The Crooked Knife
540 2nd Ave, New York
(212) 696-4104
Recent Reviews
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This place was… an experience.
We walked in around 4 PM to an empty bar. Greeted (barely) by a tall, gray-haired bartender who looked like he’d already mentally clocked out. We ordered beers, and he poured them like it was his first day — foam overflow, beer dripping down the sides, puddles on the bar. He saw the mess. Walked away. No towel. No wipe. No shame.
Luckily, two younger bartenders — a guy and a girl — showed up 20 minutes later and actually gave a damn. They were fast, friendly, and handled the growing crowd like pros. Suddenly the place had a vibe.
And then… the shuffleboard squad rolled in.
Within an hour, the place transformed into what felt like the afterparty of a 1960s high school reunion. We were asked — multiple times — to scoot down, adjust, make room, shift over. Like, every five minutes another cardigan-wearing member of the AARP Avengers needed a seat at the bar.
We were practically playing musical chairs with strangers in orthopedic shoes. At one point, it felt like we were guests at someone else’s family gathering. No “Hey, sorry,” no friendly banter — just a silent assumption we’d make space. And we did… until it got old.
We were planning to stay the night, but the message was clear: this bar already has its people — and we weren’t on the guest list.
Shame, really. The place itself wasn’t bad. But if you’re under 60 and unfamiliar, don’t expect a warm welcome. Just bring some Bengay and a folding chair — you’ll need both.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 5
Upon entering Friday night there was one spot at the bar, luckily. This seems popular. As a frugal guy, I asked the waitress what prices were for a shot. $8. I almost threw up - but they agreed to cut me a break if I tipped well. Fortunately, I always tip well.
After a great pour of Guinness and a couple shots, I was cheers-ing the whole bar. I would’ve tried the food, but I’m more a Sandor Clegane “I’ll take a roast chicken” vibes. No roast chicken here, only fried. Bottom line: good place to stop for a drink. Making my way to the next bar.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Bartenders George and Emma are awesome! Food is so good. Cant wait to visit again. Thanks for the great experience and your hospitality
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wonderful atmosphere
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steak Kale Salad, Hand Cut Fries
Great place to have a few drinks with friend. The food is great. Lynn, the bartender, is a awesome person
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: House Burger
High quality bar run by industry professionals.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Pot Pie, Steak Sandwich with Roasted Peppers Onions Cheese Sauce on Sourdough Bread Served with French Fries, House Burger
Just visiting & was questioning where I should go to brunch w/ my girlfriend. We settled coming here & it was awesome! Super chill brunch vibe & The bartender Lynn was cool as hell. Great mimosa & food deal. Ask them for a brunch box!!!
Incredible service and great atmosphere for brunch!! We loved our server George he was fun and was super welcoming!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bottomless brunch 7 days a week? Its a no brainer. The drinks are strong. The decor is....different but I do enjoy the flowers on the table. The food was pretty good (sorry, was ravenous and did not take a pic) and I was over the moon with the drinks. They were strong and flowing. I will definitely come back when I visit home again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stopped for a beer
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I love it. Best burgers in town. A must every time I'm in New York.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Probably the best $8 (happy hour) espresso martini you can find in the city
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 5
great service!!!! tara was amazing !!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Calamari, Add Shrimp, Steak Kale Salad
My friends and I went after a movie and had vodka sodas. We only planned to have one, but they were so good we ended up having four each. Hands down the swellest vodka soda in NYC.
Great pub, restaurant! Excellent food and beer, great atmosphere, superb service, fun vibe ! Loved it can’t wait to return!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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