Blue Owl Cocktail Room

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196 2nd Ave (at 13th Street)
New York, NY 10003

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(212) 505-2583
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Bars, Pubs & Clubs

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Food & Dining

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Reviews
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( 7 )

Best

Welcoming, comfortable, cool space with what seem to be those rare talented bartenders who really know what they're doing. I've been there on low key nights where it's the best pl...

Worst

A few friends and I went on a Wednesday night at around 8pm. The place was relatively empty, decor was cute--though it's ridiculously dark in there. We grabbed a few seats aroun...

Good Happy Hour - But Know What You Are Ordering First 2/29/2008

The service was fair. The appetizers were skimpy. For $15 I think I should have gotten more than just a thin layer of meat around the edge of a 10"" plate, and three tiny chunks of cheese. But I was absolutely outraged when I looked at my (unitemized) tab. Along with the combo cheese platter, my girlfriend and I had three beers and three cocktail drinks (two of which had been happy-hour drinks). How much do think that cost? Go on, take a guess... Pros: Good Happy Hour Cons: Skimpy cheese platter & overpriced beer - non itemized tab more
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Excellent cocktail lounge!! 2/7/2008

I went here for a birthday celebration with a group of friends. I had previously reserved a spot for us, and the experience did not disappoint. The wait staff and management were extremely courteous and hospitable and made us feel very welcome. In fact, at one point throughout the evening they moved us into our own private room away from everyone else, without it even having been requested. We were very grateful and had a marvelous time! The atmosphere is lovely, especially if you want to experience something mellow and sophisticated. I highly recommend it for those who love martinis, cocktails, or just want to relax in a lovely environment. more
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outta sight! literally. 2/5/2008

this place is downstairs so you gotta find it, but its worth the extra search. creative drinks and a cozy space. i went down there twice last week and there was a dj one night and a jazz band on the other. I went with my girlfriend and we could just chill. seems like a great spot for a date. more
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Check this place out. 2/1/2008

Just visited from Lake Tahoe, Ca. Great place, friendly bartenders, excellent drinks. Wish we had a place like this at home. more
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Great Secret Local Club 1/25/2008

This place rocks! more
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Avoid - expensive, I wanted whiskey not water. 1/25/2008

The only thing this bar has going for it is the blue owl sign outside. The drinks are expensive and watered down. I order whiskey straight up, when the bartender poured the drink he turned his back to me and appeared to pour something else in the glass along with the whiskey. The whiskey tasted very weak. The acoustics are horrible. Admire the blue owls sign from outside, but don't go in. Pros: Great sign Cons: Weak, expensive drinks more
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DO NOT go here on the weekends. DON'T throw a birthday party here. 1/15/2008

I was at the Blue Owl last Saturday night for a birthday party. The bar was miserable for 3 big reasons Pros: Clean bathrooms Cons: Expensive cover and drinks, Slow service more
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By far the best cocktails anywhere, ever! 12/28/2007

Like an oasis in the East Village for those in search of someplace with a little chic but still laidback and chill. This neighborhood is a morass of malodorous dives featuring nasty tangles of posers from out of town. Blue Owl is definitely an alternative to all of the above. Incredible cocktails, (not just drinks) we're talking delicious concoctions with names like ""The Flapper""- citrus vodka, lemon grass vermouth, fresh ginger and fresh lemon juice - my recommendation. Good looking, sophisticated crowd with cool vibe and excellent DJs spinning Rock, Hip-hop and some Dance on weekends. More low-impact on weekdays, perfect for a cozy conversation with a date or friends. Staff is attitude-free, even friendly, and on it, no waiting around for service. Pros: Outdoor patio where you can drink and smoke Cons: little hard to find, its below Street level more
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Two words: ""The Ellison."" 10/1/2007

After a ridiculous ""team-building"" session at work, I decided I needed a drink -- BAD. A friend had heard of the Blue Owl and since we were in the neighborhood, we decided to stop by. I'm normally a wine drinker, but this night I wanted something different, so I asked the bartender to just make me something. He came back with The Ellison. Can you spell S-U-B-L-I-M-E? From the first sip, I could feel my cares melting away, not because of an alcohol wallop or anything, but because the play of flavors was so unique -- refreshing, light, and subtle. I've never had anything like it. It also helped that the staff was so attentive. I never felt like I had to stand on my head to get the bartender's attention, even though it got to be pretty crowded. He made sure to check in with periodic eye contact, but in a very relaxed way, which helped me relax. My friend and I ended up sitting at the bar way longer than we originally intended to because the atmosphere was so chilled out -- the complete oppposite of my horrible day. Thanks, Blue Owl! Pros: The drinks Cons: Can be crowded, but not overly so. more
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""social contract"" bullsh*t 9/18/2007

i signed up just to review this bar because i was so offended. a bunch of my friends met up at blue owl on a friday night around 2:00am. i had heard such great things but was so disappointed by blue owl. Cons: terrible manager - needlessly aggressive more
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I Am A New Gin Fan 8/10/2007

New York isn't the city it used to be. There was a time when I could get a good ""sensual massage,"" on just about any corner. Things certainly have changed. In my attempt at finding a nice place for manual release I stumbled upon Blue Owl. It is below a reputable (boo) massage parlor. I decided that since I couldn't exorcise my demons with the help of a friendly, heavy handed masseuse I would indulge in some of the libations that Blue Owl has to offer. I was surprised when the cocktail list, that is gin and whisky heavy, was presented to me and the man behind the bar just about insisted I try one of his gin creations. I figured why not and I must say it quite possibly one of the best cocktails I have ever had. I don't remember what it was called, but I do recall gin, cucumber and mint being the core ingredients. Now I wasn't planning on having a salad with my beverage but this was delicious. I highly recommend you make your way to Blue Owl and have several of their cucumber cocktails. Cons: The woman sitting next to me gave me a disparaging look when I told her I couldn't get manual release at the massage parlor upstairs more
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SO GOOD! 7/13/2007

Every time I descend the staircase into Blue Owl I know me and my girlfriends are in for a good time. The bar is really nice for happy hour and the drinks are SO good! Pros: nice interior, good drinks, nice people, good service more
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Happy Hour 7/13/2007

I finally found a nice spot that has an consistently amazing happy hour. The drinks at Blue Owl and great and the atmosphere is hip yet classy. Check it out! Pros: good happy hour, fantastic drinks, good clientele more
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If you haven't been, you should go... 7/13/2007

Blue Owl is fabulous. The impeccable service and fabulous drinks are complimented by an impeccable decorated interior. Blue Owl has a great happy hour and bar always seems to be all full with beautiful and friendly people. Pros: affordable, good drinks and good service more
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Great!! 7/13/2007

Blue Owl is fabulous! I've been coming here since the beginning of the summer and the happy hour is great! Wednesday nights are always lively. I highly recommend Blue Owl. Pros: Great Drinks, Great Atmosphere, Great Happy Hour more
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Best Cocktails ever. 7/2/2007

I love Blue Owl. It's in my neighborhood and provides a much needed alternative to the seedy dive bars crowded with hipsters in flipflops and ripped jeans. The well heeled clientele at Blue Owl only add to the blissful state that results after a few ( too many?) of their delicious cocktails. Pros: Great Music, EXCELLET Drinks, Daily Happy Hour, Wonderful Wednesdays Happy Hour until Midnight Cons: Impossible to find!( Downstairs @ 196 Second Ave) more
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Great Place, Great Drinks 6/22/2007

The Blue owl's discreet and intimate setting makes it a perfect place to meet up with friends and have a few drinks. The scene is bumping, some great looking people, although not to pretentious and good music which makes it all the more fun. The staff is great, very professional and helpful. I highly recommend this place to all who are looking for a good time with great drinks. Pros: Great Staff, Great Drinks, Low Key Cons: Can not really think of any at the moment. more
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Blue Owl GREAT PLACE 6/15/2007

I recently had my birthday party at Blue Owl and couldn't have been more pleased with how it went. The staff was friendly and helpful before the party and the service during the party was great. The private room in the back was perfect, it comfortable held all 20 of my friends. The FABULOUS DRINKS and good music are what prompted me to have my party there so I highly recommend stopping by the blue owl or having a private party there. Pros: great ambience, great service, great drinks more
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Best unknown chill bar in New York 5/4/2007

This is the kind of place you search for... incredible drinks, no idiots, great music, your own space. Hard to find... look downstairs fom the 196 2nd St. address, otherwise you'll miss it. Talk to Charles at the bar -- one of NYC's greatest bar chefs -- he'll hook you up. more
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A Touch of Class 4/23/2007

Blue Owl is a great low-key, intimate date spot. Drinks are a little on the pricey side, but the atmosphere oozes sleek and seexy sophistication. I have never been here on the weekend, but from what i have heard its pretty happening. I'm not much of the type to fight for elbow room, so I have stayed clear. But if you are looking for a spot during the week that serves something other than $2 PBRs, this is the place to be. Pros: Chill Atmosphere, Great Drinks Cons: Pricey, Crowded on Weekend more
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Menu for Blue Owl Cocktail Room


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New York Cities Best Cocktails and Parties!!

Owner Message

  • Blue Owl Cocktail Room is the rare bird that features both New York City?s Best Cocktails and Best Parties. Our sexy, plush design and Nightly DJs ensure that you feel the Owl's smooth, easy party vibe from the moment you walk in the door. Blue Owl has been voted winner of "Best Cocktails" for two consecutive years by CityGuide, and our party, "The HUMP", was recently awarded "Best Party in NYC" in the People's Choice Nightlife Awards by Papermag.com, and we were recently hailed as a "Top Wednesday Night Hotspot" by BlackBook Magazine. Blue Owl is about a whole lot of love! A love of good people, good cocktails and good times, and welcomes reservations for private and semi-private parties of 10 to 120.

Editorial

  • A staircase descent delivers neighborhood night owls into a golden-lit, cave-like cocktail den. Amber spotlights flare against rough stone walls and reflect upon the low bronzed ceilings and...

  • 2/22/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Sun-Mon 5pm-2am Tue-Sat 5pm-4am
  • Payments: Visa, Master Card
  • Neighborhoods: Downtown, East Village
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