We found this little gem through all the possible outlets online recommending bars in Theater District. This one came up alot. It easy to miss this place with no signage so keep your eyes peeled. It is a cozy speakeasy with classic cocktails and food. Our coats were taken at the coat check and we were seated at the bar as we didn't have any reservation. We sat next to a mother daughter duo from New Orleans and it was like meeting old friends. Our bartender was welcoming and friendly. My chickpea fries and Martini were just what the doctor recommended. Loved the warm, alive and upscale vibe here. I would totally go back when in New York and catching a show in the area. read more

What happens when the two reigning Queens of Cocktail (crowned by Peter D. :-) find Themselves in the theatre district after a performance and in need of drinks? Usually, We venture south to Our empire's more familiar territories. But in this case, the Queens in question did Their homework, and booked a cozy table for four at Bar Centrale. Nestled unmarked and upstairs from a bustling Joe Allen's (in the heart of Restaurant Row), few would suspect this little lair of Broadway talent. After a friendly greeting and prompt seating (We thought We saw a genuflect, but it may have been a napkin-pickup), We began to read through the menu -- a random but mouth-watering assortment of upscale comfort food, from steak tartar, to turkey chili, to a grilled fontina cheese sandwich with bacon. We look up momentarily and see an incredibly suave gentleman being seated nearby. That would be Taye Diggs (We then concur that they have incredibly tasty appetizers). We won't let a review slip by without mentioning the drinks, of course, which were a bit of a mixed bag. Our server proudly informed us that their specialty cocktails are Cosmopolitans (We were not amused), Manhattans, Martinis, and...wait for it...RASPBERRY Cosmopolitans. We opted for wine, which came in a huge serving but wasn't quite cold enough, while Her Highness from from DUMBO decided to give the Manhattan a try (see pic for the adorable presentation, complete with a sidecar on ice). After a bit of explanation and substitution suggestions (as they were out of orange bitters), a Martinez arrived for one of Our loyal subjects. The evening's soundtrack consisted mostly of jazz standards and selections from the American songbook, but admittedly, We began tuning things out and imagining Taye crooning favorites from "Rent," "Chicago" and "Wicked." Entrees arrived and were all pretty good, although Our grilled cheese with bacon came in portion more appropriate for a Princess, and Her Highness from DUMBO's meatballs needed a bit of extra seasoning (She likes it hot). Steak tartar was quite good. At this point, We excused Ourselves to the powder room and encountered another familiar face seated nearby, later identified as Frank Langella ("Frost / Nixon"), which was a bit more accurate than Our initial proclamation ("evil / political character across from the bar"). And on Our way out, a petite Marcia Gay Harden passed by with a group of friends. Our ascent to the throne didn't come by knighting every bartender in the Big Apple, so We can't wholeheartedly recommend Bar Centrale if you're looking for the best cocktail in the Kingdom (unless you're into Raspberry Cosmos.). But for a swank, semi-undiscovered spot in the theatre district, and an eyeful of Broadway / Hollywood elite, this fits the (Play)bill perfectly. Tic, tic, tic...BOOM! (That sound was Our review blowing up this spot :-). read more

Bar Centrale - A Manhattan for Her Highness from DUMBO - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Swanky but casual hidden cocktail lounge in an old townhouse. No seriously, you might walk right past this place if you really don't know to climb the front steps of what looks like someone's home and push in the front door, part the velvet curtain, and peek inside. Amal D and I felt like Scooby Doo and the gang investigating some haunted house that we were not supposed to be entering. So glad we did though as we enjoyed an outstanding evening here! Sure, it's a bit pretentious as we were greeted by a lady who asked if we had reservations. Even though the place was empty I decided to play along with the game. In a polite manner and charming smile I explained that we didn't have any but if there was a way to squeeze us in we would be grateful. She offered us a spot at the bar and we happily took a few seats. Personally, I enjoy being at the bar anyway. You get to watch the mixology, and chat with the bartender who was a really cool dude. You get to take it all in at the bar. As old standards from the 40's played overhead, and the small flat screen above the bar had on a vintage b/w Spencer Tracy/Katherine Hepburn movie it really set the tone and ambiance for enjoying the two Old Fashioneds we ordered to drink. As the night progressed we became a bit hungry. I had noticed some tasty plates of food coming out to those around us. They offer a small menu of eclectic bar bites and some entrees. We ordered a few. Curried Deviled Eggs were delicious, and the Maine Lobster & Jumbo Lump Crab Meat Sliders were awesome! I really wanted to take pictures but put away the camera phone as I did not want to look like a tourist. We just kicked back and enjoyed the moment. Plus, the service was great. Our food came out lightning fast, and the bartender took care of us all evening. We never felt rushed or pressured to finish up. Bar Centrale is one of those speakeasies that is cozy and comfortable. Above a place called Joe Allen. It's a sexy little enclave. A mix of booths and small tables to sit at. Kind of a retro 40's appeal and look. Reservations are suggested. Expect speakeasy prices here but pretty much the norm for this type of NYC establishment. If you can't handle the prices, or pretension, better off hitting one of the cheaper dive bars in Hells Kitchen a few feet away. It's a terrific spot for a pre or post theater cocktail and bite to eat, and a hidden gem among the Theater District restaurant row establishments. I'm all about these kinds of bars, just as much as I love a good dive or pub. Just deal with the pretentious air of getting a seat and you are in for a nice time. Definitely a place to escape the Times Square madness, for a date, or fun night out with a friend or two. Plus, you just might catch a few celebrities or Broadway elite in here. Just this evening it seemed half the cast of Mad Men were in here enjoying some cocktails. Boom! read more

This is where I go to escape from the hustle and bustle of Times Square. How to find this place? Hidden above Joe Allen, open the brown unmarked doors. Reservations: Highly recommended, even for a weekday. This place is so cozy and cute. You can sit at the bar, the tables, or for larger groups, at the booths. I would not recommend coming in groups larger than 4. They don't have a cocktail menu but they have the standard drinks. I had a cosmo and it came in a glass and a small pitcher with extra cosmo, submerged in ice. That way, the extra cosmo would remain cold. Love it. Drinks were $16 a piece which is quite standard for Speakeasies. At least it was strong so one strong drink + empty stomach = tipsy. read more

Bar Centrale - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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This sounded like the perfect bar for our visit to the city. The location is great, the place looks nice. But the bartender we had? Solid "meh". Didn't have any suggestions for a rum drink other than a daquiri (really?), and wasn't very sociable at all. We had our mediocre cocktails and left disappointed. read more

Great atmosphere, but horrible service. The hostess is super rude! She acted as if seating is was a huge inconvenience. We live around the corner and will no longer go there. Too bad it is a funky bar. read more

First time at Bar Centrale and it didn't disappoint! Speakeasy ambiance. Friendly service. Excellent wine list. Cocktails looked great. Food was delicious and the portions made for sharing. We were a party of 3 and ordered 5 plates: Chick pea fries, shrimp scampi, brussel sprouts, lobster quesadilla and flatbread pizza . All yummy. The shrimp and the quesadilla were on the spicy side. Also the dipping sauce for the chickpea fries had a kick! Make sure you make a reservation for pre-theater drinks and light bites! read more

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If you're in times square and looking for a quiet respite from the touristy madness, Bar Centrale is your place. In an unmarked building upstairs from Joe Allen's you'll find spacious rooms and plenty of tables for 4 where you can get excellently made standards like Side Cars and Rye Manhattans. As a nice touch, they serve up half your drink in a small glass, and keep the other half on (not in) ice so it stays cold. The staff however is wholly unimaginative. When asked for something "citrus-y with gin and st. germain", they look confused, ask for more direction, and then you literally get back a drink with gin, st. germain, and lemon juice. So stay away if you're looking for creativity and inspiration but if you know exactly what you want, come on in! read more

Food was good, ambience is great, maitre'd was great. However the staff ignored us. We felt as if we were a bother. Drinks were small. Not much effort into recommendations when asked about menu for drinks. We felt as if we were annoying her. Had to ask for the check from a different waiter who had absolutely two words if that for us. Such a shame, great restaurant but would never go back because of service. read more

A really nice place for a pre-dinner cocktail or an after dinner drink. Classic speakeasy type atmosphere, and a nondescript entrance add to the intrigue of coming to Bar Centrale. The bar is small but accommodating, and it appealed to me as I was able to get a spot with a view of the street - and being restaurant row, the people watching was phenomenal...worthwhile just for that! We did not order food but it did look interesting and I will definitely go back to try that also. Great bar spot. read more

My mother taught me to share. But if i do will all of you flock there and then it won't be my hidden gem? If you find yourself forced to be in Times Square this is the best refuge i can think of. Drinks are great. Service is good. and don't forget to order those meatballs. read more

Update: NY Department of health contacted me. I must not be the only one complaining. I Also received a threatening message about my review from Brian T. read more

I love the idea of a speakeasy, and when we found ourselves with some extra time before a Broadway show, I said "I know a great speakeasy in this area where we can get a pre-theatre cocktail." It was my second time here, and thank goodness, because it is the type of unmarked place, found on the 2nd floor of a brownstone, above a restaurant, and you can easily walk past it. There are no drink menus - Bar Centrale specializes in classic cocktails like the Cosmopolitan, the Manhattan and the Sidecar. We had decided to sit at the bar. Sitting at the bar is great if you don't know what cocktail to get - and gives you the closeness to ask the bartender what he or she is best at making. Our bartender for the evening said he specialized in the Cosmo and the Manhattan, but that a lot of people come to Bar Centrale and ask for the Sidecar. Cosmos are my go-to drink of choice, but I decided to try something new, so I went with the Manhattan. It was pretty good and very strong. I forgot how expensive it could be here, $14 for a drink - but the presentation is always a hoot. You get your glass and a side carafe in ice, but don't use the ice for your drink - it's there just to keep your drink cold and contains a little bit of salt. read more

Bar Centrale - The Manhattan - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Perfect drink spot after a show. Classic cocktails done well. Great wallpaper in the WC!

There are plenty of wonderful, cozy bars in Manhattan, with kind people and welcoming service--you should go to one of those, not here. I was meeting a friend after work, and we thought Bar Centrale would be the perfect place to catch up and have a drink. Prepared to be turned away for having no reservation, what we were not prepared for was to treated like we were intruders, especially when we were both ready to spend liberally to have a nice evening. Was it because we looked young? Was it our clothing? (I looked all over myself for wrinkles) Were we not their perfect ideal of customers? My friend arrived a few minutes before me, and was seated at the bar, after apparently being cautioned that her seat would not be available after 10pm (it was before 8pm at this point). I walked in and we enquired whether or not we would be able to sit at a table at which point the hostess launched into a spirited but rather nonsensical diatribe about how "this isn't one of those places where you just seat yourself." Quite fair, but we were waiting for her blessing, and the bar was empty save for 3-5 other customers. We were then informed that the tables would be taken after 9pm--again, not a problem, and probably necessary information, but delivered so rudely I was wondering whose foot I had stepped upon without noticing (were my shoes too modern for them?). After looking around at all the empty tables surrounding us, the hostess spared no show of anger while checking the system for what table (mind you, we hadn't said we were opposed to continuing to sit at the bar) we could possibly sit at for the next hour-plus. The rest of the staff stared blankly, somehow occupied with nonexistent customers and drinks. We informed the hostess we were leaving; she complimented us on our good decision. Still, Bar Centrale looks like a charming place with tasty drinks and nice food that might be nice to take your grandmother after a show; I am nearly tempted to go back with a reservation and a man to see if I am treated differently. That being said, you, wise reader, should learn from my mistakes. There are plenty of nice places to get a cocktail in Midtown, and you might not even get yelled at! read more

I had just me some friends and we decided to get something to eat-they went elsewhere and I went to Bar Centrale. There is no sign in the front-it is in a townhouse on W.46th Street. I was hungry but not overwhelmingly so-i got a glass of montepulciano and had the fish tacos. It is a very pleasant setting. I would recoomend and return. read more

Bar Centrale - This is the inside of Bar Centrale. - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Came here hoping it's a nice speakeasy. Just turned out to be a bar that's more conspicuous. Drinks menu is normal. Nothing special about it

A friend wanted to go here and made us a reservation, we were a bit late for it (which we acknowledged when we walked in) and they were very nice about it. The hostess was super pleasant and we had a personable chat about where we were coming from and what we thought of the show. The man doing coat check was equally friendly. The atmosphere is dim but not dark and it's go a very intimate vibe, lots of seating and a nice bar set up. The booth we were given for 3 (with a 4 person reservation and a latecomer) was spacious and beautiful. The music was either unobtrusive or not present, I simply can't remember, but it made it easy and nice to have a conversation. Our waiter was one of the nicest I've ever had in the city. Not only was he knowledgeable but his timing was always perfect, and even stopped to talk with us for a few minutes. We got the chickpea fries and the deviled eggs, both of which were fantastic and full of flavor. The way the drinks are served is innovative and the presentation is excellent. We were not rushed out even when we stayed well past closing (I didn't realize it has gotten so late, I don't like keeping the staff past posted hours). There were still other guests there at the time and the staff was pleasant to everyone. I will definitely be back here! I'm a little appalled by how many one star reviews I see on here, I was so excited to write a positive review, we had a great time! read more

Walked in at 9:15 for a cocktail. They're known for their Sidecars. The bar was full, save one seat, but EVERY table in the joint was empty. Oh, they don't allow standing. The less than friendly woman who works the front door decided we weren't going to have a drink. She said the tables were all booked. I reminded her we just wanted a cocktail. It wasn't even 9:20 and even if a post-theatre rush was on the books, it wasn't gonna materialize for another hour. There were eight empty tables. Eight. Was everyone pouring in at 9:30. If they had a private party, a plausible excuse, she sure didn't offer it up. Don't know why they're so mean. But you know when you're being lied to and I didn't appreciate it. Came back to our hotel where a jazz combo was playing in the lobby bar and had a much better time there. read more

I wish I was able to say that my drinks were wonderfully handcrafted, but I could not say that at all. My husband and I went on a hunt to find this place for my birthday, since we both love speakeasies so much! However, this place did not allow us to give it a try. When we walked in at about 830, there were about 5 people at the bar and there were more than a few open tables, it was practically the whole place to be precise. The woman asked us if we had a reservation and we did not, so we left. The unfortunate part about this is that I understand the concept of the speakeasy, your goal is to keep it hidden and to keep your regulars, but what happens when your regulars don't exist anymore, what will happen, when you will need to fill these gaps with new customers? I was highly disappointed about this place, since I took my husband to Philly to go and find speakeasies there and we spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars, and here we could not even get our foot in the door here. Maybe it was better off that we went to another hidden gem that served us great cocktails and gladly accepted our business. read more

How many times have you had a situation like this? "Hey! I'm in town staying at the (blah blah bland Midtown hotel) and seeing (blah blah random show) at (blah blah blah o'clock) - do you want to meet for a drink nearby?!" Um. No. No I don't. Not really. But I guess I'll be accommodating and try to find a decent place that isn't the Hard Rock Cafe. Yeah good luck with that. But with Bar Centrale, you're in luck! This is the perfect, quiet, cool place to meet your tourist friends without feeling it necessary to wear a trenchcoat and giant sunglasses. It's housed in an unmarked brownstone, so it has that "hidden" quality to it, but it's not difficult to find; the wine list is great and sold by the 1/4 liter (a great measure for one gigantic lush-approved serving, I must say); and the service is competent. A nice, mature place that's quiet enough for chatting and yet still has that artsy, theater crowd feel to it. read more

Like most people who fancy themselves New Yorkers after living here only five years, I HATE going to Times Square. Not only do the flashing lights make me feel like I might have a seizure, I've long been of the impression that there's nowhere you can go that isn't completely infested with tourists, overpriced, and generally lacking in overall quality. I've been wrong. Bar Centrale is the oasis you wish you'd known about the last time you had visitors in town who insisted on seeing Wicked. It was a speakeasy before being a speakeasy was compulsory, and it's a speakeasy for a reason--this is where the locals come. Last night we spotted more celebs than I think I've ever seen in one place--but I'm not naming names, because I am no starf%#ker....except when we're talking about George Clooney (cf. Allen & Delancey). BC reminds me of a modernized Lenox Lounge--art deco-style in design, done up in a purple and zebra-skin palette. They have a full bar, and though our eyebrows raised in worry when our server told us they were known for their cosmopolitans, they actually made a delicious Manhattan that pleased even J, who is no softy when it comes to classic cocktail evaluation. The menu is an amusingly eclectic mix of simple comfort food--shrimp cocktail, guacamole, grilled cheese with bacon, steak tartare, veggies & hummus, pizza. My lamb meatballs, though under-seasoned, were fresh and tasty, and our sauteed brussel sprouts with pancetta were excellent. It all costs slightly more than you'd like to pay, but can you really put a price on a pleasant and solid dining experience in Times Square? I didn't think so. read more

I don't want to say too much because I don't want other people to discover it. Great cocktails and tasty finger food. Feels like an oasis in the middle of Times Square mayhem. read more

Midtown dwellers, rejoice. Psst, there actually is a great bar in your neighbourhood. Prohibition-time cocktails are served, jazz plays in the background, the TV screens black-and-white movies and you can actually hear yourself think in here. No, seriously! I was here with James F. on thursday night. Wonderful conversation, perfect sidecars (what cute presentation too!), yummy bites. James, right said. What a perfect way to end an average day! ------- P.S: Q: Since when is Cosmopolitan a classic cocktail? A: Shrug. Since Sex and the City, I suppose. read more

Oh Bar Centrale how I wanted to like you SO much, but your hostess with the super short brown hair ruined that for me. Maybe it's just me, but I don't think you're exactly my vibe. I just can't seem to gel with an establishment that yells at their patrons. It's too bad because I was ready to chill there all night and buy all the drinks. This was our first visit and yes, I understand it was a high class place, but there is zero need for a hostess to bark at a customer regardless of the situation. My sister, friend and I were dining and drinking when my sister spotted a famous person. This being her first visit to NY, she was excited. She jumped up and asked for a picture. She chatted with him for a few minutes then he left. The super short haired hostess was having a drink at the bar and raised her voice to my sister as she walked by, "just so you know, we don't do that here, don't ever do that again". But it was in the most condescending tone ever. So, here is what was irritating... Her tone & the fact that there was no way anyone should have known these supposed rules ahead of time. We were all infuriated at the tone and rudeness of the hostess that we wanted to leave as fast as we could. We paid the bill and upon exiting, my sister apologized for her excitement, but suggested that the hostess was rude with how she instructed her to behave; to which she replied, "ok". At this point my blood was boiling with the fact that I had given this establishment any amount of money to breed this type of customer interaction from its employees. I couldn't wait to head down the street to a less pretentious bar, with far less attitude. I 100% understand that the hostess was upset that my sister approached the famous person; however, THE FAMOUS PERSON WAS HAPPY TO OBLIGE! Also, there was literally no way for anyone to know that "we don't do that here". There aren't any rules posted and if that is in fact the case, when seating us, she could have politely explained that if we see a famous person to sit tight. She really put a damper on our evening. Maybe it was because she was drinking while working or because she was on a nightly power trip, but she had issues. Home girl needs to learn to assume innocence instead if yelling at a customer. Definitely WILL NOT be back. Waste of money and time. Thumbs way down. read more

Like a lot of people I work midtown but play downtown. Bar Centrale offers a good reason to stay in midtown. Stepping through the doors of this townhouse feels like stepping back in time. I kept having visions of Bogart greeting me in a white tux. While it's classy it didn't feel too highbrow or pretentious. They let me in so it's obviously not that exclusive (I'm pretty sure I only got in because of my cooler, classier companion Madhuri ). Just to be clear, while it is an unmarked speakeasy, they do traditional cocktails here. Sidecars, Manhattans and Cosmos (?). You won't find the more exotic cocktails (like at Huckleberry, DOC) here. Fine with me because the sidecar was best I've ever had. I was a little taken back when bartender instructed me on how to drink it, but seeing the presentation of the drink in a beaker on ice, glass with sugared rim, it was obvious he was a perfectionist. I usually like to sample a few different things but I stuck with the sidecar because it was so good. The food was a mixed bag. The fish taco was very good, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The guacamole was well guacamole. It wasn't bad but didn't really stand out. The worst part of the night is leaving here, pushing through the throngs of people on your way to subway realizing you are in fact still in Times Square. read more

Call for reservations 1 week in advance. When we called for reservations, we told the hostess what show we were seeing and she knew exactly what time to put us down for. It's a cozy, convenient, affordable, little spot to have drinks and food after a show. This theater district bar as a great vibe and ambiance. I will definitely be back! read more

Avoid this place. My friends and I went there once and had a nice time. SO, we decided to go again on Friday January 23rd. We arrive at 11pm and the place was empty except for3 people at the little bar. Well, the host (brownish/blonde middle aged man) asked if we had reservations. We said no, we were just here for a drink. He said in a snotty attitude "We're fully booked". I looked in the room and said "wow, you look really busy" So, we just left. While on the steps outside figuring out where to go, the nasty host came out and said "Oh, we got a cancellation if you guys want to come in" I wanted to say something nasty back but instead, I said, "No, no thank you" This place is overrated, overpriced. In addition, it's employs rude people who apparently enjoy keeping an empty bar in these great economic times...plus courtesy and respect is just plain nice. Avoid this place. read more

I love pretentious. It's right up there with snooty and condescending. No celebrity sightings but I went for the sidecars and for the ambiance. I didn't make a reservation but managed to snag a seat at the bar. Two perfect sidecars and a very tasty recommended shrimp quesadilla later I left feeling warm and toasty. Did the bartender need to point out that I was paying with my husband's card?Probably not. But isn't that what pretentious,snooty women who dine out on their husband's dime do? Yeah, I love me some pretentiousness. I fit right in. read more

Something different , pretty kool idea on turning an apartment into a restaurant. good food and friendly staff

I wish no stars was an option. I'm writing yet another bad review for this place. Management SUCKS! Done and done... Please don't patronize this place..they really are undeserving. Walking in at 8pm to an empty...I repeat EMPTY bar and restaurant...we were turned away...even just to sit at the bar!!! All because we didn't have a reservation! SKIP this place people...seriously...skip it. read more

We usually go to Joe Allen's after a show, but heard about Bar Centrale from a friend. The unmarked door is fun as we apparently have been walking by it for years. The drinks and service were good, and the staff was very friendly. We had fish tacos and the lobster quesadilla and both were suprisingly good. No celebrity sightings, but a great place to stop by before or after the theater, and we will be back. read more

We went there last Friday, and unfortunately I was very disappointed. Atmosphere: The place was nice and cosy, but aside from that, everything was terrible from the service to food. First, we were "greeted" with utter rudeness. Our friends had made reservations earlier that day, and were seated across from the door. Upon entering, we mentioned the reso name to the hostess, she said that she did not have them on the list. So we pointed to where they were sitting with a description of what they looked like, she walked past them to a random stranger at the bar, came back and said that no such person existed... Food: We ordered a hummus and vegetables appetizer. Being middle-eastern and having prepared hummus many times, this tasted nothing like hummus, it was simply a bowl of blended can of chickpeas; I didn't taste a hint of tahini, garlic, or lemon juice. We also ordered a plate of salsa and chips, the salsa was TOO spicy - again, as a middle-eastern we can handle our spices. This was terrible. We had a thin crust pizza, it wasn't too bad. Unfortunately, gratuity was included in the check, otherwise we wouldn't have paid as much of a tip as we were forced to pay. Also we were a table with 5 people, and they wouldn't take more than two credit cards, which I've never problems with in any other restaurant. read more

I have returned again and again! Bar Centrale is a cool place (in the truest sense of the word) to have a few drinks and entertain friends. Thank you very much! read more

"Post-Theatre Central" Bar Centrale is super sexy and embodies a speakeasy vibe without the hassle. The martinis and manhattans are served in the most eloquent way that you can't just order one. Staff is friendly but busy with drink prep. Besides the fact it's so close to the Theatre District...you don't know who will show up. I have personally seen Sutton Foster, Avenue Q gems, and the like. Tucked away above Joe Allens, it is definitely a place to come with friends. read more

If you're ever stuck in Oz (Theater District) and need out immediately, lift the curtain to this unmarked bar which, although a haven to broadway performers/producers in the know, is like a little piece of east village imported to tourist land. It has a hip, casual feel with fun trompe l'oeil decor but due to its popularity, you might want to make a reso to ensure you get a table quickly. The owner/bartender/staff are incredibly gracious. It's always good to know you don't have to rely on clicking your heels to get to a place that feels like home. read more

Seriously, I don't care what random celeb may or may not show up here. This exact exchange actually occurred: "Hi, what would you like to drink" "I'd like a Pimm's cup." :::: blank stare ::::: "Umm, a Pimm's Cup?" "So you want a glass of Pimm's?" The waiter, instead of asking the bartender, literally brought back a glass of Pimm's!. The bar is nice and cozy but honestly learn to make a drink that doesn't have all the names of the ingredients in it. read more

I was blessed to have the opportunity to rekindle a past relationship. Sure, let's meet at Bar Centrale! Taking reservations after 5:00pm, we had a cozy table 7:30 table, and from a fabulous wine list, enjoyed a reasonable bottle of French Merlot. Just the right ambiance for a whispering chat. Jahtzee! We ended up starting out again. Bar Centrale, always my go to place in New York. read more

Really cozy spot hidden in a regular looking brownstone. If you can open the door, its safe you have not reached a residence. It must be a big after theater crowd because as we approached at 9pm on a Saturday night we were told we could only have our table for an hour, because the entire place would then be booked! I appreciated the warning and that upon exiting the server clearly explained how their reservations work. I liked that they didn't need a fancy cocktail menu. They serve classic cocktails, so just order what you want. I loved their sidecar, but fair warning a cocktail will run you like $16. So go here for a splurge and take in the intimate decor (was that zebra printed wall paper!) Definitely some fancy pants stuff, totally called for in this part of town. read more

I love my mixed drinks and I'd say I can tell a well-mixed drink from another. Bar Centrale, beyond its hard-to-find nature, makes the best sidecar I've ever tasted. Forget Little Branch, Death & Co and the likes, Bar Centrale has hands down the best sidecar. From the way it's served (in a little beaker on ice) to the sugar rim, not a single details is left out. The drink is strong enough that my friends were hungover the next day (though we all left very happy that evening). Food is also rather good. The guacamole is not to be missed, adding a spicy kick that kept me going back for more. The fish tacos are some of the best on the East Coast (though that's not saying a lot - let's just say I would have ordered and eaten an entire order by myself). The pizza flatbread was also quite good though probably my least favorite dish of the night. If you can find it, check Bar Centrale out for its Sidecar! read more