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Categories: Sports Bars, Beer, Wine & Spirits [Edit]
Neighborhood: East VillageAstor Place (6)
8th St-Broadway (R, W)
3rd Ave-14th St (L)
This month we are featuring OZ winery from Australia. All Varietals are $3.99 don't miss out.
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ahh. good ol central bar. I thought I was over you then my friends dragged me back to your rennovated upper dance floor and then it was just like the first time.
maybe when i hit my 30s. maybe.
Yes you too Central, I need to review you too. You were somewhat off tonight. Regularly, the crowd would be jumping, the music pumping, and the floor just filled with beautiful people. Tonight though, was a different story. I was disappointed but I am still a fan. I hope the next time I visit you, you'll be on your best behavior.
P.S. Thanks for switching the bathrooms on the basement without telling me, I accidentally went in the women's potty!
Had a great time here on a Friday night.! No pretense - just a classic Irish bar sort of place... I felt like I was back at Tommy D's in Harvard Sq... There's a really nice seating area on the second floor, and when I asked them whether it was reserved or only meant for bottle service, they looked at me like I was a Martian.
First floor was just an extremely typical bar scene, and the second floor had some great dance music. Unfortunately, the crowd needed a little more help to get people dancing. Whatever, we danced anyway, even when we were the only ones.
Drinks were very reasonably priced, which made me happy.
Terrible - I can't believe I used to go to this bar. I am pretty sure I was the oldest person there and I think the bouncers should double check some IDs. Crowded in a frat party kind of way and dancing which reminded me of some inappropriate dancing on My Super Sweet Sixteen.
Decent bar with two floors. They have flat screens here, so it's a good place to go if you're a sports fan too!
The bottom floor is more for socializing and meeting new people, while the top floor is more for those who want to dance.
I've come here a few times, but i recently came for Halloween. The line was pretty long and it did get pretty crowded, but it was a fun night!
Ok I gotta start by saying this place is great. I went here about every Friday for 3 months. The first floor doesn't get overly crowded but when 12 rolls around the 2nd floor dance floor is usually packed. Ever since the recession hit though its been a lot more quiet usually, it is usually a hit or miss nowadays.
This place does get a pretty good mix of patrons, from your 21st b-days to 30+ year olds. The drinks are fairly avg for Manhattan prices ($6-12). Oh just so you guys know, they stop serving pitchers after 9pm so if you want to share with a buddy be sure to catch them during their happy hrs which I believe is from 6-9pm.
More on the 2nd floor...I think this might be the reason why I always end up here. I don't know of many surrounding places that provide a dance floor and has no cover to get in. It does have several sofas lined along the backside so its a good place to mingle. The dance crowd is usually hit or miss and so is the music.
It's a good irish place with a lot of beers on tap.
Young 20's crowd. Music is the hip/hop, new with some retro in. There is a dance floor upstairs you can mingle on...
Only downside I think is that sometimes it smells like cow manure. I checked the floor but didn't see any.
You'll see random people you know here to. People pop in and out all nite.
Central bar is like that old boyfriend you can't get over. You know you shouldn't go there, but you do anyway.
Actually, it's really not that bad. It's just that whenever 'work drinks' are proposed, after a number of alternatives are suggested that don't meet the needs of 'close by' and 'relatively cheap', the group consensus is a resounding yet begrudgingly 'alrriiiiggghhht'.
Aside from being close by and relatively cheap, Central bar offers an adequate wine selection of varying quality (read: it's good enough) and very tempting bar food.
Just remember that when you leave you may feel guilty for being there, but strangely satisfied nonetheless.
Havent been here for happy hour, just once on a Saturday night at about midnight. It was HORRIBLE. The bouncers act as if its some posh night club when in fact its just a regular NY douche bar. The drinks are expensive, the crowd stupid, and its way too packed to enjoy yourself. Waaaay to young of a crowd and far too many popped collars for me. Never again!!
THIRD SPOT OF THE NIGHT : Central Bar
DATE: May 16 Saturday
State of mind: Danced enough at this point, wanted to say hi to birthday boy #2 and go home
Drinks: Beer
Music: Anything you would hear on KTU( notice its NOT even z100 level)
Crowd: college crowd?
hmmm technically this plce is a bar that has a dancefloor upstairs. Music is weird...it could be hip hop for one song, kelly clarkson the next and Bon Jovi right after... hmm i wasn't feelin it much for the dancing.
Pros: Free Cover and easy to get in
Cons: Smells like stale beer
It's your neighborhood bar, nothing special. They have an upstairs which makes it nice and big. I doubt it can ever get really crowded considering the size of the place. Music was pretty good! Good choice of bar food on the menu. Cozy seating in the front and back.
Laid back and relaxed, good place to hang out for a few beers..
Quick I need a boozing place near St. Marks. Oh, go here? Ok.
Shockingly, I went after work on a Friday night and it wasn't crowded at all. We parked our tukus in one of the finest real estates there in the place. Leather lounge chairs and tables right by an nice window opening near the doorway. A great breeze hit in as we multi-task by chillaxing on happy hour beers, vibing on music, watching sports updates on the easily accessible lcd screens above and chattered about nothing.
Only gripe: 1 bathroom per person-gender (unless there's other ones I don't know about - GASP!). They're asking for it! I'm going to charge the men's room in times of need! I wouldn't mind trying it again if in the neighborhood for a drink again if crowd permits. It did start picking up in traffic as the night proceeded on...
It's just a BAR!!! downstairs BAR.. upstairs BAR.... CLAER!!!???
I was exhausted by the time I got to this BAR.. I have to apologize that this review might be bias.. but if you are like me.. this is your last stop of a long night.. you probably would feel the same way..
NO cover charge.. young crowd..no hotties.. got yell by the bouncer by dancing on the couch.. what's wrong with that.. I JUST WANT TO DANCE!!!
I never knew this place had an upstairs dance floor...Good music, but nothing special.
...It's probably me and not you, don't hate.
By the time we got here, I was ready to leave...simply tired from dancing all night long and hoping around town.
I had mixed feelings when I first visited this place - I came there to watch the ManUtd game (UCL) and felt pretty uncomfortable. I afterwards realized, that this was the guilt of people surrounding me, well, you never know next to whom you're gonna sit or stand anywhere.
Today I rushed there to see the semifinals Chelsea vs. Barcelona and was pleasantly surprised. I def didn't want to go to Nevada Smith's because I feel I just hate that place.
The place was packed with fans, but not overpacket, not sweaty, not stinky, my feet DIDN'T STICK TO THE FLOOR because of spilled beer as in Nevada Smith's! Wow!
I liked the friendliness of the staff and generally the spirit of the place for such an event and def will go and see the UCL final there. I didn't have a space to eat, because I came back too late, but judging from the dishes floating back and forth to the tables of more lucky people - food is good. At least it looks and smells so.
What I didn't like, was the $10 cover to enter the place, but I got 2 coupons for 2 drinks instead. I just wasn't sure if I wanted to have 2 drinks in the middle of the day.
I generally like this place because it's spacious and laid back. It's also somewhat convenient because it's "centrally" located. If you want to tuck yourself away in an area on the first or second floor and just enjoy your company with standard bar drinks, then you can totally do that. But don't go when there's an NYU social happening - it's crowded and pretentious.
central bar = nevada smiths = pour house.
all the same douchy NYU crowd, and i honestly cannot tell the difference between any of these.
also, why dont they always open up the second floor? it was packed like sardines!
I'm taking this opportunity to start an awareness campaign. I think there should be a watchdog group for bars that have ridiculously high credit card minimums. Either take my damn card or be cool and old-school and be cash only--at least I'll be able to plan accordingly before heading out.
Central Bar's $30 card minimum is just ridiculous.
The bar is fine enough. Just another all-wood, NYU-tastic pub in the East Village. Normally I am totally down with these kinds of places. But don't slap me with a ridiculous minimum. And then have the bartender sneer in my face when I reluctantly give my card over to her.
There are too many other bars that would happily take my card for a $20 tab or at least give me $30 worth of service when taking my card.
After getting my tarot cards read at caravan of dreams (every Thursday, ask for carol) I got a call to meet my friends at this bar. After she tells me it's between 2&3rd I get a little lost. I Google mapped it and still got a little confused. Why not just call and ask directions. Do people still do that these days?
Me: Where are you located?
Bartender: Manhattan
Me: (laughing) very funny
Bartender: Oh good you have a sense of humor
Me: (still laughing) serious what are your xstreets
Bartender: between 3&4th
Bartender: Amber, come on over
Me: Hey! caller ID
Bartender: So are you on your way
Me: Yes! I am about a minute away from kicking your ass
Bartender: (laughing)
As soon as I walk in Bartender screams a m b e r. Way to make a girl feel special. Which makes me think bartenders and or staff of any establishment can really set the mood for a place. I find this very important. It is a very big space for a bar in the LES. Great place for a big group. Like a big group of yelpers (wink wink). It seems like a sports bar but also poses as a loungie type. Flat screen TV's but also comfortable couch seating.
FUN night and my sides hurt today from laughing so much.
I think weekdays is when the normal people come to Central. Except for the crazy drunk dude who broke the window last night, that was really uncool. I hope you got arrested and end up paying out the butt for that dick move.
The staff was nice, albeit somewhat inattentive, but when everything went down they were really nice and tried to get everything back to normal, apologizing many times (it wasn't your fault, the guy was a serious dbag).
Good selection of brews, and whenever I can order a Magners on ice without having to explain what I mean, I am a happy camper.
We were walking down the street, early Saturday evening. We were headed to Pomme Frites and were kind of in the mood for a beer. They had a sign outside advertising $4 Bass pints - sold!
Inside, we were pleasantly surprised. The place had a nice pub feel to it, sans the dirty. It reminded me a little of Jake's Saloon on 23rd (my more usual haunt), but better. We had a couple of beers while we sat and listened to some cool brit pop (The Verve, Radiohead, Oasis, etc.) and watched the basketball game on TV. My only complaint was that the TV screens were a little awkwardly placed, but it wasn't terrible.
At the same time, the service was great. The waitress was really friendly. She pointed out that the beer special expired at 9, instead of providing usual notification one receives - the bill. Others have complained about the credit card minimum, but maybe this is after a certain time; they were happy to take my card on a bill slightly over $20.
As we were leaving, we did notice that the place was transforming into more a club / dance thing - the slightly overdressed ladies and the bouncer outside provided some clues to the Sherlock in me. After reading the other reviews here, that hunch was confirmed.
We didn't have any food, but we will likely return and indulge on some of the plentiful chicken nachos which we eyed on someones table. Maybe, we'll even give the dancing shoes a stretch. Then, there's always the World Cup in the summer of 2010. No matter how you cut it, I'm excited to have found The Central Bar.
I liked this place enough to have a crick in my neck the next day.
The minimum for a tab is redonkulous! $30?!! Easy access to get drinks at the bar. I wasn't the one who paid for drinks so it was fine but the prices are pretty steep. We got here kinda early maybe like 10pm. We got seats and there were just ppl milling around with drinks on the upstairs dance floor. Lots of Jersey folks. I'll be damned if this place isn't labeled sausage fest of all sausage fests. The DJ is a bit OFF. By off, I mean it's a very...varied selection of genres. But I'm down with any lounge that plays Dutty Wine, I was the only one dancing to it because I'm pretty sure no one in there remembered what college parties are like.... It's a good place for chilling on friday nights and I'd go back in a heartbeat!
Came here to meet Chun "the cube monkey" L. for lunch. Needless to say, I was excited by the prospect of drinking beer in the early afternoon.
Inside, it was pretty empty except for a bunch of rowdy Irishmen who seemed to be well on their way to tipsy. We got a great seat and a great bartender. She was not only cute, but funny and seemed to take a shine to Chun...hmmm.
The buffalo wings and buttermilk battered chicken fingers were surprisingly good and of course, they had a great selection of beer on tap, which we happily partook of. Not only that, but the bartender insisted on giving us a shot of Jameson before we left. Yah, I was tipsy by 5 pm. Dude.
So thanks Chun for suggesting this place! Beer and wings rule!
A-OK in my book.
I came here for a private party last week upstairs. Very cozy, the bartenders were friendly, and the food was decent.
It seemed busier downstairs, but we had a great time.
Central Bar can be many things to many people. I was here twice in the span of about 13 hours a couple of weekends ago so I happened to see it first hand.
Friday night about midnight we showed up for a friend of a friend's birthday party upstairs. I had been up here before and found it really crowded and awful but on this night it wasn't too bad. No problem getting drinks at first and all that but over time the crowds started to pile in. Overall not a terrible place but probably not something I'd be excited about doing again in the future.
The following afternoon we stopped here for a little bit after a completely disastrous defeat for Manchester United against Fulham. The vibe, as you might expect is completely different. Nothing but soccer on the TVs and nothing but hardcore fans enjoying drinks and hanging out. I like this Central Bar much better. There isn't the unbridled insanity that you'll often see at Nevada Smith's but a good time nonetheless. I'm always down for a stop at Central on a Premier League Saturday or Sunday.
I've also met friends here for post work happy hour and had a good time as well. They had decent specials if I remember correctly and I heard good things about the food.
So basically, your enjoyment of Central Bar is going to depend on when you go and what you're looking for. I definitely recommend the weekend mornings/afternoons for soccer, but late nights and happy hour aren't so bad either. A solid spot.
Side Note: I don't know why this place has NO listed for coat check, but they definitely have it downstairs.
Came here a few weeks ago, sort as a pregame before some fine Korean dining next door at Sura. We were here for a good hour, which made a few of us just slightly past sloshed.
from the outside, it sort of looks like a typical Irish bar, right down to the fonts of the sign. And when you walk in, it has an Irish bar feel to it. The bar is on the right when you walk in, and there are a few tables on the left and more towards the back. It's a pretty big area, though I've seen it packed for baseball games and especially during the World Cup a few years ago. As a matter of fact, if Nevada Smith's is too crowded for some football - oops I mean soccer - watching, I'll come here more often than not.
The beers I always end up getting are the Boddington's and the Sam Adams. Pretty much a cool place to hang out to pregame, or to hang out for the duration of the evening. Next time I come here, I'll be sure to try out the food.
And check out the restrooms while here, because they have that Power hand dryer, which blows out hot air at about the speed of light. Your hands are dry within 5 seconds, bro.
I've only been here on Sundays so my review might be slightly skewed.
This is my favorite place to watch a 1 PM football game in the city. Note: 1 PM football game. Usually it's the Jets or something and most of the regulars haven't awoken from their hangovers. My girlfriend and I went there today and both our burgers (mind bacon cheese, her's veggie) were excellent. They also have Paulaner on tap which is a major plus (6$). Their brunch menu looked pretty good but all of the sandwiches come on white bread ( =[ ).
It's a different story after 3 PM though. When I was there 3 weeks ago Colin Farrel (or a doppleganger) showed up with a slew of douchebags who literally measured their penises in the booth behind me. These guys were really loud and corroborated the reputation this bar has received via other yelpers. The saving graced from this crowd was an English dude dressed in a three piece suit and fedora who looked like the mad-hatter. We cheered for the Steelers together and he bought me a drink.
P.S. While people are complaining about a 30$ CC minimum, there is an ATM near the basement restrooms. And who goes clubbing at an Irish pub anyways?
I finally made it here, while conscious, on a weekend night, so I figured I'd write an update...
My friends and I started our night off here thinking that we'd hop on down to the lower east side to another place but instead wound up staying the entire night.
We didn't have that high expectations and definitely had a good time.
I attempted to hang upstairs but it was just way too crowded. The downstairs was a good alternative tho. More laid back, less B&T and easier access to the bar.
My friends and I are in our early 20's and all of the people I talked to seemed to be older. Maybe late 20's/early 30's.
Everybody seemed pretty chill and I didn't really see or hear any of the crowd that Mike B. is talkin about below.
Overall - solid place to hang out.
Came here on New Years Day when it opened at 11am with a few of my boys after a wild night out. Our… Read more »
It had been a really long time since I had been here when one night I was taken on a date here on a Sunday. He, (unlike me) was a big fan of Central Bar, and convinced me to give it another shot. He was used to visiting Central bar during times when it was not as packed. Apparently on Sundays they have a wings special.
Being a wings connoisseur it actually excited me to try them. Wow, they have some of the best wings in the city. I am not exaggerating. Make sure and ask them to be extra crispy. They come out piping hot, and the texture, the crunch, is absolutely heavenly and perfection. I would choose their wings over Central Bar's any day. Also great to see this place not completely packed. They actually have great seating, and plenty of TV's for sports viewing pleasure.
It's funny when you discover a place you have been so many times during the weekend can actually be pleasant during the off days and serve great food. Still won't change my opinion about them during Fridays and Saturdays, but I'll still be here on Sundays for the wings.
It's funny because I have been coming to this bar for a long time especially when I was at NYU. I… Read more »
Not so good during happy hour on Thursdays but fun on Fridays and Saturday nights. Good music on the weekends. Crappy on the weekdays. Mixed crowd, mostly East Village yuppies, but all in all, not a bad place to unwind or hang out.
My least favorite place to go in the city (including work). If you are 19 and have never been to a bar before, this place is probably "the hotness." If you are not 19, this place is probably not for you.
The crowd is your standard city frat bar group. The one star is for the very strong, inexpensive drinks. Otherwise, you should expect to be crammed into a crowded, hot space that for many patrons' benefit could afford to be a bit darker. The music was cool two years ago - maybe three - I can't really remember back that far.
Great pub located near Astor Place.
Their menu is very British, and yes they serve chips (fries) and a delicious curry sauce.
Very reasonably priced, and the seating is quite comfy - if you come early enough to claim it.
So, I was in Central Bar once, about 4 years ago, on a Saturday night. I was new-ish to the city, confused by a bar being located between 4th and 3rd avenues (what, there's no 4th avenue???) and it was godawful packed with college students. I remember not being much of a fan.
Well, last night, I went back with two friends for the Patriots/Colts game, and was thoroughly impressed. Our bartender was amazing, he gave my friend and I extra food we did not order, had the kitchen give us broccoli in our quesadillas simply because we discussed it, let my friend try beers and went WAY above and beyond in the service category. It was a great, quiet place to watch a football game, service was awesome and I would definitely go back on a week night or at a quiet time. That being said, Central Bar gets 4 stars because, from what the bartender said... I'd still avoid it like the plague on Friday or Saturday nights...
After not being able to get into Nevada Smith's to watch the Eurocup finals, I followed my super jacked and tan friends David and Roody over to Central Bar, and I was very pleasantly surprised!
I would highly recommend sitting upstairs - they have these nice little cushiony benches with pillows, that make it very comfortable to sit! The screen was ginormous, as would be expected, and our soccer game was splayed across the entire wall of the joint.
Service was friendly and matter-of-fact, impressive given the number of people and level of chaos there! Fries were delicious.
I would totally go back here to watch soccer! Goallllll!
I realize that trying to get into Nevada Smith's for the Man U v. Chelsea game was a ridiculous idea. Of course, it was at capacity when I arrived and I was told to go down the block to Central Bar instead. With no other options, I obliged to the disgruntled English doorman's suggestion.
Luckily, the recommendation delivered a less-crowded atmosphere filled with loyal futbol patrons taking in the game on plasmas intelligently placed thorought the old-style pub. Service was swift and friendly, bringing me draught Newcastles upon request. Prices were standard at $6.50 for a pint.
Central Bar is one of several NYC spots where soccer will always be on and company from across the globe will share the stool next to you while watching 'the beautiful game'. It doesn't have the same fanatical atmosphere like Nevaada Smiths, but it's a nice alternative for a less hectic place to catch a match. Remember to wear your team scarf.
College bar in the E. Village that can get overrun and packed on Saturday nights during the school year. Downstairs is a standard bar, while the upstairs features a dance floor with a few lounge seats. Has a strong NYU presence, and in general if you like to avoid the college types of bars in NY, you would be wise to avoid this place. I live in the neighborhood so I have made my way here a couple times, probably won't be back again, hopefully. Music is your standard top 40/hip hop mix. If you like bobbing your head to Asher Roth and still play beer pong with your friends, than this place is for you.
Do you like alcohol? Do you like great music? Do you like dancing?
Most importantly do you like an irish bar combined with a lounge combined with a dance floor?
Well stop sipping on that latte and get your ass over to this place. Greatest place EVER. No bullshit waiting on the lines - sure they ID - but they should since you look like you're 15.
No cover charges.
Irish bar downstairs, and dancing upstairs. Couldn't be simpler.
This is probably my favorite place in the city, because you have no trouble using it as a fallback when all your other plans have gone to hell.
GREAT
Consistently fun times at this place for the last 5 years
Downstairs is typical bar
Upstairs is a pretty large decent lounge setup with a DJ on some nights
Awesome times dancing upstairs to music you ACTUALLY KNOW
GOOD
No doorman bullshit - they check IDs and let you right in - no cover
NEEDS WORK
Gets way too crowded on the upper level when they have the DJ.
On these nights, getting a drink is about as easy as brain surgery.
CAN'T SAY
Actually have never eaten here before
This is probably my favorite place in the city, because you have no trouble using it as a fallback… Read more »
It's a bar, it's roomy, it's there, you're thirsty, it's ok. You'll have a drink and probably leave to go somewhere else.
+1 star because they have xcelerator hand driers.
I think this place is just great.
It's right off the subway, the beers are reasonable ($5ish) and mixed drinks are super reasonable at $6. I love the ability to head upstairs to the dance floor (and watch the various dance-offs) or just hang out in the more pub-like atmosphere downstairs.
Bad part: Once I went and the DJ was SO terrible I just had to leave... I couldn't stand even just sitting downstairs. Plus, the crowd does get a bit unruly later in the evening-I had to call a bartender over once to escort some guy out who was trying to fight my guy friends for no reason.
As Astor Place's resident bi-polar British cousin, Central Bar is at once the "good place to start the night with a few drinks after work" (downstairs) and the "decent place to end the night with a few too many drinks and the DJ" (upstairs).
As the local for my office, we always say we're over it, but their good bar food menu, the decent selection of draught beers and the good service is a good enough excuse that we keep coming back.
Occasionally, there can be a bit of a scuffle over the prime seating - but it only came to a glass being thrown that one time (...and, no way - that chick's on Wendy's team!!!)
Order the fries with curry sauce.
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Neighborhood: Hell's Kitchen
Happy Hour
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