Blue Owl Cocktail Room

I went there on a Saturday night and it was packed. I must admit I was very skeptical at first--normally a crowded, newly-opened, thoroughly-hyped Manhattan lounge is the last place I want to find myself. However, I soon found myself, along with my entire party (8 people) won over. Despite all the place had going for it there wasn't a trace of pretention. The owner, who's name escapes me now, was super friendly, routinely making the rounds to ensure that everyone was enjoying themselves. The drinks were out of site--really creative and perfectly executed. Overall the vibe was surpirsingly warm and laid back. I'd love to come back to this place on a weeknight when it's less crowded and you can really soak up the atmosphere. Pros: great drinks, great service/mgmt, cool decor Cons: crowded on weekends more

Visted here last Saturday on the recommendation of a friend. Place was everything and more than we expected - great atmosphere, very friendly staff, great drinks and music that smacked. Felt so comfortable that we could have been back in SF!!! Pros: Atmosphere, Staff, Drinks more

The East Village has needed a place like this for a long time. A place where adults can feel comfortable going without being overwhelmed by a horde of college students and bridge and tunnelers. The space is modern and sexy, the service is prompt and attentive and the drinks are excellent. I was able to go to one of the opening parties and was impressed with the variety of drinks and the fact that they don't use any purees in their drinks like a lot of places do these days. The menu of classic and classically-inspired drinks seemed well thought out and well executed to me. I will definitely make it one of my regular stops. Pros: Attractive Space, Hot People, Great Drinks Cons: Had to wait in line more

The Blue Owl is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood and has been a great place to meet new people. I've never been much of a gin drinker but am already hooked on the signature 'blue owl' cocktail. The large variety of meats and cheeses make for a classy bar menu. The staff are friendly and welcoming. The atmosphere and music are perfect for romantic evenings or conversing with friends. The Blue Owl is already a personal favorite for after-work drinks. Pros: atmosphere, staff, drinks more

fabulous. amazing cocktails, cool decor, and an owner whose belief in great service comes from years of experience in some of the city's top-tier restaurants--and it totally shows. not to mention a gorgous bartender--hey, it can't hurt, right? i had a party for about 60 here recently, and it was memorable for all the right reasons. thanks, blue owl! highly recommend. more

Don't listen to the other reviews this place was rocking... Took a group of friends here to try out a new place and we loved it. The atmosphere was great, bartenders cute and could pour a drink. Try it out you will like it. Pros: inexpensive, great drinks, great crowd more

Last Night I had a fantastic party at Blue Owl. First off there was no attitude! I made a reservation for my group (we were forty deep) and I was not forced to place a deposit or promise my first born child to gurantee the reservation. Pros: No attitude; Great Drinks; Really good for parties and large groups Cons: None; i love this place more

Terrific East Village joint. This has quickly become the meeting place of choice for us and our friends. Great retro drinks and esp. gin drinks! Great tunes, great sultry feel, perfect food compliment... We obviously love it - see you there! more

Wasn't sure what to expect, as so many new places open to hype - but what a find! This place has that rare combination of class without attitude. Comfortable, stylish, unique, and really cool. But what makes it stand out most is that the service is as good as it gets. Cocktail waitresses who really attended to me, a GREAT bartneder who actually knows how to mix drinks - not just look good. And a nice mix of good sounds, while still being able to talk. What nightlife should really be. Pros: Atmoshphere, Vibe, Quality more

Expecting at the very least, a good drink. Waitress didn't know what types of booze she had. Whatever, they just opened. fine. I moved over to the bar to check out the supposed amazing bartenders. the bartender couldn't make a drink to save her life, my drink was watery and the vermouth was the only ingredient I could taste. Next drink, I opted for a mint julep. I almost ghasped when she asked me for the ingredients. Finally, on to the cocktail list. Word to the wise, New Yorkers are becomming very educated in their drinking so if you are going to do something that is known as classic, do it right. I liked the between the sheets drink, an old favorite of mine. But, and I think this says lots here, the house cocktail isn't new by any standard...It's really an old drink called an Aviation. Good luck boys Pros: nice lighting, good for the hood, has potential Cons: bad drinks be creativ, bad drinks be creativ, bad drinks be creativ more

I've been to Blue Owl a couple times since it opened and I think its great. True the private back room is a little weird but the cocktails are creative and delicious and the menu is perfect for a before dinner or late night snack. The bartenders are fast and clever and the waitresses are generally friendly. This is definately a place I will be coming to often. Pros: Unique cocktails, Location, classy yet relaxed Cons: Small space, only 2 bathrooms more

I had over 15 friends come for a party. We wanted to move some chairs closer together so our group could talk to each other. The manager had a problem with that. Then the waitress told one of my friends (who was standing) that he had to sit down if he wanted to order a drink. Mind you, lots of people were standing and drinking later in the evening. The PR hype for this ""speakeasy"" far exceeds the quality of the place. BTW, the hyped ""private room"" is a long & narrow depressing looking room (and they want $70/person for 2 hrs open bar). Pros: Good PR People Cons: Poor Customer Service, Strange Policies more