Hands down the best date bar I've found in New York. I came here on a date and everything just clicked. The cocktails were perfect, the staff were great, and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the atmosphere pulls off something rare: you feel like it's just you and your date even in the middle of a crowded city.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] That's exactly what you want from a spot like this. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Intimate, warm, no distractions.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The night ended well, let's just say. I'll be back. read more

Brought a bunch of my managers in for a hangout after a long shift and had an amazing time! Zule took care of us and even though they were busy, she was very attentive and kept our drinks full. We'll definitely be back read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambiance: a cute small bites and bar! They have a lot of seats available and we didn't have to wait.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service: the service was great. They don't rush the check and great place to yap! Food $$: They have small bites but we got cocktails! Audience: Solo Trip [X] Family Friendly [ X] Friends [X] Date Spot [X] Recommendations/tips: I recommend it here! read more

Ampersand - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Big fan of the intimate dark atmosphere! Chill bar, good for chatting after dinner.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Really kind service even though we came around closing time. We tried the old fashioned and the todo bien as recommended by the bartender, really solid options if you are into whiskey and a sweeter drink respectively. Can see this being a go-to spot! read more

Ampersand - old fashioned, todo bien - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Dark, divey bar (not that there's anything wrong with that!).[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Friendly and attentive bartender, great nibbles and drinks. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Nice cozy cocktail bar with a modern vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Limited food menu but we really enjoyed the cheese plate and buffalo cauliflower. Drinks were great, carefully and expertly prepared. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Note from the outside it looks a little worn, and there is only a stylized '&' sign to mark the location - we actually walked by it before turning back.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Great place, we will return. read more

Excellent cocktails! Menu is small but delish. Staff is always helpful. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Nice intimate energy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

Came for drinks and had a pleasant experience. Was seated quickly despite the post work happy hour crowd. Drinks were very tasty and service was great. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Nice ambience for date night or catching up with friends.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Would absolutely come back. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]place does't take resys and can get busy after work but its a super cute vibe[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] bartenders are great and very versatile / creative [[HIGHLIGHT]]dark sexy vibe[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]would return tho it is a little cramped inside[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

I came Saturday night around 8:30 and got seated almost immediately! But that's where things went a little awry where we didn't get our drinks for 40 mins because our server forgot to put in our drinks. But we got free shots out of it which was nice! I tried the Amperoni (7/10 I just don't like Campari that much) and the hot one (10/10 not too hot but delicious!) just don't come here if you're on a time crunch! read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]It's got a cozy vibe and incredible drinks.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a hidden oasis in the middle of the city.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Chill spot to hang on a Saturday night. My friend was celebrating her birthday here, so I dropped by Saturday around 8:30 pm and to my surprise, it wasn't too crowded. There were some empty tables both in the front and in the back. The rest of the group had already been here for a couple hours and were multiple drinks and cheese platters in. Apparently the cheese platters here are tiny, as I heard from my friends. I asked whether they could make a mocktail, and they were able to make a delicious cucumber-based mocktail for only $7. I was very pleasantly surprised! Their cocktail menu is extensive and most drinks run $16-17 which isn't bad for New York. I didn't order anything off the cocktail menu, but everyone else enjoyed their drinks. read more

Ampersand - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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During a recent New York City trip, I decided to search for a local cocktail bar. Ampersand had great reviews, and I checked it out on a weekend evening. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Thankfully, it was not too crowded, and there was ample seating both at the bar and on the floor.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service was mixed; there was only one bartender and it took a while to get his attention. However, I thought the drinks were well-made, and he had an approachable demeanor. They do offer a cocktail menu, but you can also order what you would like off-menu. Both drinks I tried were great, and I could see myself visiting again if I was in the area. read more

Came to grab a night cap and [[HIGHLIGHT]]love the ambiance.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We enjoyed the shrimp tacos and cocktails. We had a hornets nest cocktail and margarita. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Overall nice spot to relax and wind down the evening![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Decent food and polite service created an acceptable visit though delays minor issues and average presentation kept the experience from feeling special or memorable overall for most casual dining occasions. read more

Went to Ampersand on a Saturday evening around 9:30/10 with one other person. Based on other reviews I had expected (and was dreading) a wait but was surprised to see that there were a number of tables open. Thought I am not a huge fan of cocktails, this spot seemed to specialize in them so I had to try at least one. I opted for the poblano sour which was mezcal based. It was pretty good! I sort of wished it had a salt rim because I'm a sucker for a rim but the actual cocktail itself was slightly savory?? so it was fine without. It went down very easy and I enjoyed sipping on it. Opted for a tequila soda after and it didn't taste very strong so I'd say for those who want heavy pours on a night out this isn't the best. Shoutout to the waiter though, he was very warm and welcoming, I enjoyed being served by him!! read more

Ampersand - poblano sour - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Cute date spot, plenty of two top tables and same larger ones for groups.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Food was good but the cocktails were definitely the highlight read more

Went out with the hubby to meet up a friend visiting from out of town. It was a Thursday night around 7:30pm. The place was full, but not overly packed. We were able to get a table quickly with barely a wait. We were there to grab drinks before dinner reservations at a different location, and the waitress who took our order was really sweet and patient. She seemed very knowledgable about the drinks on the menu and made recommendations based on our preferences. We enjoyed everything she recommended and was able to try some things we didn't initially think to order. The bar has a very intimate and cozy feel to it. Perfect for date nights or meeting up with friends. While the noise level was moderate, we were all able to have a conversation without resorting to yelling... which is a perfect level of background noise 10/10 would come back here again. read more

I can't say that this is a go-to of mine but whenever I'm there, the drinks are good, the food is good, the service is good, [[HIGHLIGHT]]the atmosphere is good[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], etc. I'm not sure what would push this to amazing but it is a very solid bar. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Industrial and cold, yet somehow incredibly cozy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I'm not sure how they pull that off. Excellent bartenders. Great drink creations. Friendly and quick. The few appetizers were delicious. Easy location. read more

This Ampersand keeps me coming back for more. The service quality exceeded expectations once more. The food tastes fresh with just the right salt level. The meals remain reliable. From my perspective, the cost is reasonable. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Really loved the vibe of the space and had a nice lively crowd.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The cocktail that my wife ordered was pretty decent and strong, but they had basically no non-alcoholic choices, and I mean not even sprite or ginger ale. Considering the other great cocktail spots in the area, was a bit of a let down in this respect. Otherwise a fine choice for a typical beer or cocktail with a friend read more

This is a cozy, inviting bar. It does get a bit loud so you have to raise your voice to have a conversation but it's not too bad. They have a great cocktail menu with lots of gin and tequila options. The Hornet's Nest was sweet and fruity. The Hot One was only subtly spicy, but had a nice tangy taste and a flavorful salted rim. For food, their portion sizes were a bit on the smaller side. The buffalo cauliflower was tasty. The breading was fried into a hard shell so it was quite crispy. Their guacamole was chunky and fresh. Our waitress was not the most attentive but overall, service was pretty quick. read more

Fun and cozy bar! Great for a date night! Ambience: this place has a really inviting atmosphere! It's dimly lit and has tons of space, but does get packed! So come early! It's also pretty loud. I sat at the bar, and loved it the spot! Drinks: I ordered the hot one and it was hot!! I loved the spice that the jalapeño added! There cocktails have really fun names and are creative Food: I ordered the guac and chips which was definitely the right choice, couldn't go wrong! Service: the bar tender was attentive and didn't rush us! Price: on par with other cocktail bars! read more

This place was full of life, the smell of eucalyptus, and the sound of playful throwback pop sounds on a Friday night. We had a very friendly and prompt server. We ordered drinks and an app. The chips for the chips and guac tasted a bit stale and not very salty unfortunately but the drinks were pretty good. I got the flamingo and really enjoyed it! read more

Ampersand - Flamingo - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Ampersand is quickly becoming my favorite bar in the city. I'm so glad it reopened after a rough winter. The cocktails are amazing. My drinks have always been balanced, smooth, and delicious. They've got a straightforward menu with roughly a dozen options, striking that sweet spot that makes it both approachable and creative. But if nothing jumps out at you from the menu, you can always order based on what you're in the mood for, and they'll whip up something just for you. Plus with a warm, dimly lit interior, this place is so disarming. Perfect spot to wind down with a drink, great for dates and small groups! read more

Ampersand - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

This place was perfect for after work drinks! They even have a Taco pop up here, called Casa Maya, that served some kick ass tacos! First of, I want to say our waiter was super friendly, kind and efficient. He never rushed us when we took some time, perusing the extensive cocktail menu! For the tacos, I got the shrimp and fish, which were both very delicious. You won't even feel bad for being forced into buying food with your drinks. I got the poblano sour, which was the perfect mix of mezcal, lemon juice and simple syrup! I really liked their penicillin as well. We will most definitely be coming back for more! read more

This is my favorite place to go to! The bartenders, Melissa and Evan , are amazing and there couldn't be a more friendly and positive server than Justin! The cocktails are A-1! Highly recommend coming here read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Love this place for a date night spot.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The decor inside is just beautiful and so romantic (but also a great vibe for a group of friends)[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] and the drink selection is really nice. We were able to walk in and get a table so that was a pleasant surprise. Great service too read more

Cute cocktail spot in Gramercy. Inside has a cool vibe and played fun music. Didn't get any food but the drinks were good. I'd recommend one of their spicy cocktails like "the hot one". The dirty martini was good but very olivey. read more

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Came here for a drink to network with someone and had the Oh La La Spritz. It was good and servers were nice. After 7:30, it was filling up but still not too loud to have a conversation. I liked the glass water bottles with imprints for the fingers to grip it. There are QR codes on the table. They play retro music. Tables and stools are small. read more

Low key bar with outdoor seating option. Good for going with groups. Due to acoustics, it does get a bit loud inside so not ideal for a first date. Staff was friendly and drinks served very quickly. Good to go if you're in the area already or if Rolf's is too crowded. Not worth traveling to visit but a good bar for locals read more

"For years I have drank from its trough of honey" What a great spot in a neighborhood that mostly has a sea of pedestrian bars and restaurants. Great drinks, wonderful atmosphere, and cool crowd. A place for happy hour or late night. Better for couple or small groups. Pros inventive, tasty, and well prepared cocktails. The Oaxaca old fashioned is a favorite. - seating: bar, large and small tables and outdoor space - bartender than know their stuff - great selection for every taste - dark, trendy decor ....the way a bar should be - about the right noise level Cons - A little pricey, but fair for what you get - well, this hood isn't the center of nightlife read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Super cozy and I love this neighborhood gem.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I always feel super relaxed when I'm here and would love to stay in the neighborhood :) read more

So I was here a few times with my gfs and they told me this place was an online date meeting spot. This is pre-pandemic of course. Now, it was empty on a Saturday night. People think I know all the hot spots because I am "Elite" (don't get me wrong, I love being one, but sometimes the pressure), but I honestly hate picking places to eat and usually ask my other Elite friends for places. This time, I chose this place all on my own so I am very proud. I had a boozy brunch downtown with a gf before meeting up with an online date last minute so I just picked a place close to him. I arrived earlier so I got started and got the Flamingo. I replaced the mezcal with Tito's and it was yummy! A watermelon soju kind of moment done right aka no soju. It came with a flamingo toothpick so I took them to give my gf who collects them, but I don't know where they went so...I guess it is more the thought than execution... Would I make my way to go here? No. Will I go here for a Bumble or whatever app date? Heck yeah. Let's bring tradition back! read more

Classic. Stylish. Fantastic. This bar offers a unique blend of true cocktail drinks without the typical pretentiousness one might expect from a bar of this caliber. My friends and I came here on a busy Friday night without any expectations and were blown away by the drinks menu. Pages of cocktail combinations and a bartender that served us pretty quickly amidst other waiting customers. The lighting is smooth and dimly lit, perfect for a true evening out with coolness. Many of their drinks looked outstanding including the Oaxaca Old Fashioned - mixed with mescal and erved exceptionally smoky. I ordered the negroni which contained the perfect combo of ingredients. The music was non-intrusive lounge. The bar had plenty of seating available while the walls were industrial and polished: a nice mix of classy chic and authentic rustic. A+ service, drinks and ambiance - what more could you ask for? read more

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We hit up Ampersand for a pre dinner cocktail and quickly realized we needed an excuse to came back another night. Fantastic drinks made by talented tenders. Two visits on a 4 days. read more

Ampersand - Bottles, Bottles and Beer - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

For me and my taste, Ampersand has the best cocktails in Manhattan hands down. Must order: "The Hot One" (aka spicy margarita) $14. Things that make this the most bangin cocktail= *their willingness to scratch infuse a jalapeño tequila *made with tequila blanco and not repasado or some crappy yellow gold tequila *the extreme spiciness is beautifully offset with sweet notes of pineapple and much needed acid from lemon *who doesn't love a garnish of chili salt and a fresh jap. They should really rename this cocktail "The Balance" because it is that and more in a nutshell. Also I just drooled on my phone typing the description out. Ampersand gets slightly to severely packed most nights. Seating at a table or high top is selective but they offer ample seating at the bar. Although this place gets crowded, I honestly can say that I've never waited more than 5 minutes for my cocktail/s. These bartenders are experienced and my cocktail is always consistent which is important. Nice cozy date spot because it's intimate & dimly lit! ...also an appropriate bar if you need to meet friends out for drinks but don't wanna put makeup on this is a great spot because you can't see shit :) read more

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Let's start this review off by saying I'm a grown adult man, not some little hipster that needs a funky drink, it seems that the bartenders fall into that category too and only serve their kind first. Amazing since we were a large group with very deep pockets and they chose to ignore us the short time that we were there. After flagging down the bartender more than three times, I just got frustrated and got a beer. I was overhearing everyone at the bar bitching and complaining that the drinks tasted funky. That's wonderful and everything, but do your experimenting on people that aren't paying top dollar for a drink in Manhattan. Not a recommended location. Unless you enjoy hanging out with those type of clueless people. read more

Ampersand - Inside - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Ampersand is a charming restaurant/bar in the east 20s. Last night around 8:30 pm it was hopping. There were no empty seats at the bar or at the high top tables in the front of the restaurant. Since we were there for dinner we went to the back and were seated at one of two open tables. I would love to come back at a less hectic time, since I will admit the acoustics weren't great and it was hard to hear across the table. Ordered: Sweet dreams ($14)- I would give this drink 3 stars. It tasted like a cross between a White Russian and a hot chocolate. It was made with rum, creme de cacao, and almond and was served warm with a marshmallow. Strangely it looked slightly curdled although this did not impact the taste. It was very sweet and boozy. I like sweet drinks but somehow this was too sweet. Harvest cider ($14)- this was another warm boozy beverage. I love that Ampersand has a selection of drinks served hot, the perfect way the warm up when it's below freezing outside. This one had apple cider, whiskey and a cinnamon stick. Burger burger ($15)- I really enjoyed this cheeseburger. It was was cooked just as I had ordered it (medium), was topped with melted cheddar cheese and was served with crunchy and salty shoestring fries (and a lot of them!). I'd definitely order this burger again. I would recommend Ampersand. I'm looking forward to visiting on a weeknight to experience it a bit less crowded. read more

Ampersand - Burgers and warm beverages at Ampersand. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York