This is a great, discrete cocktail bar in the theater district. There are no signs outside and it’s up a stoop, so you have to know it’s there. As a result, it’s not crowded. As someone who lives locally and goes to the theater a lot, I’ve been searching for a bar in the area that isn’t a generic pub. This place has a great atmosphere and friendly staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
nkslider
Took my granddaughter and a friend to MSG for a concert, my son and daughter-in-law tagged along. Neither of them is comfortable driving in the city, hence my chauffer's duties. Where to kill some time while waiting? We found ourselves in the Theater District, and I found this gem. My son was dressed from work, my DIL and I in much more casual clothes but we were made to feel right at home. A few small plates and some cocktails, a lovely space and really nice staff. My wife and I like to hit a few shows a year and this will be a stop before or after. Our server suggested calling about a week prior for a rez and said if you tell them which show you're seeing they'll know when to book you in; very helpful. Bar Centrale made our evening!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Megan Schmeerbauch
Best deviled eggs we have ever had! Ate them all and then ordered some togo to eat back at the hotel... except we couldn't wait and ate them on the walk back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pamela Glick
Love this place after theatre. The varied, often updated, menu of small plates never disappoints.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Malbec, Chickpea Fries, Kale Caesar, Fish Tacos
Ashley Minihan
This place was really fun! It's more a bar with food though than a real restaurant. Keep that in mind if you are planning to go here to eat before a show.
VERY noisy so not a good place for a gathering. But the tacos and wine were excellent.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Quesadilla, Fish Tacos
Chloé Caron
we had two good times in this bar last week. the atmosphere is warm and cozy. the boss is very welcoming. The first night we sat at the bar, and had a great time. special mention for the bartender who is extremely friendly, and who served us very good cocktails. we came back just for him the next day, and we once again had a very pleasant time. so thank you from two French people who enjoyed discovering this hidden and soothing place in a neighborhood with an effervescent atmosphere
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Linda Howard
It’s a fabulous haunt in the best sense. Intimate, with delicious food and drinks. ❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Smoked Trout Salad and Deviled Eggs
Al Bunshaft
Stopped in for drinks before a show. Very easy walk to most theaters. Place is very nice inside. Decor is tasteful, not flashy. Small bar area and booths. A few tables.Entrance is unmarked. Just walk up the steps and enter.Martini/Manhattan style drinks were served with a carafe on ice and a second small glass. See picture. Cool! We didn’t eat there so can’t comment. Friendly service. Prices are not too high. Usual bar prices, $16-$18 or so for cocktails.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
M
On this crowded theater district street hides this little gem. A discreet brownstone door leads you into a dark and classy pre or better yet post theater bar. Go in. This place feels like it is here just for you! Wonderfully professional service from everyone inside. Terrific bartender and delicious and classy cocktails. Regulars and out of owners blend together and all treated with value. The food was top notch and absolutely delicious. I will be back as this bar rose to the ranks of my favorites!
Blink and you’ll miss the unmarked door. Inside you’ll find a serene respite from Times Square. Classic cocktails, excellent wine, and small plates. Make a reservation via phone.
Slava Boyar
Fantastic before a show. They actually ask you when does your show start so that they can time it for you to make it on time. There aren’t many food options, really just a couple of small plates- so you should treat it as a bar only. Otherwise great vibes!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Alexander Rios
The chickpea fries are to die for!
Steven Pulver
Always a good time
Agustin Hazim
I went here on a Saturday evening at 9:30. I was supposed to meet some friends at 10:00 a few blocks away, and I had looked up 'speakeasies' in the Times Square area and this came up. It was the closest to the other venue and looked nice from the pics. As I approached the area where the entrance was supposed to be, I admit I was a little confused about how to get in; no signs, no bell, no knob. I (awkwardly) tried knocking and some people came out. I thought they were a family leaving their home, but they didn't seem disturbed by my presence, so I proceeded to push the door open.The waiting area is very small with a few seats. I was greeted by a very polite young lady with short blonde hair and she offered me a seat at the bar being that I was alone. The front four seats were available and I sat on the center right stool. They have hooks under the bar top where I hung my jacket. The bartender was a lovely young brunette named Juliette. She made me a fine Old Fashioned with Maker's Mark. She was very friendly and engaging.I took the opportunity to look around. The place is very simple and modern without being pretentious. Light grey brick walls, black window frames and blinds, and some soft amber lighting. Before the bar, which is right across from the waiting area, there are some tables with seats scattered aside. To the right of the bar is a strip of booths before a mirror and a bathroom to the left of it. Nice single bathroom as well.I went into this place dressed in a tactical black jacket with patches on it, a black hoodie, black cargo pants, rain boots, and a keffiyeh wrapped around my head and a shemagh around my neck, and I was treated with the utmost respect. To be fair, I may dress a particular way, but I know my manners. I only mention this because I've read some reviews about people being shunned or treated rudely based on this or that factor, as well as being turned away when there's space. I only had a cocktail and a beer and stayed about 30 minutes, but my experience here was very good as far as service and appearance. It's a nice hidden place good a for a conversation over drinks and perhaps a meal. Can't comment of the food, though. Maybe next time I'll get her earlier and have a bite as well. I had a nice little time by myself at Bar Centrale.
This is a great, discrete cocktail bar in the theater district. There are no signs outside and it’s up a stoop, so you have to know it’s there. As a result, it’s not crowded.
As someone who lives locally and goes to the theater a lot, I’ve been searching for a bar in the area that isn’t a generic pub. This place has a great atmosphere and friendly staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Took my granddaughter and a friend to MSG for a concert, my son and daughter-in-law tagged along. Neither of them is comfortable driving in the city, hence my chauffer's duties. Where to kill some time while waiting? We found ourselves in the Theater District, and I found this gem. My son was dressed from work, my DIL and I in much more casual clothes but we were made to feel right at home. A few small plates and some cocktails, a lovely space and really nice staff. My wife and I like to hit a few shows a year and this will be a stop before or after. Our server suggested calling about a week prior for a rez and said if you tell them which show you're seeing they'll know when to book you in; very helpful. Bar Centrale made our evening!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best deviled eggs we have ever had! Ate them all and then ordered some togo to eat back at the hotel... except we couldn't wait and ate them on the walk back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love this place after theatre. The varied, often updated, menu of small plates never disappoints.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Malbec, Chickpea Fries, Kale Caesar, Fish Tacos
This place was really fun! It's more a bar with food though than a real restaurant. Keep that in mind if you are planning to go here to eat before a show.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Smoked Trout Salad and Deviled Eggs, Dumplings, Shrimp Quesadilla
VERY noisy so not a good place for a gathering. But the tacos and wine were excellent.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Quesadilla, Fish Tacos
we had two good times in this bar last week. the atmosphere is warm and cozy. the boss is very welcoming. The first night we sat at the bar, and had a great time. special mention for the bartender who is extremely friendly, and who served us very good cocktails. we came back just for him the next day, and we once again had a very pleasant time. so thank you from two French people who enjoyed discovering this hidden and soothing place in a neighborhood with an effervescent atmosphere
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It’s a fabulous haunt in the best sense. Intimate, with delicious food and drinks. ❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Smoked Trout Salad and Deviled Eggs
Stopped in for drinks before a show. Very easy walk to most theaters. Place is very nice inside. Decor is tasteful, not flashy. Small bar area and booths. A few tables.Entrance is unmarked. Just walk up the steps and enter.Martini/Manhattan style drinks were served with a carafe on ice and a second small glass. See picture. Cool! We didn’t eat there so can’t comment. Friendly service. Prices are not too high. Usual bar prices, $16-$18 or so for cocktails.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
On this crowded theater district street hides this little gem. A discreet brownstone door leads you into a dark and classy pre or better yet post theater bar. Go in. This place feels like it is here just for you! Wonderfully professional service from everyone inside. Terrific bartender and delicious and classy cocktails. Regulars and out of owners blend together and all treated with value. The food was top notch and absolutely delicious. I will be back as this bar rose to the ranks of my favorites!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Blink and you’ll miss the unmarked door. Inside you’ll find a serene respite from Times Square. Classic cocktails, excellent wine, and small plates. Make a reservation via phone.
Fantastic before a show. They actually ask you when does your show start so that they can time it for you to make it on time. There aren’t many food options, really just a couple of small plates- so you should treat it as a bar only. Otherwise great vibes!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
The chickpea fries are to die for!
Always a good time
I went here on a Saturday evening at 9:30. I was supposed to meet some friends at 10:00 a few blocks away, and I had looked up 'speakeasies' in the Times Square area and this came up. It was the closest to the other venue and looked nice from the pics. As I approached the area where the entrance was supposed to be, I admit I was a little confused about how to get in; no signs, no bell, no knob. I (awkwardly) tried knocking and some people came out. I thought they were a family leaving their home, but they didn't seem disturbed by my presence, so I proceeded to push the door open.The waiting area is very small with a few seats. I was greeted by a very polite young lady with short blonde hair and she offered me a seat at the bar being that I was alone. The front four seats were available and I sat on the center right stool. They have hooks under the bar top where I hung my jacket. The bartender was a lovely young brunette named Juliette. She made me a fine Old Fashioned with Maker's Mark. She was very friendly and engaging.I took the opportunity to look around. The place is very simple and modern without being pretentious. Light grey brick walls, black window frames and blinds, and some soft amber lighting. Before the bar, which is right across from the waiting area, there are some tables with seats scattered aside. To the right of the bar is a strip of booths before a mirror and a bathroom to the left of it. Nice single bathroom as well.I went into this place dressed in a tactical black jacket with patches on it, a black hoodie, black cargo pants, rain boots, and a keffiyeh wrapped around my head and a shemagh around my neck, and I was treated with the utmost respect. To be fair, I may dress a particular way, but I know my manners. I only mention this because I've read some reviews about people being shunned or treated rudely based on this or that factor, as well as being turned away when there's space. I only had a cocktail and a beer and stayed about 30 minutes, but my experience here was very good as far as service and appearance. It's a nice hidden place good a for a conversation over drinks and perhaps a meal. Can't comment of the food, though. Maybe next time I'll get her earlier and have a bite as well. I had a nice little time by myself at Bar Centrale.
Loading...