plus, and what's more the place is situated on 15th between Irving and 3rd Ave, just seconds from USQ Station. -
Review from Giacomo C.
New York, NY
11/20/2011
I was here last Friday for my bestie's b.day party. The upstairs space is very relaxed... perfect for a party. The sofas could use an upgrade (you feel like you are descending to hell when you sit on them), but it's pretty private and the booze is cheap. Check out the pretty outdoor patio (too cold last Friday, but definitely a huge plus when the weather cooperates.
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Review from liz k.
New York, NY
9/16/2011
Patio review only:
Cheap drinks. Adorable patio! Small though, so get there early. Don't really recommend anything other than going to drink outside, and on the early-side as the seats are gonzo by any sort of time close to 7pm.
Ran into some guy who was bartending there that I knew back in the day. Funtimes.
Did I mention adorable patio? -
Review from Mensa M.
Manhattan, NY
7/22/2011
LOVE the interior and set-up (downstairs bar then patio, stairs leading to perfectly-lit, rustic, chill spot..
If only it wasn't 90F in there!!! My hair could not get any bigger (think Diana Ross), ESPECIALLY in the bathrooms...
Oh, and they f**ked us on the drink specials (Much different then we were told before reserving/conquering.)
My peeps say Revival was once "The Shit"; now more LIKE shit. -
Review from Phil H.
5/9/2011 2 Check-ins Here
All I really remember about this place from our pub crawl the other day was walking into the terrific backyard outdoor patio area. Super nice and a terrific place to have a few drinks on a nice day.
Cheap drinks and cool bartender. Taps were not working and he hooked us up with bottles for the same pub crawl deal. Funny pictures and sayings on the walls as you walk down the stairs into the bar area. The bar area is narrow, so not much room to move around, but who cares when you can sit outside on a sunny warm day! -
Review from Tanya S.
8/17/2011
The beer selection is hit or miss. The first time I went, they had some good things on tap (such as Goose Island) that weren't on tap the second time.
The backyard seating area gets super dark after sunset - they put little candles on the tables, but with the height of the surrounding buildings and no other lights, I was straining to see my friends' lovely faces.
The little room past the bar is semi-private with about 4 or 5 tables, but there is also a speaker in the room and they blast music. Since it's a little backroom, well, obviously it isn't pleasant.
The upstairs is a super nice space - the total opposite of the downstairs bar area. It's probably the one thing that separates it from the many bars in the area. -
Review from Melissa F.
Upper East Side, Manhattan, NY
Updated - 12/29/2011
i've come to really love this place. it's not quite divey, but by no means is it "fancy". when it's warm outside, they have an amazing back patio with plenty of seating, and there's also an upstairs lounge area with couches (of course, there's also the more typical bar-esque digs on the main level). Julia B. organized an awesome [naughty] secret santa gift exchange party here and while they messed up our reservation and pretty much had to stick us in a corner upstairs, the cozy atmosphere/friendly staff made up for it (and the free round of shots they gave us for messing up the reservation sure helped as well). as Raphael D. said, this truly is "the best bar in the Union Square area to give someone a vibrator or a bar of soap or a massage or a kick in the nuts."
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/9/2011
intimate vibe (which i guess can double as "small"), quiet, awesome outdoor space in the back,… Read more »
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Review from Amanda W.
Manhattan, NY
6/2/2011
The happy hour is great. One star for that. However, I had an appalling experience with a waitress and a bus boy. I tipped $2 on a $20 tab (granted a little low, but it was happy hour at a bar, not a sit-down restaurant), and the waitress (average height, medium build, long brunette hair, name was not listed on the check) actually came back and rudely asked me to give her more money.
I was shocked beyond words and didn't even know what to say. Before I could reply that I was offended, the bus boy joined in with her to say that "you should tip $1 per drink you were served." They were literally making a scene for $1 more than I had tipped.
Honestly, if she would have approached me in a kinder manner, I would have been happy to throw on the extra buck. I used to be a waitress in a college town. I know it sucks sometimes. But her unprofessionalism and smart attitude actually made me want to take back the $2 I had given her. I will NEVER go back to this bar again. -
Review from Nina B.
San Francisco, CA
1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
So part of my rating may be based on the fact that when I visited Revival I had been walking around Union Square in pouring rain for about 45 minutes looking to kill time before heading to a dinner party in the area. I can't say anything about the service but I loved that inside upstairs is a cozy living room type atmosphere. No frills, just worn in big comfy couches. My boyfriend noted that perhaps why people like this bar so much is that in New York most normal folks cannot afford to have such a room with multiple large couches in their apartments.
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Review from Blake N.
Hoboken, NJ
11/16/2011
Awesome dive bar. Cliff is the man
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Review from Monique R.
Kew Gardens, NY
5/9/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I really loved this bar. Upon entering one would think "cozy and quaint" but step in a little further and behold a backyard of awesomeness.
The bartender was incredibly personable and friendly. He took care of our pub crawling group- even gave us bottled beer becuase his tap was out of order.
I hooked him up with some sinckerdoodles and brownies and as a thank you he gave me a shot of tequila that did me in...
And I was already pretty tossed...
PUBCRAWLS!!!!!Listed in: Get Your DRANK on, YELP! I NEED SOMEBODY!
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Review from David P.
9/7/2011
Decent dive downgraded due to dour drink distributor.
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Review from Jaimie M.
New York, NY
4/18/2011
Very cute local bar on Irving Place, just east of Union Square. Super-convenient for a drink pre-Fuerzabruta at the Daryl Roth Theater or DR2 down the block. Have been here a few times before shows and always enjoyed very much.
Great happy hour specials on beer/wine/mixed drinks and very nice/cordial/efficient bartenders. I also enjoy the space itself, some nice options for seating - nice bar space up front, relaxed upstairs lounge with couches, nice bar space, and tables/murals/patio in the back. -
Review from Melanie R.
Manhattan, NY
10/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
Went here for their Halloween party. Bartenders and doormen were very nice. The open bar was awesome! Some bars with open bar limit what you can drink. You could pretty much drink anything here! I gave it only 3 stars because it was painfully crowded and obviously overbooked. They have a cute patio outside but it was snowing so no one used it. also they advertised a Live DJ and there was noooo DJ. Barely could even hear the music. Definitely would like to go back on a regular night.
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Review from Laura L.
New York, NY
7/15/2011
Happy hour specials are ok, though not as cheap as I had heard.
The garden out back is the best spot to be; otherwise you're in a dark narrow basement. There is also a lounge on the 2nd floor which is cool, though for some reason half the couches were taken up by individual people reading books. If you're going to treat a bar like a coffeehouse, can you at least share couches instead of taking up 4 seats by yourself?
Overall, this place is ok but nothing too special. I'm surprised by the encounters other Yelpers say they've had with the waiters/bartenders. They seemed alright to me, but I had limited interaction with them. -
Review from ryan s.
Manhattan, NY
10/18/2011
I started coming here to pre-game awhile back when Irving Plaza actually had decent shows. Great location to meet friends coming from any direction on the train. Affordable, very hospitable staff and good rotating drink selection.
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Review from Jillian G.
Manhattan, NY
7/5/2011
Definitely not what you would expect based on location.
A friend reserved a table for her birthday. The inside is so cozy, with couches and chairs and wood tables. Loved the decor and the vibe of the place. The outdoor area was also nice.
My friend secured a 2 hour open bar deal for $40. The drinks were generous and shots were actually included. Great deal.
We were a group of about 15, old friends, celebrating a birthday. This place was low key and comfy, but not dirty or unappealing at all. Would definitely reccomend for any occasion! -
Review from Eric L.
Manhattan, NY
9/10/2011
Went here with some friends to celebrate a friends birthday and the bar was ok. It was pretty small place with a small outside patio that they closed down at midnight so the neighbor don't complain. Prices were reasonable ($4 for a bud light) and there were interesting group of people. The one major downfall was that it was so hot inside! Everyone was crammed on top of each other. It was like I was in a sauna. Overall, the bar was nothing special
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Review from Christopher T.
Brooklyn, NY
5/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I probably frequent this bar more than any other in the city because this is the unofficial gathering spot for a group of old coworkers. There's a decent selection on tap, but what makes this place really cool is the seating upstairs--all couches--and the outdoor seating. When you walk in the bar area is pretty cozy, but take some time and explore the space.
The bartenders are always friendly too. Definitely never expected to find a bar like this in the Union Square area. -
Review from Celina P.
Elmwood Park, NJ
6/12/2011
Overall experience was pretty good, the bar is cute and drinks are reasonably priced, and everything was going well until one of the bartenders pushed my friend down the stairs. Let me repeat that.
ONE OF THE (MALE) BARTENDERS PUSHED MY (FEMALE) FRIEND DOWN THE STAIRS.
I don't need to get into the whole story. He was being ridiculously combative and began to scream and curse at us. He and my friend exchanged some words, and he shoved her, hard, and she fell halfway down the stairs leading down from the back patio.
Absolutely ridiculous. And he didn't seem to care that we took our party of 30 people the hell out of there. There is no excuse for his behavior. And in case you are wondering, it was the guy with long hair and irish accent. -
Review from Tracy C.
Brooklyn, NY
9/28/2011
Revival is my go to Friday night after work bar because of the outside. I've met a lot of people there and it never takes too long to get a drink and the patio is fabulous. Just a bummer the outside closes early.
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Review from Queen G.
Bronx, NY
8/10/2011
Great happy hour specials! I went here on a friday night, and it wasn't crowded at all, only in the outdoor seating area, but this place cleared up after the happy hour was over. I liked the decor, it's old and rustic and has a lot of character. They do have outdoor space, and an entire upstairs lounge to sit. The bartender was a little slow, but he was nice and so was the staff. A very chill place for after work drinks with friends.
Listed in: Happy Time!
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Review from Ian J.
1/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not good. The tap lines have probably never been cleaned. Every beer poured was sour and had gone bad, due to bacteria spreading through the system. The safest bet was bottles or liquor, of course the bottles I've gotten looked old and expired.
Sure it's nice to have a garden or couches, but when the main purpose is drinking, and you can't drink anything but a rum and coke or gin and tonic, it's not really worth the business.
Also the bartenders, as others have mentioned, are quite unattentive or rude, depending on how you see it. Maybe if you're the only person in the bar you'd have a great conversation, but what else would you expect from an empty bar?
Overall, I've been here quite a few times, not by choice, and if it were up to me, I'd never go back... unless the above issues were addressed. -
Review from Janay M.
Hialeah, FL
11/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
Came here with the Bestie Alessa M. and the Bf for a few drinks during our trip and i must say I absolutely LOVE the decor.
Very chill and down to earth. For round one Andres served up the perfect Malibu and Pineapple. Round two on the other hand well . . . . It was none other than Revival's own "Radio Rahiem" lets just say this is MUST. I can give to much away but a few of those and you'll be in your Happy place.
Need something to soak up all the liquor??? The kind folks here will supply you with some take out menus. Just do yourself a favor and Order from Crif Dog ( Review to follow)
The Patio in the back is great if you need a smoke break or just want to enjoy the NYC air ( which on that night was 52 degrees) -
Review from Sarah C.
9/14/2010
A friend from college had his birthday party here on Saturday. The last couple of birthday parties my friends have had have been at Joshua Tree and Turtle Bay, so this was a very much appreciated change of pace. At the rate things were going, I was afraid I'd find myself at McFadden's!
Luckily, Revival has little to nothing in common with any of those horrible, fratty bars. It's totally chill, not too loud, not too crowded, lots of seating... Very conducive to catching up with old friends. I was a little creeped out when they abruptly closed the patio at midnight, pulling one of those big grates down, but I guess they are just being respectful of the neighbors, which is totally cool in my book. I also appreciated that the music took a backseat, instead of drowning out everything. I like to dance with the best of them, but if you're looking just to hang out and knock back a few drinks, Revival is your bar.
A lot of you are calling Revival a dive, but it didn't feel like one to me. The upstairs, at least, was totally cozy, like an old professor's study. A little musty, but totally genteel nonetheless. I would definitely keep this in mind for when I'm down by Union Square.
