Employees Only

Claim
marker

510 Hudson St (at nr. Christopher St.)
New York, NY 10014

marker
(212) 242-3021
Incorrect info? Correct your listing
Main categories:

Bars, Pubs & Clubs

,

Restaurants

,

Cafes

Related categories:

Food & Dining

Photos
Employees Only - New York, NY
Employees Only - New York, NY
Employees Only - New York, NY
Employees Only - New York, NY
Employees Only - New York, NY
Employees Only - New York, NY
Employees Only - New York, NY
Employees Only - New York, NY
Employees Only - New York, NY
Employees Only - New York, NY
Employees Only - New York, NY
Reviews
( 30 )
( 8 )
( 5 )
( 0 )
( 12 )

Best

This faux speakeasy hidden behind the façade of a fortune teller (a mask often betrayed by the crowd,...

Worst

WHILE HAVING A DRINK AT THE COUNTER AFTER WAITNG 20 MINUTES FOR 1 gintonic AND A COUPLE OF DRINKS FOR FRIENDS OF MINE AFTER A HUGE OVERTIP I HAVE TO HEAR UNPLEASANTLY TH...

Super Spot!!! 10/4/2007

\r been going to this spot since inception - every couple of months and it never disappoints. glad to see that chris is keeping out persons such as this fella jose and his buddy milosh. no need to bash the bouncer for his ability to recognize lack of class. \r on the review... everything is phenomenal! keep it up! Pros: signature drinks, service, theme, atmoshere, owners + staff Cons: 1 bathroom more
Reply | Report abuse |

its all about Jose! Nasty doormen 9/17/2007

Great service when you can get in. If you go on Sunday or Monday its the best around. If you go on Friday the doormen act as if yr a hobo asking for a quarter rather than a customer. The Sunday/Monday doorman is the nicest gentleman i've ever encountered. the other two almost punched me in the face for just asking to go inside. Fine, I'll go to Diablo and tip them 50 bucks while being treated like a human. Great drinks, fantastic music and dope bartenders but i'll never go back later in the week due to the fact that the doormen must have some unmet sexual desire that they work out by shoving ""customers"" and grabbing women. Hey bartenders!!! These guys are costing you 500 bucks a month in tips. SAD INDEED!!! Pros: Jose and Milosh Cons: certain doormen! bad enough to spoil a great place. WAKE UP GUYS!!! EMAIL ME!! more
Reply | Report abuse |

Mysterious, elegant, wonderful 8/21/2007

I love Employees Only. It is dark without being snobby, with the most interesting crowd. The cocktails are second to none and always delicious. They have a back patio where you can sit and eat, and the steak tartare is the best in Manhattan. It's wonderful. Pros: cocktails, steak tartare Cons: can get crowded on weekend nights more
Reply | Report abuse |

the best drinks and crowed before going out-out! 8/1/2007

Cocktails, crowed, staff....a perfect place for drink or two before hitting the clubs! It's also good for a happy hour! more
Reply | Report abuse |

A tarot card reader and a neon sign reading "psychic" are... 7/10/2007

A tarot card reader and a neon sign reading "psychic" are usually red flags causing most people to shy... more
Reply | Report abuse |

A tarot card reader and a neon sign reading "psychic" are... 7/10/2007

Sam Provided by Partner
A tarot card reader and a neon sign reading "psychic" are usually red flags causing most people to shy away. But if you muster up enough curiosity ... more
Reply | Report abuse |

Classy georgous delicious 5/22/2007

The food drink and service is above average The sauteed oysters are to die for the matahari is the stuff of dreams. I've actually had almost everything on the menu from apps to deserts and let me tell you as a native New yorker this place has raised the bar(no pun intended) Depending on the night it can be overly crowded at the bar especially thus-sat (get a table in the back if you want to be romantic) and it might be hard to get in but that's because there's nowhere left to stand and believe me the doorman is doing you a service by telling to try back later! If it's that packed then it must be that good! There are plenty of other bars in that neighborhood so do the math! Please don't go there and just order a beer the drinks are delicious even to the most discerning- I brought my mother there (before 7 on a weekday) and she has not stopped talking about it since. It's so classy and adult and not as expensive as most places like that in this city. And the bartenders always make you fell special.The crowd can be a bit pretentious but hey it's downtown NY if your looking for a dive go to hells kitchen!(where I'm from) Pros: the price is right for the quality and experance more
Reply | Report abuse |

fabulous late night cocktails 5/10/2007

this is a place for true cocktail lovers... fresh ingredients, highly skilled rock star bartenders, super creative cocktail recipes. go during the week, and go especially during the later hours--the crowd is a little more manageable, cooler and the kitchen still serves tasty tidbits (love the cheese plate, the steak tartar & chicken sandwich) to encourage cocktail experimentation. the garden is nice on warmer days... and you get a nice hot bowl of chicken soup around 4am last call to help you recover. Pros: late night service, awesome drinks, terrific owners with great mustaches Cons: can be strangely smoky more
Reply | Report abuse |

Great place but terrible doorman 4/25/2007

EO has become more popular over the past year or so and the weekends have become somewhat of a zoo. This is a fantastic place to meet friends for a drink (some of the coolest bartenders in town and they have pretty interesting moustaches) or have brunch/dinner (great menu). I would recommend going during the week to avoid the mess and the doorman, who is probably the only downfall of the place. Surprisingly, management has not realized what he does or says to customers entering the restaurant. Frankly, he is a very mean spirited person and on several occasions has grabbed a few girls. Other than that, this place is pretty legit but you have been warned about the doorman. Pros: Bartenders, Food, Ambiance Cons: Doorman more
Reply | Report abuse |

I Love My Neighboorhood Pub! 2/21/2007

I've been going to EO for a couple of years for cocktails. Their bartenders are true artists and make the best Negroni downtown. I finally tried the food recently and was very pleasantly surprised. Everything was excellent and the cheeses and charcouterie were of the highest quality and selection. Although it gets annoyingly crowded on the weekends, it is perfect on a weeknight for a civilized cocktail, old jazz and a lovely bite to eat. Pros: Real Cocktails, Great Food, Good Music Cons: Too crowded on the weekends. more
Reply | Report abuse |

too crowded, slipped money to the bouncer... 1/13/2007

A member of my party somehow convinced the bouncer to let us in--I think substantial gratuity was involved. The bouncer was a bit scary, but no different from a typical New York bar. The bar was definitely crowded to be enjoyable. The drinks were ok, but they were small. Perhaps due to the crowds, the bartenders could not focus as attentively on the art of creating their drink. I wasn't impressed the first and only time that I was there, but given the reviews, I will give Employees Only another try during a time during the weekday when it's not so ""popular"" in order to actually enjoy a drink. Are they open during happy hour, I wonder? Cons: crowded more
Reply | Report abuse |

Simply the best ""non-exclusive"" drinks in the city 11/26/2006

If you can get in Milk and Honey, maybe this place is too pedestrian for you. But, if you're the rest of us, this is arguably the best cocktail joint in NYC. Fresh ingredients, creative drinks, attentive service and enthusiastic mixologists make this a great place to knock a few back. Leave the ""simple"" vodka-tonics and red wine nights for a different place, and order one of their creations, like the Manhattan Cocktail. Then sit back and watch the bartender work his magic. Pros: Great drinks, great service Cons: Crowded (as expected) more
Reply | Report abuse |

LOVE this bar 11/11/2006

Great bar, great crowd. Very good looking overall, and literally the best espresso martini I've ever had. Does get pretty crowded, however, since the bar space is relatively small. Pros: drinks Cons: crowded more
Reply | Report abuse |

Hidden space, nothing special 10/21/2006

Drinks are so-so. Crowd is so-so. Decor is so-so. Only thing that sets it apart is the fact that it's hidden, so you can feel cool showing off to your friends that you know about it. Other than that, though, there's no reason to go here. more
Reply | Report abuse |

LOVE this place 10/16/2006

If you appreciate a well made drink -this is the place to go. Not only are the drinks incredible (I recommend the Ginger Smash), but watching the bartenders make them is a show in itself. Fresh ingredients and happy bartenders are a good combination and they have it here. The food and decor are both yummy and cozy. Nice place to spend time with an old friend -and meet a few new ones. Oh, did I mention that I left my jacket there one night with my keys and IPOD in the pockets and they had it for me the next day with all the fixings inside. Now, that is New York story you don't often hear. Pros: Great vibe Cons: Gets a little crowded at times more
Reply | Report abuse |

Neighborhood spot got too popular 9/17/2006

My girlfriends and I went for drinks around 11pm on Friday night - the guy at the door was an a@@hole, told us to wait, we waited & waited & waited.... so we left. Around 1am, we decided to drop in, give it another try - the same guy told us to come back in an HOUR!!!! I told him I would NEVER be back. Classic example of a good neighborhood bar/lounge that grew an ego & forgot who they are. Sad. more
Reply | Report abuse |

delicious drinks, great low key...yet groovy scene 8/30/2006

happening bar scene, relaxing.....funky cocktails, the sweetest waitress ever. What a find...will defintaly return for dinner sometime, and definatly cocktails & people watching! A TRUE GEM...the perfect combination of style, service, ambiance. Not too fancy...just cool. If I lived in NY I would visit often. Pros: everything more
Reply | Report abuse |

Like eatting a stick of butter and loving it!!! 7/14/2006

Place was amazing and I can't tell enough people they need to go here. After numerous bad experiences dinning out, went here on a recommendation. Drink list was amazing and although not cheap exotic and delicious. Got a beautiful booth perfect to survey the costumed hostesses and wait staff. Most importantly though the food was to die for. Some courses like the salted fish are presented to the table before searing. The pile of salt heaped on the filet practically turned my girlfriend into a ravenous beast; chops watering. The taste was light and perfectly done. I ordered the cheddar crusted chop. Also highly recommended. Two rounds of drinks later and in complete food coma bliss we went for desert. Which held up to the rest with exotic flavored sorbet and a flourless chocolate cake that can't be missed. Only thing disappointing was the fortune teller in front, to busy speaking with a friend, cards haphazardly dealt out in an attempt to appear at work, that we couldn't have our fortunes read. Cheap parlor tricks aside, you must try employees only. So good. Pros: Everything about this place! Cons: nada more
Reply | Report abuse |

Highly recommend 6/10/2006

A sophisticated and stylish place with amazing drinks and great food. I agree that this is a great place to bring and impress out-of-town guests. Smaller and more low-key than I expected, with a quaint garden and mellow dining area. Perfect for a date, and good for a small group. Art deco decor with quirky, time-warp staff. About $25 entrees, $12 drinks, good wine for $35/bottle. Feels like you're a member of private club. Pros: Unique atmosphere, drinks, style Cons: not many entrees to choose from more
Reply | Report abuse |

Nite in NYC...you got it....... 6/7/2006

Great place. You can start the night here with a nice dinner or you can come in late hours for a great cocktails.Either way can't lose.Never too packed , just perfect. I guess, great job by doorman and staff. Good, mixed crowd. Great singles scene but also nice place for couples. Pros: drinks, food, scene Cons: should change menu once in a while more
Reply | Report abuse |
< Previous 1 2 3 Next >
Menu for Employees Only


Summer SALE!!!:
15% OFF all yearly plans
Use year15 at checkout. Expires 1/1/2021

Great West Village location and terrific food without attitude make Employees Only a favorite.

Editorial

  • A mysterious fortune teller at the entrance sets the stage for the elegant, sexy haven inside. The richly appointed interior, meant to evoke a 1920s speakeasy, glows from the warmth of the...

  • 5/29/2008 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Daily, 6pm-3:30am
  • Payments: Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express
  • Neighborhoods: Downtown, West Village
badge