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Categories: Nightlife, American (New)
Neighborhood: Theater District49th St-7th Ave (N, R, W)
50th St-Broadway (1)
47-50th Sts-Rockefeller Center (B, D, F, V)
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This summer my boyfriend and I decided to take a trip to New York. We got into New York around 10:30 p.m. which means we didn't get checked in and ready to go until about 11:45. Luckily the 1 Train was a block away from where we were staying. I had done some subway research prior to our trip and knew one spot to go to on our list was Times Square and The 1 Train shoots directly into Times Square.
We arrived to Times Square and it was lit up and full of life after midnight. Kids were skate boarding on the sidewalks, teenage girls were walking in groups, young pushy sales guys were trying to get us to come inside a huge Foot Locker. Times Square was "cracking" after midnight! We walked around in delight, soaking in the city, when out of no where my boyfriend hears what sounds like a karaoke bar. We walked up to this restaurant/bar and saw that there was in fact karaoke going on. Wow! Not even 24 hours had I been in New York and my karaoke junky boyfriend finds a way to karaoke our first night.Of course I happily go along so he can get his fix. It turns out Tonic had a great crowd of people in it. It wasn't strictly a karaoke bar there were people creating a dance floor by the KJ dancing.
A few Patron shots were definitely in order that night. After all the 1 Train was our designated driver. After a shot El Novio walks over to the KJ and puts in his song request. He starts the night off with some good ol' James Brown, which is always a crowd pleaser. And it turned out to be just that. The entire place was dancing and singing with him.
In between his next song we enjoyed a few more shots at the bar and met some nice girls from the UK and made friends with the bartender. We ended up staying until after 2 a.m. and that was only because were both famished. Tonic was an extremely fun way to start out our trip!
Eh. I've heard about this place before. I finally went here for a work function. We weren't impressed.
They ran out of their beer. We weren't happy. I personally thought their service was slow.
I'd try this place again, just to check out the crowd. I think thats all they are really know for?
La Novia and I planned a trip to New York a few months. What we didn't plan on was missing our flight. So after missing our flight, spending nearly the 24 hours in airports or in the air, and getting into NY around midnight; what do a couple of cool California kids do in a city that is super hot and humid?
They head to Times Square on the Subway (Train 1) and see if New York truly does not sleep. Well, they really effin' don't.
Upon arrival in Times Square, I noticed it was packed. I saw an 8-year old on a skateboard, European tourists with popped collars, silly crackheads stumbling about, noisy street vendors, two sketchy people walking out with a baby in a stroller from a sex shop, and other various New York characters in a city lit up like a stadium. I looked over at La Novia and said:
"This city is amazing."
And like a pothead when he smells a certain smoke, I heard karaoke off in the distance and I lead us there. I think La Novia rolled her eyes at me and said:
"You're an addict."
I wanted to learn two things in this visit to "Tonic." Were drinks really that expensive in the NYC? And can my "karaoke skills" rock NYC? Well, the answers are: sort of and was there ever any doubt?
I entered my song with KJ John and then ordered two shots of Patron and two Coronas (and the total was $34). It cooled us down and relaxed us. A few extremely slow romantic ballads later (much to the chagrin of the employees who put up with karaoke several nights a week), I was called up. I got on the mic and mimicked James Brown's intro to "Get Up."
"Alright New York! I'm ready to get up and do my thang!"
And as soon as the bass line hit, I knew I was in for some fun. The crowd reacted very well to my energy. People were dancing and singing, even in the far back away from the karaoke area.
The dance floor was packed with all kinds of different people from all over the map and they were cheering me on as I did my James Brown dance moves. KJ John sang the background vocals and the song was a riot.
After I was done, La Novia's eyes were sparkling and we knew the pain of suffering of the day was worth it. We were in New York and less than half an hour in, we were having a great time. And it only got better.
The bartender said to me:
"Look man, I am here 4 nights a week with karaoke and nobody brings it like that. This is on me. Thanks for the energy."
He then slid over two Patron shots and walked away. I slipped him a $5 bill. I appreciated the gesture. This lead to round of tequila and Coronas on him again later on. I guess he appreciated my gesture.
In the end, this place has a great crowd, great vibe, and they'll sing along to anything and cheer for you when you are done. But only the truly special, get booze for free.
I did another song and at the bridge sang to La Novia:
"Oh, can't you see me standing here, I've got my back against the record machine? I ain't the worst that you've seen. Oh, can't you see what I mean?"
That's how I met her. With my back to a record machine. Funny how things work out.
And well, you might as well "jump" on to a plane and head to New York. It's amazing. And you should definitely consider Tonic as a night time venue.
The staff, the KJ, and crowd are all awesome.
Came here for a private party. We were walked up to the third floor, handed a bottle of grey goose and the night begun. We had the third floor to ourselves but once we finished the bottle we went down to dance with everyone. Excellent music and it wasn't too crowded. I'll definitely return.
I have to say this is more a three and a half star review, four stars to me mean that it is a must come back place. But I had to choose and the extra half was deserved.
I'm not a big fan of Times Sq., but that's where the Hot Tixx booth is so here we are, and we're hungry. Tonic being more of a bar (imo) was pretty quiet for early afternoon and had some lunch specials that included burgers. So we decided to give it a try.
Our server was friendly and service was fast, she also seemed to keep busy with cleaning off tables etc., while others servers where chatting away doing pretty much not much. So hey there manager guy, remember the blond server on 9/9 main level, give her some props.
The burgers, if you read any of my reviews, I like them medium rare and I know many places, say they'll do it and don't. This menu says cooked to order, and it is. Fries were standard fare, mine were salted way to heavily while my husband's were just fine. So I ate his instead.
So yes four stars, because even though it's not the style of restaurant that I prefer that's my issue not theirs. I think a part of responsible reviewing is to take into account what the place is about, and with Tonic they delivered.
I went here for a work sponsored happy hour and I am biased as I did not pay for anything:
-catered food sucked and was so bad (they hardly updated the food)
-alcohol was only "house" stuff, which meant, really bad
-service was on point
-liked the upstairs area
-typical sports bar
-ugh times square area
We were looking for a place to grab drinks and not-too-expensive grub before a concert at Radio City, and someone suggested Tonic. Meh. Prices were okay, bad music was loud, food was overpriced but okay enough to provide sustenance for the show. The waitress was flighty and hard to get a hold of, but friendly.
Probably wouldn't come back, but if your looking for a Times Square bar that isn't TOO terribly touristy and cheesy, Tonic might be it.
Good location in Times Square. Other than that, pretty run-of-the-mill.
The lunch special is what drew us in initially. Our server wasn't particularly friendly, but I was grateful that they took my burger back when it wasn't cooked enough for me. The fries are really good and the beer selection is great, but the place is overall overpriced. I uploaded a picture of my meal though because it looked really sexy.
I don't really understand why my water came with lettuce in it.
This bar is located in time square had a few coronas they play good music nice set up bar with tables and sofa booths they have a decent restroom this is a bar to just have a few so if you're in time square feening for alcohol I'd recommend this spot cheers!
I'm sorry the staff and management of Tonic, but I really think that you've got to stop deluding yourself into thinking that you're a high class club. The $20 cover charge is ridiculous. And yeah, being rude to everyone in sight is not cool by the way. Also could you please not insist we check our coats in and pay an additional four bucks or whatever, because we're aleady pretty annoyed by now. To top this, the music is bleh and the drinks are bleh.
So overall, "Eek! Methinks not." sums up my sentiment about Tonic.
The thing I liked most about this restaurant was the space. With three floors, we didn't have any trouble finding a table or room around the bar to eat around 9pm. The food was good (although a little spendy for bar food) and came out quickly; despite there being quite a crowd. Good place to catch a game and a bite to eat.
Tip for French martini drinkers: Tonic's are a little heavy on the pineapple, needs more Chambord.
My friends and I had an absolutely TERRIBLE experience here.
Let me elaborate: We came here on a Friday night to watch the Yankees vs. Red Sox. I had never been here before, but figured the place was worth a try. We sat at the bar on the 2nd floor and got Happy Hour drinks. Not bad. The place was fairly empty for a Friday after work. My friends ordered food and got their orders quickly, so I followed suit and ordered a chicken sandwich.. I then waited..and waited..and waited.. for my food. The bartender, who thought he was WAY too cool for anyone, realized I was still waiting, and never even bothered to apologize for the obvious screw-up he (or someone else) made. After his realization, my food arrived 5 minutes later. That was their first mistake.
Game time was nearing - so the big screen TVs started scrolling down. The Yankees game started playing and my friends were happy. One of my friends was more interested in the Rangers game and asked for it to be on the large TV over the bar that had a basketball game on that NO ONE was watching. The bartender refused, saying the manager would not change the channels.
A little after that, the Yankees game on the big screen turned off, and the screen rolled back up to the ceiling. My friends started protesting, asking where the game went. No one acknowledged us, and no one made ANY effort to accommodate a group of about 6 people who were all drinking, eating and spending money in this place. It wasn't as if we were loitering - we were paying good money, after happy hour, to watch a game on a TV we could actually SEE.
Despite us asking over and over to get the game on a large TV in front of us - which STILL had the a basketball game on that NO ONE was watching - we decided to leave. Not without another issue, though. The bartender (the same douchey one that forgot my food order) told my friend he could only put a certain amount of money on her credit card, and insisted the rest be cash.
Needless to say, we all left extremely disappointed and aggravated - and went a few blocks down to Social to watch the rest of the game. I know I will never return here - and neither will my friends. And you can bet I will make sure to tell anyone I know to never set foot in this place. Their arrogance and lack of customer service skills is appalling. Good riddance.
This is the 2nd time I've been in Tonic and it is a typical bar. The outdoor seating on the top level was nice, especially at night. Drinks weren't average priced and it was a chill spot. I heard it gets more roudy later in the evening, especially in the lower levels.
Despite this bar being in Times Square, it is far from being a tourist bar. This bar is a mix between a sports bar with the projector-sized TV screens playing a variety of different sports games, and a trendy/hip bar with the granite floors, dark wood/marble-topped bars, plush leather chairs, and the neon lights on the ceiling giving it a modern feel. The crowds usually range from suits to business casual crowd looking for a few drinks after work. Don't expect this to be a laid back bar.
If the first floor is too loud and crowded to your liking, take a gander upstairs which is slightly quieter, less crowded, and has a bit more seating for those wishing to dine from the menu. Both floors have a full bar so choose the floor to your liking. Prices were moderate. Beer is ~$6 for a pint, and ~$11/shot for Patron. There are also happy hour drink specials (4-7pm) with some select beers ($4/pint) and cocktails.
I've a strong association with this bar. So much so that even the doorman doesnt check my ID and lets me in. I've spent a lot of time here drinking innumerable draft beers and draughts. This is a super kool place to watch sports on projection screens, accompanied with gr8 music & alcohol. There's also live Karaoke and a good dancefloor upstairs on weekends. Come here on Friday nites preferably. A favorite tourist spot, you can come across interesting out of towners here.
Great ambience with red lights and cozy plush black leather seats. The only drawback is that its small restroom doesnt have a potty :) The bartenders are very friendly and make you feel happy with their jokes, chat and bottle juggling etc. In short this place has a lively enthusiastic vibe which really cheers you up.
Went to a special desi "Bhangra" night at Tonic (on the second floor). We obviously weren't Indian so the bouncer seemed a bit perplexed, but let us through ($20 cover). Drink's weren't particularly good - served in small plastic cups (the kind in a doctor's office) and $10 a pop. And the place was a sausage fest. Probably 3:1 ratio.
On the upside, it was nice to do something different and Indian music was definately interesting (with a techno twist). Despite the fact that we clearly stood out as the only non-desi people there, the crowd was friendly (or at least the guys were... to our gals). People watching was fun too and much laughs were had trying to mimic authentic desi dance moves. And you can't beat ending the night with the famous 53rd/6th Halal guy nearby.
p.s. I hate to be stereotypical here, but the smell of B.O. wafted over the entire area. Ugh.
Ok I've been to this place like 3 times it is very cool. I've gone twice for dinner, to kill time before some Broadway show or a trip to Carolines. Dinner was great both times (Nachos with actual cheese not that movie theater slime). I went again on a Saturday night with a buddy just to hang out, it wasn't our intended destination but it was where we ended up. The place went up a notch for me. This time me and my pal went there really for the bar and a place to just chillax. We sat at the end of the bar had a great time drinks are reasonably priced (hey it's Time friggin' Square) Also I saw something that I don't believe I've ever seen b4. Nearly anybody who's been to their share of clubs or even private parties have seen dj's mixing mp3's but the dj in this bar was mixing........mp4's, on the screen whatever song was playing on the speakers was simultaneously playing the video for the song on two of the big screens I found this very cool. There was an eclectic group of people there, all in all the place is pretty darn cool.
I imagine it's rare to recommend a bar in Times Square, draped in neon and intimate lighting, as a great place to watch footie. But Tonic is the one place other than Nevada's that I will drag myself to at 9 a.m. on a Saturday morning.
I've always viewed this place as a sports bar, even if I don't think they do. There's a plethora of projection screen-sized televisions and though they're usually showing the big (NY-based) event of the day, there are some smaller tv's on the second and third floor on which they'll change the channel for you.
The pints aren't particularly special, and the food is adequate, but they will open most weekend mornings for soccer from across the pond and this is my favorite place to come watch the FA Cup Final in the Spring.
If I were writing this review in late 2005, Tonic would get four stars. If I were just writing this review about my last experience, Tonic would get two stars. So, I think three stars sounds fair.
Three years ago, I came here for a PSU football game, watched my team clinch a Big 10 title with a packed bar of people, then went back to my apartment up the street and had a great party. I made some great friends that I still keep in touch with. Two people I know that are getting married probably wouldn't have met if we didn't go to Tonic. I couldn't have imagined a better time. I thought I would be back at Tonic on a regular basis.
It didn't exactly happen that way.
I'm pretty sure the random Monday night I walked in here a couple of weeks ago was the first time I had been back to Tonic since 2005. I had always thought of this place as a sports bar because of my PSU experience and the TVs everywhere. But instead, half the TVs were showing the game and the other half were showing karaoke lyrics. If I can channel my inner Bill Maher for a second:
NEW RULE
You can't be a sports bar if people are murdering Like a Virgin during Monday Night Football. Save it. If I want to see somebody butcher bad Madonna songs, I'll go see ... Madonna.
Anyway, I didn't have a terrible time, but I"m not sure why I'd go back either. Beer prices were a little better than expected ($6 for Yuengling) and the waitress was attentive even though it was 1:30am on a Monday night. Also, they were cool enough to let us stay even though my one friend was completely unable to keep from falling asleep in the booth. Maybe it's a good place to go with your narcoleptic friend.
Last thing, I'm pretty sure this is the Ohio State alumni bar for football games. Most Ohio State fans I've ever met are jerks, so I wouldn't go there if you're not planning to root for them.
surprisingly really good lunch food. Huge portions. I recommend the fajitas.
Well, fine I guess. I mean, what do you expect from this neighborhood? The space is large and there are tvs as far as the eye can see (on both floors). I like that they pour the martinis (which I thought were sizable and decently strong, even for $10) in the shorty vs. stemmed glasses, because let's face it - not practical in a crowded bar.
I was here on an unusual night - watching the first presidential debate - but it was definitely packed downstairs away from us election nerds, and the music was pumping loudly. If you're looking for a lively, albeit kind of tool-ish scene in this bastard of a New York neighborhood where you might here Rihana squeaking, "Umbrella, ella, ella, ay, ay, ay..." you'll be satisfied.
Tonic has a pretty good lunch special with a variety of american/bar food choices... salads, pasta, sandwiches and appz... Happy hour is so so.. they have a few drinks for $5 and a few pints for $5, but not my kinda drinks/pints... Service is pretty good, but sometimes the waitstaff can be pretty annoying... It's Monday... I HIGHLY doubt you're going to fill up the place for Happy Hour.. Most New Yorkers don't start happy hour until at least Wednesday... So why can't me and my friends sit at a table upstairs, away from the cold front door, even though we might not order food? Cham na~
Oh yeah... If you ever take the N, R, W train at 49th St going uptown/queens and you smell that god awful smell... I've mentioned this smell many times... the dirty mop water/clorox/cheap cleaner/throw up/sex/sweat smell... If you're standing on the platform and you smell that, it's because you're standing right beneath Tonic...
I'll give it 1 star for all of the big screen TVs. Down hill from there. Rude staff. $5 draft beer. That was a special?! It's Bud Light for chr*st sakes! Smelling the food was enough for me. I fear for those that attempted to eat it.
"If you like hanging out with overaged frat boys, who think they are Vin Diesel and are running their own personal boiler room then this is the place for you."
What she said.
I dont like this bar much. The bar tenders are rude, they r just playing each other. I gave 2 star just because its in Time square. other wise I'm not any more to this place. Yuck!
We went here for a late snack...
My friend had the three tacos special, which she really enjoyed! And well worth it. $10 dollars for three different big tacos..
I had the tiramisu...It was ok..not a big fav but still good. A little on the pricier side though..$10
Yuppies, meatheads, regular bar people -- I dunno... just not my scene. I'm a rock dive bar girl... or give me some house music or something...The friends who take me here are like... you know... I guess they call themselves "mainstream" and well, to be HONEST, "white", love this place... it's a sports bar and I don't watch sports. I don't understand why people would go out to drink just to watch like TV (there are many here). I for one would rather throw up. But that's just me!
Buffalo chicken is NOT bad at all however.
I'm actually quite shocked to be the first to review Tonic Bar since this place seems to be packed for most of its operating hours.
Tonic Bar is located on 7th and 48th, and an ideal location for happy hour for all the companies located around Times Square as well as its tourists. Their drinks are moderately priced (meaning ~$10 in NYC) and the cocktails are potent. I could have three and be set for a night of drunken bravery and debacled adventures..
The bar is two floors, with booths and flat-screens covering the entire length of the bar. During the World-Cup, Tonic was filled to the brim with jersey wearing beer guzzling fans from early morning until late afternoon.
This place also has raw bar on weekends and some crazy deal for all-you-can eat lobsters that's valid most of the time (I've only heard from friends). With that said, I don't recommend the crabcakes.. no matter what the waitress says.
Perpetually crowded bar with food.
I like this place only because my tourist friends can find it and I use it as a meeting place when picking them up. I like a place that is hopping and this place is always hopping probably due to it's proximity to the theaters and Times Square.
I like the upstairs (2nd floor) better - I like to have my cocktails and look out the windows and see what is going on below. We have had some bar snacks there only and all was well.
The place is great to meet new people from out of town - there are a load of tv's around the place with sports going on (I think they call themselves a sports bar).
was there tonight to meet up with a long lost friend and it was convenient for me i guess since i work on 37th and 9th. typical sports bar and we were upstairs to which was nice and roomy. the main floor where the main bar is was packed for happy hour. i was a bit distracted because this was the night that Michael Jackson died and wasnt focusing too much on the decor and service. we ordered the chicken fingers which i have to say were huge portions and the spring rolls which there were at least 10?? for 2 shots of patron, 2 bottles of water and 2 beers the bill came out to $75. im sure we could have done better with the sports bar but thats what u get when ur in times square.
Old MJ videos playing on the big screen. This PYT loved it! Tonic is a great place to close out the night. It was empty the Thursday night I went, but some good old school Blondie, Duran Duran, and MJ was cranking, so who cares? Its not a meat market scene for sure, but if you are hanging with friends you can make your own fun.
Nice bartenders and a decent selection of beers. Music and alcohol. Not a bad mix.
New Jersey meets Times Square.
I'm embarrassed that I even went here (and was debating even admitting it on Yelp), but hope that this could save anyone future agony. This place has awful food, music, and people. Is it a sports bar? Is it a club? Is it a tourist attraction?
Why do people go here? Would rather dance in a very small fish tank with very large piranhas.
worst. bar. ever.
staten island meets a virgin america flight. Neon & black plastic every where.
TVs are ok, and they show PPV UFC fighting, but the crowd is gawd awful. Staten Island popped collar tough guys combined with girls who couldnt get a date anywhere else east of the tappanzee. $7 for a blue moon.
They have a top floor rooftop, which closes at 11ish (huh?).
ugh, NEXT
We hung out at Tonic on a Friday afternoon. The place was pretty empty, so we grabbed a seat at the bar. the bar tender was pretty friendly and poured us some strong cocktails. This place has a strong sports vibe, with a little upscale kick. Not sure I would come here if I was not already in the neighborhood, but I did enjoy my visit. Drinks are on the pricey side, but I guess that is to be expected for the neighborhood.
This place is very similar to all the other bars in the area. However, they do have one advantage... Roof deck bar. Summer time is probably the best time to be here... lots of peeps hanging out... lots of summer interns chillin.
Check it out...
You may find me elbow deep in lobster and butter and steamed clams on a Friday night at 9 pm after leaving the MoMA.. blissfully unaware of the drunken ho's, meathead after-work suits, and droves of Times Square tourists in pleated khaki pants and primary colors windbreakers. Suffice it to say, Tonic holds a special place in my heart.
Alright, I get it. So this is a Time's Square Bar, and it's full of 'd-bags' and tourists. But on Saturday's during the fall, it's a High Street away from home. This bar is full of Ohio State fans and their significant others. If you're a fan of the Buckeye's or would just like to know what it's like to be surrounded by die-hard Ohio fans, step into Tonic on a Saturday (during the footie season). Any other day of the week, you'll find an ecliptic crowd, mixed with quite a few locals and a number of regulars. There is an ominous red glow throughout and the numerous TV's and projectors will light the shadows. The music isn't too obnoxious, and the crowd isn't too out-of-town.
The food is worth trying, especially the burgers and wings. They have a decent, although not large variety of beers on tap, and they make up for what they lack in bottles. The cocktails are even reasonably priced and the ones I had were even on the strong side. If you have a spare evening, check it out.... and if you're an OSU fan - you MUST go.
In my opinion, Tonic is not a sports bar. I guess they have TVs (honestly I didn't notice) -- but don't all bars have televisions? The place is always packed with suits, tourists and people like me looking to mingle after work. What I love about this place is that I never have to wait to get a drink. The bartenders and waiters are on their game. They make this drink "mucho mango martini" which makes me salivate everytime I think about it. Fruity, girlie drinks are my thing, and I have had mango martinis at other bars, but none can compare to "mucho mango martini", which will keep me coming to Tonic for more.
If you like hanging out with overaged frat boys, who think they are Vin Diesel and are running their own personal boiler room then this is the place for you.
Just went here for lunch with a friend and am very impressed. Awesome lunch special, $9.95 for a great and large meal. I had the BBQ Chicken Salad, which was delicious and really fresh (not deep fried BBQ, a light sauce on grilled chicken, yum!) and my friend had the fajitas, which were enormous. Great guac too! Excellent beer selection, and soccer on the big screens makes me happy :) The happy hour also looks great, will definitely be checking it out since it's across the street from work!
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