The Summit Bar

4.0 star rating
128 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Bars, Caterers

133 Ave C
New York, NY 10009
Neighborhoods: East Village, Alphabet City
Nearest Transit:

1 Av (L)

Hours:

Mon-Sun 5:30 pm - 3 am

Good for Groups:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Price Range:
$$
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Music:
Background
Best Nights:
Fri, Thu, Sun
Happy Hour:
Yes
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
Coat Check:
No
Noise Level:
Average
Good For Dancing:
No
Ambience:
Trendy, Intimate
Has TV:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
No

Review Highlights   

user photo
"The John Lee Hooker - 12." (in 7 reviews)
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"Or what about a hickory smoked salt rim." (in 4 reviews)
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"Cocktails are unique and relatively inexpensive." (in 40 reviews)
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128 reviews in English

  • Review from Christina R.

    •  
    • 30 friends
    • 25 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    5.0 star rating
    1/22/2012

    Atmosphere: Nice decor/lighting. Only crowded on the weekends and always full of pretty people. Great spot for a date!

    Drinks: Best cocktails I've had in NYC. Or maybe anywhere.. The margarita is yum, Charmaine star is great. The governor tastes like Christmas.

    Service: The bartenders here are all really nice and helpful.

  • Review from Kelley C.

    •  
    • 18 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    4.0 star rating
    2/1/2012

    If you find yourself East of First Avenue, then Summit Bar is definitely a place to visit.

    Atmosphere: Warm and inviting. There are tons of coat hooks on the walls, which is a nice touch. There is a decent amount of seating as well. No problem finding a seat during the week.

    Drinks: The apology is my favorite! But all the drinks seem well executed. Somewhat simpler that some bars I have visited, but very tasty. A nice touch is the cucumber infused water, very refreshing!

    Service: Bartenders are friendly, but sometimes don't come back as frequently. But once you have their attention, they take care of your request very quickly.

    Great place if you are in the neighborhood!

  • Review from Justin L.

    •  
    • 79 friends
    • 908 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    3.0 star rating
    1/29/2012

    The
    Water's
    Cucumber
    Infused, narrow
    Space with good 8-12 dollar cocktails.

  • Review from Alex N.

    Manhattan, NY

    4.0 star rating
    2/9/2012

    All we had was a margarita and another drink (the one with egg whites), but they were both excellent.  Chill vibe, if a little late 90s, still it actually separates E Village cocktail bars that seem to be unanimously going for the speakeasy vibe.  Just tone down the vocal house music in the background, you'll be golden.  Would love to come back and try the food.

  • Review from Evan H.

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    1/19/2012

    Having never heard of Summit Bar, I was intrigued when it was selected for a friends birthday before a later dinner. Summit is way way east in ABC City. The place is cozy, with a long bar, that is broken into 3 sections. There is also a small seating area in front and in back.

    The atmosphere is great and you don't feel packed in like cattle like you do at some EV and LES bars. The cocktail list is extensive and exactly where you should spend your money. They are also reasonably priced. The regular stuff, like a manhattan, old fashioned are under $10, yes you heard me right. The specialty stuff are in the 10-15 range, but are excellent.

    If you are in the area and looking for a reasonably priced cocktail in a low key, but fun setting, this is your place.

  • Review from Dana B.

    Brooklyn, NY

    5.0 star rating
    1/20/2012

    I had such a good fucking night there last night that I need to compose myself before proceeding.

    Dude.  My friend brought me here because she comes here often and dude.  

    This cocktail bar provided me with the tastiest, most lethal drink I've ever encountered.  This drink is known as Charmane's Star:

    Charmane's Star:  Russian Standard Vodka, Cucumber, Shiso Leaf, Fresh Lime, Vietnamese Cinnamon Infused Agave, Rhubard Bitters $11

    If you want a real show, make sure you sit in front of Sider while he's making drinks.  

    We also indulged in a cheese pairing plate.  Banging.  

    Everything.  Just banging.  The ambiance was great and welcoming.  I wish this was my local bar.  My liver would hate me, but it would hate me for all the right reasons.

  • Review from T. H.

    •  
    • 7 friends
    • 22 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    5.0 star rating
    12/20/2011

    This is my absolute favorite bar in the city - and for a girl who (a) doesn't really have favorites, period, and (b) lives roughly 30 blocks north of this place and thus has to really take a hike downtown to get there, this is a big honor.

    I've been going to The Summit Bar on a regular basis for the past 18 months, and I still love it as much as the first time.  Their cocktail list rivals your fanciest speakeasies - PDT, Death & Co., etc. - but the environment is super chill and there isn't any wait list or secret passcode needed to patronage this bar.

    I have had nearly every cocktail on their menu, and all of them are incredible - it's so hard to pick just two or three when I go.  I love The Apology, Breaking the Law, Root's Beer, The Situation, Shu Jam Fizz (always the first one that I order), Charmane's Star, and The Guv'nor.  There were others in the past that would have made this list but have since been phased out - which is kind of a shame, although I'm glad they keep the menu fresh.  All of their cocktails have such fun names and are simply delicious.

    I would note that this place has a kind of odd crowd insomuch as it's hard to pin down any one type of person who goes here, but I think that lends to the relaxed feel of the bar.

  • Review from Valery C.

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    12/23/2011

    Wonderful, low-key bar way out on Ave C.  Essentially a corridor, walled in exposed brick, a very long black-topped bar with lots of bar seats, overhung with pendant lamps, and a cozy seating nook for a group in the back.  Also a small patio out back that we didn't check out b/c it was cold, but its open in winter.

    Creative cocktail menu, very appealing.  Classics section and "Alchemist" section.  Because NOLA opened my palate to whiskey cocktails, I asked the bartender for a choice with that and citrus, as my favored addition to cocktails is grapefruit.  He suggested their Guv'nor, Yamazaki 12 year whiskey with cardamom-infused agave, yuzu, and orange juice.  Delicious drink where you can appreciate the whiskey and enjoy the refreshing citrus twist.  The Shu Jam Fizz was excellent also, a great choice for someone not looking for a strong drink, but not precisely sweet either.

    We didn't interact much with the staff as we had a small group and sat in the nook section in the back; my limited interaction with the bartender was good although he seemed new.  Vibe was cool but very laid-back.  Great place, great drinks, well worth the trip.

  • Review from Jane K.

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    11/30/2011 1 Check-in Here

    In the beating heart of Alphabet City lies a cocktail bar that manages to be incredibly low key and unpretentious while providing upper tier drinks and a unassuming atmosphere.

    Many call this a speakeasy, simply because there is no sign. But don't come here expecting a hunt, just walk straight through the door at the designated address and pull up a seat at the bar. All the bartenders are friendly and thoroughly skilled in the art of shaking, muddling, mixing, peeling and spritzing. Last night I had the Cider House Punch, a competitor in the Starr Rum Challenge this month, and it had the feeling of a cider drink, without all the heavy spices of a pumpkin pie that can sometimes confuse a drink. It was perfectly seasonal for the rainy November evening and I hope to return for more of their delicious concoctions.

    It's definitely on the mellow side and a great date spot. Start your night here and then maybe sidle up the street to Louis 649. It's libation paradise on Avenue C.

  • Review from Victor S.

    Brooklyn, NY

    5.0 star rating
    12/3/2011 6 Check-ins Here

    Summit Bar is a top 3 bar for me in NYC.  Hands down.  It's off the beaten path, as is a lot of stuff on Avenue C, especially for someone who lives in Cobble Hill.  All the drinks are expertly made.  The music selection is top notch.  The crowd is pretty, without being pretentious.  And I'm addicted to this one drink -- "Breaking the Law."  Spicy.  Tequila. Citrusy beverage.  Basically, the nectar of the gods.

    There is a patio area too with a retractable roof.  It's a bit uncomfortable in the winter as the smokers all convene and you're basically hot boxed with smoke.  In the summer, it's pleasant though.  And sometimes, the owners will just grill for you.  That happened one night and it was fricking awesome.  Free hot dogs and burgers.  An amazing touch that makes you feel really welcome.

    Sometimes, you will get a free shot or two as well.  Not bad at all.  It can be crazy on weekend nights, particularly after 11pm.  Like you literally can't move.  But, it's still a great place.  Just keep it a secret.  Thanks.

  • Review from Karry L.

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    1/16/2012 2 photos

    A good bar in my defination should consist of well mixed cocktails and good ambiance, this bar has it all!  Not only the cocktails were awesome (esp dark and stormy, and breaking the law), i love the brick exposed wall and their seating arrangments, plenty of bar seats so people don't need to stand while sipping on their drinks. bartenders are very friendly, good mix of music and at the same time you don't really have to yell when you try to have a conversation!  LOVE everything about it!

  • Review from Travis C.

    •  
    • 6 friends
    • 29 reviews

    KNICKERBOCKER, NY

    5.0 star rating
    12/17/2011

    I had 10-ish friends come out for birthday drinks last night, and I decided to take a gamble by kicking the night off here. It did not disappoint.

    We got here around 9 (on a Friday) and it was moderately full of people. The guys behind the bar were exceptionally attentive, and handled my ambiguous drink requests quite well (I believe I kept asking for something boozy). Great drinks, great atmosphere, and a nifty back patio area that was covered and had heat lamps. It was a welcome escape from the inevitable elbow bumping that began to occur when the place got crowded.

  • Review from Joe M.

    •  
    • 20 friends
    • 29 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Great cocktails, but anytime I go in it's dead, not conducive to groups for greater then 4 or 5. If you are looking to party, not the right place. If you want a quiet drink it is the right place. Add/Remove a star accordingly.

  • Review from Ikay N.

    •  
    • 5 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    5.0 star rating
    1/31/2012

    Went to this place on a Monday and I loved it.  I met the bartender Alberto.  Very funny and cool guy.  I got free drinks so definitely can't complain.  I met a few other people affiliated with the bar.  All in all an awesome spot with fantastic ambiance.  I am having my birthday here on Saturday so look for me to add to this review.

  • Review from Gopi V.

    •  
    • 6 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Jersey City, NJ

    4.0 star rating
    12/17/2011

    Summit bar wins all of my 4 stars based on quality of cocktails and bartender service. I consider this one of Manhattan's top tier cocktail bars period. They have a variety of interesting potions, blending in spices, fruits and other delicious goodies. Their drinks are very strong with a Manhattan price attached to them. I highly recommend "Breaking the Law" , and "The Situation". Another plus point is that the bartenders put a lot of effort and enthusiasm into their creations. Not rushed, yet made to perfection. The crowd is mostly young mix of twenty somethings, with a spot of the older 35+ here and there.

    Okay, minus point. It gets very, very packed. So on a Fri or Sat nigh after 11 pm, expect to shuffle through the crowd to the bar. Space is like gold, so if you find a spot, give no quarter. Another minus is that they only have one bathroom.

    I highly recommend this bar to anyone looking for unique cocktail beverages that are actually worth the price!

  • Review from Jensen L.

    •  
    • 25 friends
    • 28 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    5.0 star rating
    12/6/2011

    Yes. Yes yes.

    I came here for my belated birthday party because of the reviews. I wanted our first stop to have delicious drinks and a nice setting. I couldn't have asked for anything more for my party of 10. Not only are the bartenders easy on the eyes but they're talented and sweet. They took care of all us quickly. My guests complained about other drinks at other bars after because they really set the bar.

    What was supposed to be an hour or so of drinking turned into 4 at The Summit. It gets VERY crowded around 10 on a Saturday night (shocker) but if you're expecting a spacious bar on a Saturday night in the Manhattan you're either going to terrible bars or you're not from here.

    This will be one of my spots from now on. Thank you for making my sorta birthday so special.

  • Review from Miriam P.

    •  
    • 9 friends
    • 69 reviews

    Boca Raton, FL

    5.0 star rating
    11/27/2011

    It was a Dark and Stormy night...
    Well not really but the drink by that name was fantastic.  A spicy ginger beer with rum was just right to warm me up for the chilly night $10.  The bar itself is nice to look at. Young but not obnoxiously so crowd.   The prices were reasonable.  They offer upscale bar food such as cheese platters and olives for $12.   Also offer a few different brands of Absinthe which, of you ask nicely, will be prepared in the traditional manner. $9-15 (I went with Le Fee)
    I was staying right around the corner and have no idea how it took me a weel to notice this place. Small niceties like a place to hang my coat and a bartender hell bent on a clean and neat bear mean  I'll be returning.

  • Review from Rebecca C.

    •  
    • 34 friends
    • 83 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    5.0 star rating
    1/8/2012

    Charmane's Star. Get it because it's ridiculously good and unique.

  • Review from Giacomo C.

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    11/10/2011

    I was here for about an hour last Saturday with my partner. The place is really cute, exposed brick walls, dim lights, even an outdoor patio (of course not used right now)... a great choice for an intimate date. I had a pisco sour and she had some red wine, and both were of good quality. Their cocktail selections is impressive... I can't wait to go back and try something more adventurous. The service was pleasant and professional. We were there early (before 8p), so it wasn't crowded, which was another plus.

    Recommended.

  • Review from Miriam L.

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    11/8/2011

    Sometimes, when you visit New York, you find these little, wonderful places that simply reek of the brilliance, creativity and wonder that this city exudes. Yes, there are plenty of unpleasant things about NYC, but there are a plethora of unpleasant things in any city. For me, New York has always had a certain magic - a quirk and a unique charm that is exemplified in funky, casual and imaginative places like The Summit Bar.

    Not only is the decor charming, but the cocktail list matched it drink for drink. With a range of inspired ingredients and delicate parings, the beverages sounded intriguing enough to encourage multiple samplings, but tame enough as to not  overwhelm.

    I was impressed. And my visit enabled me to quickly fall in love with the city all over again, after a five year absence.

  • Review from Paul H.

    •  
    • 40 friends
    • 58 reviews

    Arlington, VA

    5.0 star rating
    10/9/2011

    Friends of mine who live on Avenue A brought me here this weekend. I was really in the mood for a good cocktail and boy did the bartenders at Summit deliver. I started off with a Pisco Sour, which was done to perfection. There was a nice, strong zip to the drink from the lime and just enough frothy goodness on the top which was highlighted by a few red streaks of the bitters. The amount of ice was spot on to keep the drink cool without watering it down.

    For my second round, I tried the Dark and Stormy. Layered drinks like these aren't easy to do, but the ginger beer really set this rum drink off. It was just as good as the Pisco Sour I had earlier. Sometimes you order a mixed drink at a bar and kind of jerk back a bit after taking a sip, either because there's too much alcohol or the ratio of the mixers are off. These drinks just went down so easy and the mixtures complimented the spirits well. I also sampled a bit of my friends drink, the Root's Beer. Simply amazing. Fizzy, mellow....it tasted exactly like what an alcoholic root beer should taste like.

    This is a bar that takes its craft seriously, as I haven't had cocktails this good in quite some time. The bartenders were very quick and attentive, as well. For cocktail bars and lounges, it doesn't get much better than this.

  • Review from Heather H.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 4 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    5.0 star rating
    11/9/2011

    One of my favorite places in NYC...this place is the perfect balance of moody, sexy and NY. On top of the awesome ambience and playlists, the drinks hit the spot ever time...and you actually don't want to get bombed, just so you can enjoy the next drink off the menu.  

    Only downfalls...the porch is a bit tight, but they at least made use of outdoor space. (Obvs, they need a fridge for those handmade ice cubes).

  • Review from Gamal H.

    Manhattan, NY

    4.0 star rating
    9/18/2011

    Any cocktail bar that makes agave reductions in a big iron pot right on the bar is serious about their cocktails. Summit is one of those bars.

    The best part about this bar is the staff. The ratio of bartenders to patrons is much lower than in other bars which means you get better service than bars with only one or two people back there. Each one of them is attentive and very good at putting together a quality cocktail in an atmosphere that lends itself to enjoying the experience.

    The only problem with Summit is its location and the crowd that it sometimes brings. The bar is right next door to a louder pub. When that place gets filled up and the bouncers start turning people away, those rejected drinkers look for the first alternative they can find. That leads them straight to Summit and the bar can instantly go from cozy little cocktail lounge to hipster central station. I don't know how many people the bartenders can serve without sacrificing service, but I don't want to find out. I plan to get there early. So should you.

    Have fun.
    G

  • Review from Eric K.

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    8/27/2011

    The trek to Ave. C is worth it.

    Alphabet city charm, a commitment to creative, stiff drinks, and an impressive back patio space Summit on a saturday night was a good mix of buzz and chill. On a weekday night, it presented a great, quiet enough space to catch up with a friend over a couple drinks without having to scream.

    The space is shaped like an old school telephone receiver, fat on the ends and skinny in the middle where there are bars on each end. We made a reservation for a party of about 20 people in the smaller front area that has a horseshoe-shaped seating area.  We all had plenty of space to stand or sit, and even at the peak of saturday night, we never felt squished. the bartenders, who have the dual task of mixing an impressive menu of creative cocktails and slinging beers and wines, were fast and efficient. the cocktails ran a little on the sweet side for my taste, but there was plenty of variety to make me and my friends satisfied. Do try the john lee hooker though--scotch, bourbon, bitters, and beer--potent yes, tasty even more so.

    I'm admittedly more of a divey bar guy but I've also visited some of the serious drink bars like raines, death&co, and little branch...summit provides almost the same quality type cocktail in an environment that doesn't require 50-minute waits and nondescript doorways. Gotta love ave. C

  • Review from Lissa V.

    Manhattan, NY

    5.0 star rating
    9/8/2011

    It takes a lot for me to go this far East, but the trek to Ave C is worth it for the Summit.

    I stumbled upon this place during an afternoon/evening of day drinking in alphabet city. The first thing I noticed was all of the light entering the space. The vibe of this bar and the huge windows just make you want to smile. It's a fun low key environment perfect for a Saturday early evening.

    Chese/meat/artichoke plate was delish!!! Prices are not bad at all... perfect spot to begin your eveving or grab drinks before meeting friends out or a date.

    The drinks are wonderful. I had a "Say hello to my little friend" and it was delish! The bartenders are cool too and very laid back. Super friendly!! Everyone I was with liked their drinks and the scene, not to mention we were all feeling pretty good when we left. We'll be back again I'm sure.

  • Review from Paul C.

    •  
    • 37 friends
    • 264 reviews

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    9/12/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Way cool, friendly and skilled bar staff make it an instant hit for me. We tried a couple of drinks off the menu, they were good, we asked for an obscure cocktail and happened to have the recipe so our bar man made it, no problem!

    One of my new favorites.

  • Review from Steve D.

    •  
    • 34 friends
    • 29 reviews

    Conshohocken, PA

    5.0 star rating
    12/1/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Phenomenal, well-crafted cocktails that are sure to please. Enough of a selection to find something you'll definitely like, and friendly, knowledgeable service. The atmosphere is very unassuming and low-key, so it's nice to bring a few friends to shoot the breeze over super classy, yet well-priced drinks. You can tell that they put a lot of care into their drinks. Great place.

  • Review from Sunil S.

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    6/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    A very packed bar, but one that should be at the top, or at least very high on your list if you're going to the East Village.  There is a young, vibrant diverse crowd here at the bar, but a very good social environment.  It's a rather long, narrow bar with only one bathroom, so be forewarned in advance.  There is also a nice back patio area, but that was also very crowded and not sure if you have to reserve it in advance.

    The drinks here are amazing.  They have a great selection of very strong drinks that pack a lot of punch.  There's a drink called "The Situation," though I'm optimistic that it's not named for Mike Sorrentino; the drink was awesome.  It can be a difficult choice as all my friends chose different drinks and we all thought that each of ours were amazing.  In short, it looks like no matter what, you'll pick a winner.

    One of a friend's mutual friend came in the middle of our visit.  It was kinda funny as he was trying to get this girl's number.  The guy had this classic, "Chaz" from Wedding Crashers vibe to him and was hilarious.  Though, I don't think everyone's Entourage if you visit Summit Bar, will have the same experience as we did.  By the way, the girl didn't give him her number and he just took off...but that's off topic.

    The drinks, the bar and the people are otherwise awesome and you should definitely come check it out.  I do feel that this is a place you could spend about half your night at if you really wanted to; we just about did.  While we were able to find some other places that were also pretty good that night, Summit definitely remained at the top (pun unplanned, I swear).

  • Review from Tara M.

    •  
    • 28 friends
    • 202 reviews

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    9/3/2011

    I'm not a huge fan of this neighborhood, so it takes a lot to get me this far east, but The Summit Bar does the trick. It's cute, fairly low-key (at least on the weeknight I went), and the drinks are good.

    I would definitely recommend this spot to friends if they're in the area.

  • Review from Kristina C.

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    11/13/2011 1 Check-in Here

    One of my go-to spots for a good cocktail.  It offers the quality, interesting cocktails of a speakeasy, without the space limitations and wait lists of many other cocktail bars in the east village.  The bartenders are friendly and a good guide through the drink list.  A great spot for a first date or catching up with friends.

  • Review from Maia D.

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    11/13/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Excellent cocktails! Mixologist junkies - check it out. Sexy spot to hang with friends or on a date.

  • Review from Lisa D.

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    5/23/2011 1 photo

    I don't normally venture this far East, but Summit Bar was something of an oasis--spacious, clean, outdoor garden, fancy cocktails.  I tried both the
    French 75 (Beefeater gin, fresh lemon, agave, Champagne) and the
    Shu Jam Fizz (DH Krahn gin, apricot jam, fennel-infused agave,
    peach bitters, fresh lemon, soda). Both were refreshing, but the latter was more interesting and more alcoholic (and definitely worth $1 more). They also offer a variety of Absinthes. The bartender was very friendly.

  • Review from Douglas C.

    •  
    • 69 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    5.0 star rating
    7/15/2011 12 Check-ins Here

    You walk in with your eyes open and the dark lust light gives way to the calm trance of subtle overhead bar lamps shaped like bottles and a brick wall that supports racks of expensive scotch and whiskey.

    Drinks are made here with attention to detail. The music is often very good. The bartenders are friendly, and if you come here often enough they will remember your  name, shake your hand, ask what the ole boy is having tonight. Sometimes, they will even proffer their own guess and before you have had a chance to turn away from a conversation with your friend, the glass and its solitary handmade ice cube is already floating in an amber liquid. You put the wide mouthed glass to your chin and the ambrosia of piquant alcohol, aged and tender, rises to your nostrils.

    The Alphabet City side of the East Village has become a little younger, a lot hipper, and the people who drift in and out of the Summit Bar -- and even the ones that stay all night till the four a.m. close -- tend to be pretty.

    I love this bar. It's a great place to go for an impression-making first date. You can sit on the soft velvety front room couches and talk with a gaggle of friends. You can sit at any of the three bars that line the railroad style corridor of the space and talk to random models, investor-types, neighborhood artists and writers.  Or you can sit in the back couches, or even outside, where the privacy of the space leads to furtive kisses with someone you are just getting to know and find very compelling.

    The vibe is just like the drinks -- inventive, complex but not chaotic, relaxing and tranquil and leaves you in a daze.

    Don't forget to make friends with Mark, the doorman. He's a very pleasant man and will remember you, nod his head and wave you on in, hopefully with your friends in tow. It's that kind of place.

    I hope it always will be.

  • Review from Laura W.

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    5/22/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I've been to Summit several times now, and it's a different place depending on the day and time: on a weeknight evening- cocktail den with seats at the bar, great for cozy conversations.  On a weekend even being at Avenue C does not inhibit anyone from coming by- it's crowded, loud and for good reason:  the cocktails are consistently great.  If you don't find something to your liking on the extensive menu, a quick conversation with your bartender will solve that.

    Additional tips:  food options are nil, so eat before you come; and if alcohol is not your only vice there is a patio area in the back where smoking is allowed.

  • Review from Philip N.

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    7/6/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    One of my new favorite bars in the East Village.

    We checked out the Summit Bar when we had a few friends from out of town visiting, and were pleasantly surprised in what we found.

    We took the advice of fellow Yelpers and arrived early, about 9:30.  We were rewarded with a prime spot in the outside patio where we enjoyed cigars, great drinks and even better conversations.

    Now I've got another go-to place to check out whenever I'm looking for a drink in the East Village.  Just be sure to heed this advice: arrive early because the place gets crazy packed.

  • Review from Elizabeth F.

    •  
    • 19 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    6/19/2011

    It's probably good that this place is a bit of a trek because otherwise I'd be spending most of my evenings here sipping on the most amazing cocktail I've ever had. It's called Charmane's Star and she never disappoints. My second favorite is 'Breaking the Law.' It's slightly smokey and will have you saying, "Who knew these things would work so well together!" with every sip. The friendly bartenders are true mixologists and are always willing to guide you through their drink menu.

    If you don't mind walking to Avenue C then don't pass this place up. The bar stretches through the exposed brick interior to outdoor space in the back which is great for the cooler nights.

  • Review from Barbara V.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 35 reviews

    Tampa, FL

    4.0 star rating
    8/31/2011

    My son told us about this place and said we had to try it.  We decided to stop by on our way home from dinner in Chinatown.   It was in a neighborhood that I haven't been to in a while and was pleasantly surprised when I got there.  The place is small and kind of dark.  There aren't a lot of seats but we managed to get a bar stool by the bar. It is fun to watch the mixologist make the drinks.  So many ingredients go into some of these drinks and they are not your typical combos.   We had the Guv'nor, the Charmane's star (I had to have 2 of these they were so refreshing), we gried the ground to glass and one of the Breaking the Law.  Besides loving the names the drinks are delicious.  
    Check out their menu and give it a try.

  • Review from Sarah C.

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    9/21/2011

    I was very, very impressed. This is my new favorite cocktail bar. The John Lee Hooker rocked my world, and I love that it's not as fussy as the other cocktail joints a bit further west of AC.

  • Review from Lauren B.

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 3/13/2011 ROTD 6/9/2011

    Oh yes. I give The Summit Bar high marks for the amazing birthday party I thew there last weekend.

    I was in touch with management via email (they don't have a phone) and told them I wanted to host about 30 people on a Saturday night. They quickly got back to me and announced that they would be happy to help me have a great party.

    And you know what? They really did.

    Saturday night I walked in with 5 people and another 5 were already there. I found the manager and he told me he would block off the whole back section starting at 10PM. Perfect. I ordered a Driving Mrs. Davies and went out onto the back semi-enclosed back patio area to enjoy it. More and more people started showing up and at 10 of 10, the bouncer came over to me, introduced himself and said he was now going to block off the back for my party. He quickly relocated everyone who wasn't there for me (hehe, birthdays are so self centered) and as more and more people arrived, we had ample room in the back patio area as well as inside at the back of the bar and back couch. There was a spot for everyone and the drinks kept flowing. People that wanted to smoke could, outdoors, without putting down their drink.

    The comfortable outdoor lounge furniture meant most everyone could sit and mingle, or just relieve themselves from the torture of heels. I wore glittery flats because hey, everyone should wear some sparkle on their birthday and I don't care if you think it's lame.

    I had an absolute blast and appreciated the venue staff keeping us liquored up and free of random people. It was such a perfect situation. Perfect drinks, perfect friends, zero strangers and reasonable prices.

    You think I'll be back? Oh yes, I sure will and if I need another venue for a gathering, you know I'm choosing Summit.

    http://www.hungrychild...

    Listed in: East Village Love., And the Oscar Goes To...

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 3.0 star rating
      1/10/2011

      It's a non-speakeasy, speakeasy.

      Low lighting, exposed brick, mixologists, bourbon and whiskey based… Read more »

  • Review from Alexa C.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 143 reviews

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    7/11/2011

    Neighborhood cocktail bar without an ounce of pretension.

    Drinks are potent, inventive and in the $8-12 range. If you want scene, go elsewhere.

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