STEPH C. that is all I have to say about Cornerstone. except for that if she is not your waitress, i'm sorry. she is not only attentive and accurate but has the best attitude! food is delicious. drinks are strong. happy hour is great. recommend! even for karaoke!!! read more

Not a bad midtown bar scene! Super friendly wait staff, decent happy hour specials, and fantastic Truffle Popcorn. I came during happy hour for a friend's birthday, and the bar was crowded enough but not too much so, and the wait staff was constantly available. They were also very liberal about the credit card minimum, which I appreciated. I'll keep it in mind in the future! read more

I love this bar, it's close to my apartment so it's convenient but the staff is what makes you want to come back. Jennifer is extremely welcoming and paid so much attention to my friends and I. Before I even had a chance to ask for another drink, she would already notice I was ready for another. I was very impressed by how she was able to juggle so many orders. When it got extremely busy she was able to execute multiple orders within seconds. Really impressed with the service, highly recommend this bar. read more

So all of the items that I loved the last time i came are no longer on the menu besides the cheese steak croquettes, huge disappointment. Now there's nothing that makes it stand out from any other generic bar. read more

I have been going here for about a year now, and it is one of my favorites. The bartenders are awesome every time and its always a good crowd. I like the karaoke upstairs on the weekends and downstairs on Thursday nights. The one bartender looks like Katy Perry but actually might sing better! Drink prices are solid, the food is good. read more

Fantastic and friendly staff - managers, owners and servers are all super cool and down to earth - they remember and appreciate repeat patrons and it has a very welcoming atmosphere. Trivia / dollar beers on Wednesday and karaoke EVERY night are great additions. Can't say enough about how awesome the nachos are. Also, try the chicken press sandwich. read more

(-1 for blaring C&C Music Factory. Unacceptable anytime, anywhere. Even ironically.) Decent enough place otherwise. Mass market food and drink. read more

Only thing missing is a pool table. This place is amazing, best karaoke spot in the city with a superb staff and great patrons. I've been coming here for years and will continue for as long as they are around. I love cornerstone! read more

The only reason I am giving this two stars and not one is because of the manager and host. The host was very nice and accommodating, he was able to secure room for 7 of us upstairs. The waitress(wish I knew her name) was a rude and nasty person, brunette short hair with a miserable face. For starters she refused to tak our food orders until our entire party was there and said "I can take the order but i wont put it in". Eventually we all were ready, My friend and I ordered a veggie burger to split. Unfortunately it was bland and not good. We called the waitress over and told that it was inedible. She crossed her arms and said " well i didnt make it" and then proceeded to question us as to why specifically we did not like the burger. I told her that it tasted like bland black beans and her retort was "its not a black bean burger its a three bean medly" WTF Long story short she removed the burger. At that point my friends and i were just kinda disgusted and taken aback by her attitude. We closed out and ordered three shots by the bar. My friend originally ordered three fireball shots but almost immediately changed it to two fireball and one jamo. The bartender served three fireball. I old her wait we had changed it and she goes you can buy another one if you want a jamo, but I am not doing anything about it.The servers and bartenders need to get off their high horses. They lost some good paying customers. I did recount my story to the manager who bought us some shots but he really should hire some staff with better attitude and customer service. read more

I walked in and suddenly felt so welcomed!!! And that's so rare in the city especially after midnight!! I was just out to get one more beer and ended up staying until 4am until they closed!! Allen was a very charismatic bartender and very welcoming!! Carlos was very helpful and made sure my orders came in on time!! I would definitely come back again and bring friends and family to this karaoke loving tavern!! read more

Cornerstone has always been a midtown staple for me. It is the best bar on 2nd Ave by far. The bartenders are quick and nice and very cute. The food is actually pretty good as well. If you're in midtown east GO HERE. Its always a pleasant experience. Careful though... happy hour/after work is a bit of a madhouse. read more

I would give this place a zero if possible because their open night karaoke place sucks!! They tell us to write the songs we want to sing, hand paper to. Attendee and they put in the song. But it seems as though they input songs in any order (not the order they received the paper cause we handed them 3-4 and they ended up playing the 4th song first) then they insert songs to their liking in addition to the bartenders singing their own songs as they please. Never coming back!!! read more

I went here to celebrate my birthday and sing karaoke. If you want to actually get a turn, don't even bother. The same 4 people sang over and over again. We were waiting over an hour and a half for the songs my friends and I put in, and they didn't even show up on the list. When we asked the waitress about it she was nasty and claimed they were just handed to her. Only one of us ended up getting to sing, even though all of our song request were put in around the same time. We wouldn't have cared if different people were singing, but it was litterally a rotation of Dwayne, Josh, bartender, and girl trying to get discovered. There was barely any one left in the bar by the time we decided to go, yet most of our song hadn't shown up yet. This bar isn't far from where I live, and I was hoping to make it a regular spot. I will not be going back again. read more

My home away from home, Cornerstone is always a great place to either stop by for a quick drink or take a group of friends on a weekend night. With very reasonable drink prices, a great happy hour list, and an awesome and tasty food selection, it's very easy to make Cornerstone your usual hangout. There are plenty of TV's playing any sporting events that are on, as well as a perfect mix of 80's and 90's music, which make it a great post-work happy hour spot. The bartenders are all great, going out of their way to not only provide great service but create a friendly, fun atmosphere. Look out for Danielle when you're there - I've never met a more outgoing and fun bartender/waitress. Love the bar, but I'd be lying if I said I don't sometimes stop by to see her! All in all, a great place to grab a drink and would highly recommend to anyone in the area! read more

Cornerstone Tavern is the best restaurant and bar with Karaoke that is to live for! Allan is awesome, the Karaoke King, and this is the place to be! I must say that Cornerstone Tavern ("CT") has saved me from my winter-time blues! My sister, Joy, and I join in the fun whenever we can! We both work in the City, and we love to come here after a hard day's work to unwind, sing our hearts out during Karaoke, and eat some of the best food I've had in Manhattan. The butternut squash soup is super-duper, the sliders (any kind) are great, the buffalo wings are a real treat, and whatever is a "special" on the menu is a "must-have" treat! The bartenders and barmaids, and the servers, the bar-backs, and security gentlemen, and the managers are such fantastic people. I want to name them all - but - I don't want to leave anyone out! :) So come on in to CT for great food, awesome cocktails, and superb entertainment with friendly, joyous folks! See you there! read more

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Oh man. So I showed up to this place for a friend's birthday party. Group of about 30 people. For some reason, the bouncer decides to target me. I'm minding my own business just talking to a buddy. Bouncer approaches and says "Dude, it's time for you to leave." I ask for an explanation, and none is given. My drink is confiscated, and they escort me out ("escort" being the gentle term for it). They still have my credit card and jacket. Wouldn't let me back on the premises to claim either of them. Not even the next day. Was able to get the card cancelled of course, but jacket is gone. Naturally, I asked for an explanation for all this. They probably just had me mixed up with some other guy, but I'll never know because no explanation was given. The head bouncer just said if I don't back up "I'm gonna have to get aggressive with you." Wow. So the next day I talked to the manager. His answer? "Well, I'm sorry I just can't help you." Again, wow. Naturally, I am upset with my treatment by the folks at Cornerstone Tavern, and I won't be going back. read more

RACIST RACIST RACIST I told the manager that everyone is entitled to their private evil thoughts but he needs to train his staff to hide theirs a little better. My girlfriend and I (I'm a girl and we are both black) went to this bar to have some after work drinks the bartender did everything in his power to have us not sit at the bar, by lying and saying someone is sitting at three empty bar stools. So my friend and I were forced to stand and drink for no reason. The bartender purposely made bad drinks for us and served them in dirty glasses. He rolled his eyes every time we needed something. He made sure to show that he was disgusted by the presence of my friend and I by smiling very brightly at every other patron and abruptly becoming serious when he served me and my friend. When I told the manager about the complete disrespect his server was giving us he didn't care one bit. In fact I think he commended his staff for being so rude to me and my friend. I recommend this place to any racist person in New York because it seems like they uphold a strong belief for being out right hateful to black people, or more specifically black women because they know they would never be so out right rude to a black man. read more

AVOID THIS PLACE This was the single worst experience ever. After four beers, I go to close out my bar tab, only to receive a bill for my four beers plus several other beers and mixed drinks that weren't from me OR my friend who I was with. What should have been roughly a $20 bar tab was incorrectly over $100, and when I politely explained the mistake, the bartender laughed as if I was joking and then carried on chatting with the other bartender. A minute later I try to explain that we didn't order anything else. Being the first stop of the night, I am completely sober and yet they try to tell me I must not remember what I ordered but that I am going to be charged for it. Long story short-- they call the manager over, make a fairly public scene about it, threaten to call the cops, and ultimately end up charging me and escorting me out (even though I was already leaving on my own accord). Whether that was the bartender's way of robbing me, or he was hooking up a friend on my tab, or it was truly a mistake, is unclear--but it doesn't matter. This was the least professional thing I have ever seen, and I will never return to this bar. Terrible management, rude bartender, and horrible customer service. The atmosphere is pretty cool, but honestly, I can get the same atmosphere without getting robbed in EVERY other bar in the city. Well done, Cornerstone. Reading down a few posts, I noticed something similar happened to someone else. Interesting. read more

4th time in New York. This time for a show. Discovered the Cornerstone by pure accident walking home from another bar. Saw Karaoke and had to have a look. Ended up having a fantastic night singing and chatting to Allan and Kate who were behind the bar, serving up and singing. Came back the next night. And the next. We've been all over NYC to various piano bars and restaurants and clubs, but I've ended up in the Cornerstone 6 times. That's all down to a great karaoke list and friendly staff who even ended up coming to see our show. Check it out, and if you meet Allan just say the lads from Limerick sent ya! read more

This bar is great and affordable but the bartenders are rude. We tried to request a song during karaoke but were turned away for no reason.

With weak drinks and one of the most rude staffs I've ever encountered in New York City, this is a place I'd never recommend to anyone.

Really cool sports bar vibe, sexy bartender, tons of tap beers and an open layout so you don't feel smothered sitting at the bar. I am definitely coming back. read more

Cornerstone Tavern was a nice bar with a decent beer selection. Nothing mind blowing, but there were options that I was content with. They also had a $4 PBR tall boy, which I always enjoy seeing. The bar promoted having Karaoke 7 nights a week, however I left before that sort of classy entertainment started. They had some outdoor seating that I can imagine fills up pretty quickly during the summer. Our group ordered some snacks to tide us over and I found them as delicious as they were unhealthy. But it is truly hard to say no to potato chips coated in old bay with onion dip. read more

I don't visit taverns for the sole purpose of getting wasted and I am sure that is not the intention of the owners of Cornerstone Tavern. The space itself is really nice. There are 2 seperate bars on the first floor alone and the Bartenders are great. Its nice to have a bartender that keeps an eye on your drink and is ready and waiting when you are finished. Its a cool place in a competative neighborhood. The crowd seems to be more laid back and less rowdy than some of the other bars in the area. I will definitely make another trip over to the Cornerstone :) read more

This place doesn't accept people randomly if they don't want to. It's cool, cause there are some really good bars nearby; this might be the worst & most expensive one. read more

They charged $14 for EACH margarita. They were fine, I would have paid $9 at most, reasonably $7. Did not fit the atmosphere, location, taste or quality. Hate to be one of those spiteful yelp reviewers, but pretty pissed. read more

Atmosphere tonight was awesome! Bartenders made some of the best drinks we ever had. And they joined in on the karaoke. They were incredible! The song selection was also fantastic. But the karaoke DJ was the worst I've ever seen. He had the microphones turned up way too loud, he was clearly drunk and kept screaming into the mic when he would sing. My ears still hurt. Would love to go again. But won't even consider it until they find a new DJ. read more

Nice place and not too crowded upstairs on a Saturday night, which is hard to find in NYC. They also have really decent drink specials and happy hour all night (at least on saturdays), also their seasonal cocktails are delicious! I just wish they wouldn't keep turning off the music and the volume up on the TV when the games are on, but that's bound to happen at any bar. read more

not bad. not great. yeah, i'd likely go back since they have trivia wednesdays, the beer tubes, their food's decent, and it's an alright spot that's not flooded with the usual midtown east crowd, but the attitude of the bartender on sun night really put me off. we open a tab, we ask for our bill to be split into so and so amounts, and then he gives me back my card, makes me sign mine and add the tip to it before he gives my friend's card back to ensure that there was a decent tip being left? come on. plus.. you're a bartender. be friendly & cool. it's part of your job. note: stag's head is owned by the same guys, hence the curtain that separates these two places. bartenders and ambiance are WAY better at stag's head; however, the tv situation is not. read more

I actually came here for NYE pretty last minute because I wasn't going to be in New York. It wasn't bad, wasn't great either, but I'm not a huge NYE fan, so I wasn't too bummed that it wasn't the greatest night ever. They had finger food, which was subpar, but I don't know if that's just because it was "free" (obviously we paid a $60 cover). Drinks were pretty strong though, which was surprising since it was open bar with the cover. Bartenders were nice, too. It wasn't crowded and we didn't have a hard time talking to one another. DJ came on after midnight and he kinda sucked. Was pretty disappointing since, if you've read any of my other reviews, you must know I'm obsessed with DJs. Not condusive to good dancing. But by then I was drunk and tired enough to go home anyway. The countdown is so tiresome... read more

What a cool joint! I met a bunch of friends here for a couple of pints and had a great time. I am definitely heading back here again soon!!! read more

I had really great time at Cornerstone. The staff was extremely welcoming. Our waitress was very friendly and attentive. The crowd was fun and friendly. If, I lived in New York, I think this would become my local pub. read more

Good beer selection, but music was playing extremely too loud in back room. Like waaaaaaaaay too loud, and to make matters worse the volume would lower a little bit for about 15 minutes and then get jacked up again and give you a nice new headache. Not sure if its customary to have house darts on hand, but there was only one, so the frustration of that game and the volume paired well like a fine beer and pretzel combination. Do yourself a favor and drink for free in your dorm you nutty college kids. read more

Someone contacted me from this place to give them another try with $20 off. Even though I can't go (I moved!), I really appreciate any business that follows-up with consumers and takes feedback. read more

Its ok. It looks kinda cute from the outside with the stone walls. The second floor seems to be more crowded than the first floor. I didn't go for Trivia, guess I should go next time. read more

after happy hour across the street, our group stopped here for some post-drink meals and even more drinks. Their prices are on the higher side for a bar/restaurant ($10+ for a cocktail??) but i did enjoy their mac and cheese. they do have karaoke later in the evening and two floors for shennanigans, but we didn't stay long enough to experience it. i would be open to coming back and partaking in the other events Cornerstone has to offer...but from my first experience here, there wasn't anything great or bad that stood out. read more

this place is still going strong and they still got it goin' on!!! need to find out why many are in super hero costumes tonight...the randomness is part of this joint's (2019) - at first i was disappointed when i found out they had lost their superstar (kate) and i thought that the 'magic' would be gone...but they have reloaded (tonight's featured bartender/singer evokes gaga) and this place is still nirvana for people who like sports, good food and karaoke read more

Since I"m more of a martini bar kind of gal, the only reason I went here was because my friend was on crutches and it was close. Happy accident! I would've never guessed I'd like the place, but I really did. We went on a Wed. night around 10 and they were having trivia night followed by karaoke. As soon as we walked in there was someone getting us a table and our server was the best/friendliest I've ever had. She made it a point to remember everyone's names at all the tables, helped us with the trivia questions, recommended drinks. Stellar! The guy leading the trivia game came and personally introduced himself. GREAT, unpretentious place that, while close, doesn't cross over into dive territory. Cornerstone, chill the Patron, you'll be seeing me again soon. read more

Best lunch burger deal in town! $10 burger beer and fries! Can't beat the price or the flavor! Delicious!

I sometimes do events in their upstairs bar, and they are just nice. people. Great beer menu, great prices, great happy hours, food, great bartenders and managers - like super accommodating. They open up just for my events - I mean I love that! And they love loyal customers, and will reward you. It's also a newly added bar to the NYC Gator Club, and I'm always excited when bars turn ORANGE & BLUE! So, yeah - TVs all over for sports. I'm happy here any day of the week downstairs too. They also have awesome events, so get on that (karaoke, trivia). Same owners as Stag's Head next door, which is great as well, and has an outdoor patio. read more