Cellar Bar

I’m reluctantly giving this place one star but only because I like the look of the club itself. That aside, it is overpriced and the bar policy involves some underhanded scheme which is probably illegal whereby they overcharge all bills to an amount of their liking to ‘ensure your card has a sufficient amount’ to then have it reversed in 3 – 4 business days. I called my credit card company and they were just as shocked about this practice as I was. For the person who doesn’t check their account activity regularly, and who will ultimately get overcharged for an amount they did not sign for when closing their tab, what happens if that charged doesn’t get reversed and they are unaware of the policy to ‘contact the manager’. This self made policy is completely bogus and and distasteful and Cellar Bar has no right to apply false charges at my expense! Be careful, check your account after a night here, especially if you choose to get bottle service because that could be a couple hundred extra you need to claim back without even knowing you got charged.

Today, while having less than adequate and overpriced drinks at the Cellar Bar located in the Bryant Park Hotel, they tried to justify their illegal practice of over charging (twice the bill) their customers and keeping the money for two days before returning the money stolen to your account-​drinks. They don’t want to show you the bill before swiping your card, because they know it is illegal and stealing. The justification is they want to know if you have enough money to leave a tip-​thieves get zero tip.

I’m not sure how to rate this. 4 – 5 stars for ambiance. Maybe 3.5 for the value of your cocktail or beverage of choice, if you are going for an awesome clubby atmosphere probably honestly a 2 star rating. This place is all over the map. The first time I came here was actually years ago as a part of a friend’s birthday shenanigans. We were young and crazy and carefree. I don’t think I ordered a drink but I was one of those girls that was already done for the night and drifting around dancing or taking mug shots in other peoples’ selfies.
Came back here over the summer this past year and had a major deja-​vu moment. I forgot I had ever been there but its impossible to forget with its gothic interior and architecture and beautiful lighting. I feel like I’m in the dungeon of a castle instead of a cellar in bryant park. Well done. Kudos. Another factor that enchanted me was that all of the cocktails had names of planets. I LOVE PLANETS! Yeah, astronomy! They might change this up frequently however because their present cocktail menu is geared towards fashion (Coco, Dior, Oscar, get the picture?). Boo, bring back the planets! I definitely ordered something called the Mars and it had rum in it while my friend stuck with a classic Dark and Stormy and my other two buddies had other planet cocktails but I’m failing at remembering them. I believe they were Jupiter and Uranus and the later was kind of a funky grass vodka soda sparkling wine spritzer concoction. I remember enjoying my drink the most and it was strong for $ 16. It better be and was happy for once I wasn’t paying. I gifted everyone beforehand with the magic of open bar connections.
They do have a nice happy hour deal here however: $ 10 specialty and well drinks (pretty significantly marked down from that $ 16) from 5−8pm Monday-​Friday. Half off bottles of wine on Mondays and Tuesdays all night long. They have a little tapas menu (hummus, various meats & cheeses, octopus, guacamole) though, I’ve never eaten here as again nothing here comes cheap. They also have birthday package deals. I guess the only qualm I could see most people having aside from the steep price is that it was dead in here when I came. Completely dead. Which I bizarrely enjoy. I can talk, relax. I hate clubs. Two thumbs up. But I don’t think that’s what this place is aiming for; so on that note its just average but with so much potential!

I’ve heard such good things about this place when I went for a friends birthday I can’t say I was impressed. It was dead on a Saturday night around 11 pm. The drinks were expensive and not that strong. We of course mad our own fun of dancing and friends, however the place wasn’t what I expected.

I went there for a company meetup for our city employees on a Wednesday night, about 15 of us in all. The TL;DR version is «a trendy night-​club-​vibe bar with pricey drinks».
Just about every drink that isn’t already in a bottle is $ 16 (wine, cocktails, house specials). There is no tap, only bottles ($ 8 each, I think). A small tapas menu provides a bit of food if you want it– also $ 16/​item. Sixteen dollars, got it?
The ambiance is upscale lounge, meaning low stools and lounges and tables, twenty feet of bar space, patterned lights pointed at the ceiling, lots of LED candles.
I enjoyed it, but don’t know if I’d call it exceptional.

Went on a Wednesday night (9 – 10 PM) with a large group of people. Mandatory coat check was annoying. There were a few other people there, but it wasn’t by any means crowded. The venue itself is incredible, but as for the staff/​management I would say otherwise.
The server made it clear that we couldn’t split tabs and she could only take 3 credit cards. If we wanted our drinks separate, we have to order from the bar and are not allowed to sit down. Ok, I understand that. I’ve worked in nightlife so I get the rules. My friend and I opted for the bar to avoid dealing with splitting the tab.
What I don’t understand, is how the bartender up-​charged my friend and I for Tito’s vodka in a dirty martini ($ 17, when the house cocktails are at $ 16). Or, why the bartender forged an extra tip into both my bill and my friends bill, which we discovered after we left the bar. Completely unprofessional and I will be disputing the charge with my credit card company.

«red carpet introduction»
So I went to this club/​lounge to celebrate a birthday for good friend of mine who also happens to be a Unilocaler as well! So walking up to this place I had to say this location was very ideal, it was literally right next to byrant park, in the heart of the city. I was pretty excited and thrilled knowing that there were no lines waiting outside. So as I walked up to the bouncers, he greeted me with a nice friendly hello (which was actually amazing cause some bouncers give u the cold shoulder) and he because to stamp me so I could get in. So that’s when I was hit was many mixups that night so take this time to grab your water and a seat when you see why I gave this a 2-​star.
” uhh dragons, dudgeons, and lairs?“
So I was stamp futher to get in and upon entering, I went straight for the coat check (**which is free**) and proceeded to hand my coat over, but before I could do that, there was a another lady inside telling me that there was a 20 dollar cover charge! So without arguing I gave her a 20 dollar cover charge. I let the birthday girl know that they charged me 20 bucks to get in I eventually got my money back. So just to let you guys know if you are with a party or going to an event you do not have to pay a cover charge! The place inside looked like a small dudgeon with little room to breathe.
«Let’s dance… Wait what’s that smell?»
The dj was so-​so he played some top 40s hits as well as some of the best club music to date as well as pre mastermixes that are out now. but he did not let each song play all the way out. At most he would make it about halfway and then he would begin to spin into the next track, but hey it kept the people on the floor. People began farting and it was literally around the entire room. And then eventually someone thru up and it was really the last straw that I could take from this place” you could smell things strongly let’s just leave it like that.
«Overall»
I really would not go back to this place by myself, or if their is an event here cause due to the smell and the hefty cover charges and the area that it is in I can find other places to dance at.

Rude staff. Nuff said. Oh, and the scene sucks. Just after work people and a DJ who plays the music so softly that it pumps no energy into the place and causes you to doze off. Not worth the tips you have to pay the mandatory coat check or the bathroom porters. Avoid. Much nicer places downtown.

I came to Cellar Bar for the first time a couple of weeks ago for a friend’s birthday. Looking at pictures, the place seemed really spacious, but the reality is it is a pretty small lounge. Arriving around 10:30, the place was still pretty empty aside from a private party taking up half of the floor, but the party got crazy packed a little before midnight. Luckily, my friend had bottle service courtesy of my promoter friend, so we sat in the area at the top of the stairs by the DJ booth, but the downside was navigating through the crowd to get to the bar or the restroom on the other side of the floor. Nevertheless, the DJ (not sure if it was the regular or guest DJ) played hip hop and top 40 all night, and I partied until 2:00 am (something I haven’t done in a while). I definitely wouldn’t mind coming back here when it’s a less busy night.

It was smaller than I expected. Ok so the dark dungeon ambience is why I gave them the two stars. It’s a pretty neat concept. Other than that the drinks were over priced and the waitress I had was not at all friendly. She was a bit icy cold. The music was not bad but being someone who loves to dance at the drop of a beat, this place didn’t do that for me. Would I go back? Ehh probably not.

So surprised that this place is actually TERRIBLE. Went with a large group for a birthday on Saturday night and it wasn’t fun at all. The scene was very odd and there’s a reason that the line outside took 2 minutes and everyone got in. The music was a little strange/​outdated. The drinks were very pricy and overall nothing was appealing to me. You would think the Bryant Park hotel would step it up. I’ve been to Koi and love it there! Maybe this place would be good for a happy hour? Definitely not for a Saturday night.

Came here last night for a friend’s birthday. I can definitely see and agree with what some of the other Unilocalers have noted. I was immediately disappointed when I saw the massive slow moving line to get into this place but I figured it’s NYC. I finally made it to the front of the line only after witnessing the poor guy in front of me get kicked out of the line and denied admission to the lounge because the bouncer just didn’t like him. My friend had reserved a table and bottle service and knew a promoter on top of that. I was told I shouldn’t have a problem getting in. I got my hand stamped and walked inside only to be told I had to pay a $ 10 cover. I’m not cheap but I’m not paying a cover when I was promised I didn’t have to. Went back outside bouncer was still arguing with the guy and had to straighten out my cover charge. Once that was done I finally made my way inside.
I loved the atmosphere with the dark, dungeon like feel but boy was it hot as hell in there and way too crowded for such an «exclusive» place. It was also a lot smaller than I expected. I went and got a drink at the bar and absentmindedly left my tab open not thinking about the bottle service. I have to say the music was excellent and definitely put me in a good mood. Finally I went to close my tab and I noticed I was charged $ 30 instead of $ 15…$ 30 for 1 gin and tonic? When I inspected the check I noticed I was charged for two drinks that I had definitely not ordered. I told the bartender and she did actually reverse it without an argument. Towards 2:00 it started to clear out and that made it way better.
Overall good lounge, it’s great for a fun night out but be prepared to wait in long lines. Staff needs to be more respectful.

This place needs a reality check ! and the staff need to be thought some basic manners !
Im honestly surprised how are they still in business ! They think they are exclusive, but honestly they are a freaking joke !
I was on the VIP guest list which meant NO cover for guys or girls, no only were my guest asked for cover but also made to stand in the queue.
When I asked the «gentleman» at the door, he was like there is cover no matter what the guest list says.
Also they really donot know how to talk to their customers, so disgusted with they behavior I walked out and went to another place.
Even if they pay you to come and get a drink I would highly recommend you go else where !

This place is disrespectful to its customers. We were there yesterday, sept 12, with a group of friends. The Israeli girl and the African American gentleman at the door were unprofessional, arrogant and disrespectful. The African American gentleman also made racist remarks. Really pathetic. Thus business and Bryant hotel should be embarrassed to have employees or representatives like that. Stay away.

Been here a few times and really like it. Not sure why they aren’t more highly rated. I’ve always had good service, great atmosphere and love that they have a DJ.

Unfassbar mieser Schuppen, draußen anstehen mit allem Brimborium «Es kommen noch einige super VIPs» und son Mist mussten wir uns vom Türsteher anhören, dann 20 $ Eintrifft und ab in den Keller … Was für ein Mist, ein Gewölbe und ein ca. 100qm großer Raum mit bunten Lichtern und brüllend lauter Hiphop Musik (okay das ist Geschmacksache). Wie sich herausstellte alles aus billigem Plastik nachgebaut. Getränkepreise jenseits der 10 $, wir sind nach ca. 5min wieder gegangen, haben und beschwert und auch direkt den Eintritt wieder bekommen, never ever again, totaler fail der Laden!!!

Came here for a cocktail & an appetizer. Place was cool looking. Small. It literally is juSt like the photos. The style was cool. Their specially drinks were kind of a strange assortment .with agave & some other oddities I’ve never heard in cocktails before. Service was ok. It’s very dark and seats on lower end are dark so its hard to see. Happy hour was middleage to even older groups, which have it a more relaxed feel.
After dinner Saturday, we returned to a long line waiting outside the hotel to enter the club.- It was hiphop night. –No idea who was dj-​ing– Very young crowd. early 20s

Came for a friends birthday party. Cover starts at 11:30 PM, I arrive at 11:31 PM, and you guessed it, there was no leeway whatsoever. Okay, no problem, power hungry guy holding a box full of cash, no problem. On to the next, the coat check girl apparently has a minimum for tip, she is all smiles until she sees a lonely George Washington take a dive into her bucket. Oh Rapunzel, you take my jacket, hand me a ticket stub, and wave your long golden locks, your entitlement is derived from what exactly… your Sephora stiffened eyelashes? Pass.
Drinks were of average taste at a New York price. Stick to beer or shots, trust me, I drunk. The interior is a lot like Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, modeled after a train station, a pretty neat décor with an old school NYC feel. The bottle service was okay, complete with sparklers to make sure everyone in the room knows who is who. I assume after $ 650 for 3 bottles, they could at least afford to jack up the damn AC. The one star goes to the pleasant bouncers out front, the two burlesque dancers who were out of sync, and the only bartender who paid attention at the bar.
P. S. Power hungry guy will hit on the girls in your group, try to impress them with freebies and short one liners, and spin off back to his cash box, all in under 1 minute, which is a pretty impressive time I must say. Guy should apply for a Nascar pit crew team, I hear they’re always short on tools.

I have been to Cellar Bar twice now for company events, and the experiences each time has been polar opposites (thus the neutral rating of three stars).
The first time, everything about the venue — from the service to the food — was off. We ordered big platters of hors d’ourves, but what we received was NOT the food indicated on the menu. For example, we requested an antipasto platter with grilled vegetables, but instead we got COLD and greasy empanadas and stuffed grape leaves. The staff was also aloof and not attentive at all to our needs. It took nearly 30 minutes for them to deliver a bottle of water.
The second time was for a much bigger event. This time, everything was under control. The staff was very prompt about clearing dishes and empty glasses, the food was not only delivered correctly, but also tasted great. I would highly recommend the sweet potato baton (a piece of sweet potato on a skewer), grilled eggplant, and phyllo dough stuffed with fig, eggplant, and raisin.
I guess bars/​restaurants will inevitably have rougher nights, but it’d still be nice to have a little more consistency.

Came here for a birthday on a Friday night. Cool venue but, very mixed crowd. I guess that is to be expected given the fact that it is attached to the Bryant Park hotel? One older couple was really awkwardly making out and the woman was sitting on his lap and just like really all over him. Another couple was either about to divorce or about to break off an affair — on their phones the entire time, ordered beers, left them half full, and bounced.
Given all this, I am giving 3 stars because the music was tight and our party was very nicely tended to. Also, I underscore the «sexy» theme mentioned by other Unilocalers; the waitstaff is scantily clad in leather corsets.

I went on a SAT night for a bday event. place is so so trendy but not worth it.
$ 10 pp even though we went around 10pm. That is early for City nights. The place had the super dark — dungeon –medieval feel which i love. But I been to other places similar to this and what felt was a deal breaker is that i bought 2 glasses of wine + a red bull cost me $ 40 bux without the tip. This is not meat packing, its an average lounge/​club feel, music was okay.
— Super crowded to the point a fight couldve easily broken out.
— $ 10 per person admission should NOT have over capacity lounge–
— not enough place to sit
— OVER priced drinks — $ 15 per drink– just go to meatpacking instead!
— 20’s crowd but super pretentious for no reason– kinda lame
— not worth the money
I have many other options better then this place for the same price or less get tons better ambiance and mix of ppl–
alot of ppl we came in with left soon after cuz they kinda felt the place was not all that– although lots of ppl kept coming in we just left after the first drink– too packed to move around and have a conversation and honestly not worth it ! I would not go back here–

If u r or r looking for nelly bottoms, come to this bar! Everybody think they’re owning it but unfortunately for these queens, they’re not!
U have to check your coat in no matter what! I was like, «I’m wearing mine!» He said, «u can’t come in!» He was SO RUDE and SO NASTY!
The emails they send you advertise buy 1 drink get 1 free. Well, it’s not true!
I was totally disappointed! The music was terrible! So me and my group headed somewhere else.
I’m never coming to this place ever again!

Looking to grab drinks in a sexy environment. Cellar’s your spot. It’s very dark and cozy seating. Pleasant waitresses in scantily clad outfits and cool architecture and décor for a basement location. Meant to be low key.
They have happy hour specials but the drinks are rather weak and too much ice. It would call for a few to get a buzz.
The music is on a electronic dance vibe but at decent enough levels to hear yourself speak.
There is no hassle to get in or obnoxious bouncers but this is strictly during afterwork hours.

Service: Good
Venue: Chic/​Classy vibe
Food/​Drinks: Pricey for ordinary quality
Additional details: You can come here on Mondays and Tuesdays for half-​priced wine bottles
The design and architecture of the place is definitely intriguing; With its arches and candlelight chandeliers, it gives off a chic and classy type of atmosphere and also reminded my friend and I of European castles or perhaps a vampire’s lair. In any case, that’s as far as it goes for items that could accumulate this place stars. It’s a bit too dark to see and the prices are above-​average for average food and drinks. Not to mention it’s also loud — so it’s another one of those places where you’d have to scream to the person who is sitting right across from you. At the very least, the waitresses were kind, always had a smile on their faces and had cute, leather uniforms. Oh and the bathrooms were also clean.
Two and a half stars for the interesting venue, attentive service and clean bathroom.

I previously went here for a special screening event, so my review is a tad biased, as it was an open-​bar, intimate gathering of no more than 20 people.
The space at The Cellar Bar is great (if, albeit, small). It has the kind of décor I’m drawn to: gothic with modern adornments, dark (yet the lightning was done well), chandeliers and sleek flooring. It definitely struck me as a place I’d like to visit after work with a small group of friends. The drinks (from what the nice bartender told me) ranged, however, from average to pricey (not too bad, considering it’s in a high tourist area).
The bathrooms were exceptionally clean, and the food dishes were tasty. I’m alright with that. I’ll have to visit again for an experience as a regular customer, but my final thoughts are on the high side for this bar.