Wxou Radio Bar

Stopped in with a few friends on a Thursday night, looking for a chill place to grab some beers and chat. We passed by WXOU Radio on our way to White Horse Tavern and thought it would be a cool spot. Boy, were we wrong. There were maybe 8 other people in the bar. We roll in, order four beers, pay, and grab a seat at a table. We weren't even settled into our table when the bartender (older, dark-haired, heavyset ""gentleman"" - and I use that term lightly - with an obvious chip on his shoulder) promptly leaves his station at the bar, walks over to our friend who paid for our drinks and tells her that her tip wasn't good enough and that it was ""poor form."" (She gave him 20%.) You know what else is ""poor form""? Cornering a customer to complain about your tip. I would have reminded this guy that times are hard and not everyone in NYC is gainfully employed... but then again, he IS a bartender. If anyone knows the pains of a bad economy, it's a bartender. Newsflash: as a former waitress and bartender, opening four bottles of beer shouldn't automatically guarantee you a fabulous tip. If he was looking for $20 to open four bottles of beer, perhaps he should have applied for a job at Essex House. Oh, and did I mention the dead cockroach on the bottom of my beer bottle and the FILTHY, feces-ridden bathrooms? AVOID THIS BAR. Cons: staff more

This is a straight-up bar. A really great jukebox which is actually updated from time to time. The prices are ridiculously good - especially at happy hour which starts every day at 3pm (1pm on Sat & Sun). The bartenders pour a stiff drink and often introduce newcomers to interesting regulars! Enjoy! Pros: Prices, ambiance, bartenders, jukebox Cons: Crowded on the weekends more

The bartender here was incredibly rude and angry. I've never ever experienced anything like it anywhere. We went to WXOU thinking it would be a nice place to have a low-key drink or two and relax in one of the booths. Boy, we were we wrong! We hadn't been there in a few years and it has definitely changed for the worse. My friend made the mistake of trying to pay for $1.50 worth of her tab in quarters. Yes, it's annoying to get a pile of change, but the guy working there overreacted and had total freak out about it. It was really, really weird. As soon as he started yelling at her, I handed her $20 to pay with but apparently that was too late. He refused to take the cash and then wouldn't serve her. When I tried to order a drink, he yelled at me and then proceeded to ignore everyone in our party. I wouldn't go back until they get some new help behind the bar. more

Great neighborhood place to have a beer. Friendly bartenders with generous portions. Good box of tunes and two tv's to watch the yanks on. The happy hour is very reasonable and you can't beet the two front tables by the window for people watching. Pros: all around bar for all seasons in the west village. Cons: not a good friday night place if you're hoping to hear your date. more

The is a good place to go after work with a few friends. They have a good happy hour until 8, good selection on the jukebox, and friendly bar tenders. Helps to get their earlier to get a booth, the bar is not that big and there's not much extra standing room. Pros: Good happy hour, Good juke box more

Great neighborhood bar- if you are looking for frat boy crowds and a pick up scene- go across the street- if you are looking to kick back with friends and have a couple of drinks in a relaxed atmoshpere with a relaxed crowd this is a great joint. The bartenders are attentive and friendly, the music is good and the beer is cold and reasonable- what more do you need? Pros: not overly crowded, reasonable price, cool bartenders Cons: not much atmosphere more

wxou is a neighborhood bar well worth a visit if you're in the west village. despite being crowded at times, it maintains a cozy atmosphere and has some great bartenders. more