I guess this is one of those love it or hate it type of bars based on the other reviews and I am firmly on team love it. I live in the neighborhood and I sorta made this place my local dive. I usually come between the hours of 1-3 with my friends and the crowd is always great. It's definitely a spot where people talk to strangers. I can't think of a time where I didn't meet someone interesting. I have obviously never eaten here based on the hours I frequent the place and honestly can't imagine them serving food, but the bar staff is definitely interesting and the "DJ" behind the bar is always willing to take a request. I recommend you give this bar a try with an open mind because it's honestly hard not to have a good time at this place. read more

We ended the night here. The place is tiny and an yuppie dive bar. It was crowded in a manageable way, music was good, and the girl/guy ratio was definitely in favor of the girls. I think drinks were reasonably priced. I really can't recollect much else about it, except I wouldn't mind stopping here again. Great for a small group of friends! read more

Went there for a drink while waiting for a table at nearby restaurant. We came in and place was not packed. I wanted to order a few drinks, after 20 minutes and trying to catch the bartender' s attention, we finally were able to order. Stella and Pinot Grigio, simple right!?! Not for him, he could not understand and was looking at me like he saw an alien, also I think it's the only place in the world where the bartender looks down at the floor instead of the crowd. Never again! read more

We drunkedly stumbled here (really just to pee) on our way home from a treacherous day of drinking. The place was empty (it was 7 on a Saturday night) but the music was great. the lone bartender let us dance on the bar (she def had to be thinking we were nutty) and we each ordered a beer (quite expensive I remember thinking but I can't swear on a price). The steps to the bathrooms are so steep I am surprised no one has killed themselves yet. seriously! We were trying to make convo with the female bartender who told us she grew up across the street. It bothers me incessantly when people lie. She was not a native nyc'er. Not sure why this bothers me so much. But it does. We were 3 harmless girls. Stop lying. Next. read more

White white white! Stark white walls matched only by the stark white clientele! Not a huge problem for me, just very noticeable. I came around midnight on a Friday night because some of my (white) friends lived nearby and said Phillip Seymour Hoffman used to go there, and it was packed - beer was $7 so I didn't bother with the crazy crowd to get a drink but they had some Bieber and Selena playing...would have been nice to dance but there was absolutely no room. I imagine this place would be chill for an early evening weekend drink or a late night weekday though. read more

Great happy hour crowd, also fun later on. Always a good mix crowd wise. Kent (the bartender) is the best, always a riot, great music and an awesome vibe. Just an awesome neighborhood joint. read more

Funky little spot on the corner. We found it last minute and hung out for a while (Tuesday night) Bartender was awesome (forgot his name), attentive and friendly. cool simple village vibe. we learned the owner has been there over 30 years and know why! simple concept, friendly & timely service. Small but clean restroom and I loved the old school postcard dispenser in the entrance vestibule. Food was pretty damn good for a "dive bar" Had the codfish fritters fries and nachos (two servings) group of 6 and we were comfortable around the bar. Cocktails are awesome and definitely NOT watered down. We found it by chance but will definitely be returning. read more

Don't let the name fool you. Happy hour till 830 is surely this bars best attraction ($5 wells) But the bartenders are laughably slow and when it's not happy hour the drinks are stupid expensive ($14 for a makers on the rocks). Don't make the mistake of ordering food or you'll be stuck waiting for it and trying to order another drink for 45 minutes. So many great bars in this neighborhood. This ain't one of them. read more

stupid, drunk and badly dressed jerks seem to exist everywhere. i haven't had to shove a man in a really long time, and it was surprisingly easy. hmm. maybe those kickboxing sessions with eric are working. if you're reading this, buddy, you need to rethink your bad suit and step away when girls tell you to back off, no matter how drunk they seem. aside from that douchewad, this place is stellar. the dj was super cool to me even though he told my friend to "shut the hell up" and the bouncer spoke japanese to me and told me i was a great dancer. side note: dancing on bar tops is not limited to bad b-movies with horribly named actresses like piper peraboo. read more

Got rejected with a friend at the door bc of a private party that was going while the other half of our group got in just before and other seemingly randoms got in very easily. Our friend had to come out and get us after. Bartender then told me there was no private party to begin with.... we didn't think anything of it until a couple of our other friends mentioned that they felt the bouncer was a bit racist towards me and my friend when they saw us get turned away from the inside. (I really hope that's not the case) 1st drink took me about 15 min to get ( I recommend getting two drinks at a time as the drink prices are very reasonably) but overall, not the best bar experience for me. However, if don't mind being elbow to elbow with friends and strangers while listening to some fun pop music, do give it a go. It's a very lively crowd. Tip to the bouncer n staff... if ur gunna reject someone at least get ur reasoning straight. read more

There was a period in my life where I went to Automatic Slim's every weekend. And every time I would shimmy my way across the cab seat, stumble onto the street, straighten my skirt, look up and then elbow my friends and go, "Have I been here before?" (Apparently there was also a period of my life where I got black out drunk every weekend.) So, I'd love to be able to tell you about the decor (I can't); how expensive the drinks were or weren't (I have no idea) or perhaps what type of people were there (don't even ask). I can tell you the place is a box. The bathrooms are down some steep stairs. They have a crazy ass ipod hooked up and will play every single GNR song in existence and I know for sure I have been in the middle of the dance floor/drinking area/stairwell/street air guitaring like a maniac and pretending I'm Slash. So, yeah. No idea why I stopped going there... read more

*Bias switch on* As if New York didn't have enough awesome hangouts, here we have Miami's coolest bar, alive and well in the big apple. No, let me rephrase that; alive and KICKING!! What a proper way to be a counterpart; just like in Miami, Automatic Slims is near the "hip" bars and clubs in the Meat Market district, but keeping his distance.... it is as if both franchises would be saying to their stiff neighbors: "I want to be on prime location too, but I am NOT one of you"... and thus, just a short walking distance from Little West 12, this corner bar has everything that my fav Miami bar has; the raunchy attitude, the laid back feel, and the MUSIC... Let me attest to something that will probably make the day of a has-been rocker; I came here last Friday, finding the same mix of 80's expected from Automatic Slims; they were playing "Pour some sugar on me" at full blast, everyone was totally drunk and/or high, I went for the bathroom... I came back up, I make my way to the bar where my friends are, my friend Margarita (who was visiting) was surprised at the rowdiness (and to be honest I was too, a bit) and I was trying to reassure her when the intro of Eddie Money's "Take me home tonight" fills the environment....suddenly the whole place starts screaming, and as soon as the song starts, every voice on the tiny bar starts singing the lyrics along... it was electrifying and I got goosebumps all over (that's one of my favorite songs), I just couldn't believe that a semi-obscure hit of the 80's would garner that much enthusiasm, and from 20 somethings to boot!! I bet that Eddie Money, in whatever Malibu home where he might be reminiscing about his platinum years, would never think that his song is celebrated to this day, and in such a way. Just for that alone Automatic Slims receives an Automatic 5 *Bias switch off* CAUTION: This place gets waaay overcrowded and its very difficult to navigate once inside. You have been forewarned. read more

Nice place to go to for a late night drink. This place is always crowed and music is great

This place had a great Happy Hour. Three dollar beers and four dollar well drinks? Yeah that's right up my alley. Aside from the drink specials though, there isn't much else to this place. It's small, minimally decorated, and the staircase to the bathroom has a ridiculously low overhang than I'm sure hundreds have smashed into while inebriated. But the bartender was a pretty nice guy, and there was a great Ska poster in the bathroom which I enjoyed looking at while peeing. read more

A group of nine of us had a rockin time here last night. Great (if slightly cheesy) music, cheap drinks ($3 beer, $4 well, $5 you call it 'till 10pm), fun crowd...I didnt get the Douche McGouche vibe that other yelpers got..but maybe we just lucked out!! read more

I stumbled upon Automatic Slims after a stroll through the new Highline Park, and discovering this bar was as enjoyable as seeing the amazing garden that's been built up on the old Highline tracks. My husband and I were looking for a spot to enjoy a late afternoon cocktail and an early evening nosh, and Slims satisfied on both accounts. The room is unpretentious but comfortable, and reminds one of a NYC neighborhood bar, pre-gentrification; no designer flourishes, no overwrought, look-at-me Meatpacking district fashionistas, and a mix of customers of all ages, ethnicities and gender preferences. The music playing on a Friday around 6:30PM was perfect for my 40 year-old ears: hip 60's, 70's, and 80's tunes playing at a level just loud enough to be enjoyed - when you want to sing a bar along with Lou Reed or David Bowie - but by no means too loud to ruin conversation or the lazy afternoon sunshine vibe. Service was excellent. All tables were full, and there were a few patrons sitting at the bar, but the bartender handled everyone like a champ: she was efficient, pleasant, and had a close eye on everyone's needs. We ordered food, and got the nachos, chicken tacos, and a side of cilantro rice and black beans - the portions were generous, the food hot, and the flavors interestingly executed. Slims clearly puts some thought and quality ingredients into the food. And if all this wasn't a great enough surprise, our check, for 3 drinks and the above-mentioned food, only came to $38. We probably left at around 8PM, and there was still no sign of the antics described in some of these other reviews. So, it seems there are indeed a few perks to getting older, and doing your drinking before the sloshy twenty-somethings even leave the house at night. read more

The crowd is hit or miss here depending on the night - but music is always good and vibe is laid back and fun. Slims fun little bar in the Far West where the music is the bartender's choice but will inevitably include a lot of fun classic songs we all know and love from the 80's and 90's - despite the tight quarters people tend to get rowdy and dance (sometimes on the bar!) - sometimes a bachelorette party favorite (which can be annoying), but at others can be pretty even. A good random but chill night out kind of place. read more

This is a great bar in the west village. In fact, it quickly became one of my favorite neighborhood spots. The overall size of the bar is small and it gets very crowded as the night turns into morning. The bar is basically set up in a L shape - it is pretty long and narrow and definitely is wall to wall people on some nights. Sometimes the crowd is a very local crowd of regulars while on other nights you get some overflow from the MPD. The music is typically good and the crowd usually always dances. This is a good spot to bring your friends to close the night, especially if they like to dance. read more

my four-star rating really only applies to weeknights before 9 PM. weekends and late night, it's a different bar. read the reviews referring to "automatic hook up" and "stupid drunk and badly dressed jerks" to see what i mean. but for happy hour, you can't beat it. the food is GOOD (seriously, try the goat cheese salad or the shrimp and spinach quesadillas), the happy hour specials are ridiculous ($3 drafts, $4 wine, $4 well), and the bar tenders are really nice. around 9 or 10 PM, big bouncers show up and remove all the tables and chairs to allow this hole in the wall to reach maximum occupancy. they cover the 2 windows with cardboard and set up a rope outside. and i go home. or to dublin. or the white horse. i don't think i'd meet the dress code anyway. read more

If you want a waspy/preppy night in NYC this is it. Packed full of Middlebury/Trinity alumni. the age range is mostly 24-35. It does get a bit packed, its a small narrow place, but if you are looking for some preppy new england finance boys this is the spot. read more

I've been once to the one in NYC and once to the one in Miami, and the one in Miami far surpasses the level of the one in NYC, HANDS DOWN! Automatic Slims in NYC is a small little bar, white walls, nothing too special. I'd say it's nothing worth traveling downtown for, but if you happen to be in the area, why not stop in? When I was there (on a Saturday night), they were playing a mix of top 40 & hip-hop music -- so it was definitely fun, but nothing to make me feel the need to come back... I can get that anywhere. read more

sometimes i would walk down the block in my pj pants for an afternoon beer... and sometimes i would throw on 4 inch heels and a dress and dance all night with my girls. whatever your feeling, if you want something both neighborhood and cool, this place is bangin. read more

Love it. Will most definitely return. Especially if the little table by the window is open. This place is laid back and unpretentious while still having character to spare. And hoo-RAY for happy hour specials! read more

Atomic Phil's (as locals refer to it). Venerable watering hole in West Village. Always a raging good time if you are up for it.

Don't come with the hipster late night crowds. Come for the late afternoon quiet, warm, happy hour. Awesome, chill, cheap.

The density and feel of the crowd immediately brings me back to a BU frat party circa 2002. Oh wait, isn't that...? Hold on - I know you. I haven't seen you since that frat party at BU in 2002! And you know what? It's sort of been too long. If you're in the mood, its a damn good time. Kind of feels like home, you know? read more

I get the feeling this is where the ivy leaguers hang out on the weekends after they graduate. Crowd is late twenties and early thirties and very preppy (even I didn't feel waspy enough to be here)! read more

A very interesting place to hit up every couple of months. The crowd on the weekends tends to be very wild and very "free". The will play the music that everybody knows and then eventually everybody will singalong too. Its a good place if you are single and if you want to meet somebody. As the night grows longer and longer, the crowd gets sloppier and even more care free. Not a bad place to hit up once in awhile. read more

wow... what an awful mess! while i am no longer a college kid, i like to think i can still be down if i need to. this place makes me second guess my coolness. this place is the nyc equivalent to a smelly frat party (a small frat, w/a frat apartment rather than a frat house). the floor is saturated w/alcohol. beer is spraying all over everyone's clothes and hair. my boyf said there was vomit on the bathroom floor. and i wonder why all the girls are wearing their party dresses. oh, and the music... so top 40 in the worst way... i never liked frat parties. read more

I've come in here several times, and it was completely packed. Also, full of douchiness. Not fun at all.

Simply the most entertaining late night bar in the west village. It gets packed around 1am and bumps till close on a Saturday night. The crowd varies there a bit but somehow I am always entertained. You have to be ready for a drunk dance party though. read more

Horrible service. As soon as we arrive they tell us that there is a private party in two hours so they can't serve anyone. What's the point of being open if you can't serve anyone? read more

Woot! Was there with my friends last night! HAD A BLAST! Wish i could recollect the bartender's name! He's awesome! He has totally made our night! And the girl that played our music requests! Thank you guys! I'm so coming back hopefully next week! read more

We walked by the first time and there was a private party occurring until 11pm. After waiting the 30 minutes in another bar we went to Automatic Slims. A group of 6 walked right in and were able to secure some bar stools at the end of the bar. The bartenders were great and ended up knowing one girl's little brother which made ordering all the more easier. A great crowd on a Saturday night, wonderful music and strong drinks. There was enough room for everyone's group to hang out - but still felt like a packed bar. read more

The jams is where it's at here - well at least the night I went. I liked this place, it was a more intimate setting but still had that chill bar feel. I guess that's what you would expect for a bar in the residential blocks within west village. The bartenders were friendly and it wasn't jam packed like every other bar in the city. Great bar. read more

Came here on a saturday night. Place is real small and crowded, not lots of space to move but no line. Music decent, no live DJ, mix of hip hop, top40, country. Drinks standard for the city . Overall was aite. read more

I had heard that this place was really loud and always packed, but I went last night after work and it was empty and they were playing the most lovely and cozy selection of jazz (Ella, Billy, etc). The bartender was so nice and we had 2 shots of tequila for a mere $8, so of course we had 2 more. What a lovely place to spend some happy hours. Good chicken nachos too! read more

Okay so there wasn't anything hugely special to this place other than that it is walking distance from excellent restaurants like Extra Virgin, but then again isn't everything in the West Village walkable? The one thing that I do love about this place is that I gave the waitress a $3 tip for two Bud Lights and thanks to my accidental generosity she gave me free beers for the rest of the night. BOOM! read more

Headed there with my girlfriends, since we heard it was fun from a friend. Turns out to be an extremely fun night, but maybe due to the randomness that was involved. As we exit the cab/walk into the bar, it starts to pour, which leads to us being held "hostage" at this bar. It was pretty empty when we first arrived around 10ish - no more than 15 people (ourselves included - we were a group of 4). But it picked up as the night went on, even entertaining a bachelorette party! Not sure if it was just good company or whatnot, but I'd be willing to check it out again. read more

So loud you can't even hear the person next to you! Although I did get a nice tall gin and tonic with lime. Typical cramped, trendy bar.