I do not come here much. I was here a few days ago for drinks with friends before going out for the night. When I got there and finally picked a chair /table to sit on I waited like a pretty long time for someone to come over and ask if I wanted water/ give me a menu. It was a bit odd because the waiter had passed by me quite a few times before asking if I wanted water/ giving me the menu. When I finally got to order I wanted a drink but I didn't want something in one of the speciality cocktails. I asked if I could substitute it and I was not able to. I just got a regular gin and tonic. This is not just a bar but a restaurant too. I have come here before for hot chocolate and tea with some friends a few years ago. read more

Stopped by Eli's Night Shift for a casual drink with a friend one evening after an event at The Met. It's a great option in the area if you're looking for something relaxed, although drinks are on the pricier side, with wine and cocktails ranging from $16-$20. We sat at the bar, which had a comfortable vibe and friendly service. It's a smaller spot, but there are tables if you prefer to sit for a meal, and the food coming out looked great. Toward the back, there was a larger group gathering, so it seems like a good spot for a casual get-together, too. There were even a couple of TVs showing the game, so this could be an option for sports viewing. I ordered a Spanish red that I really enjoyed, and my friend had the pear cocktail, which she also liked. We didn't try the food this time, but I would come back to give it a try when I'm in the area for drinks or a casual night out. read more

Cozy, small venue, with a great bartender - friendly and made a tasty slightly dirty martini for me and picked a tasty rose for my wife. Good conversation. Looked like a decent menu, although we only had drinks. read more

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Eli's Night Shift is open for breakfast and lunch now. I reported the new hours and posted it as a tip May 1st 2024. I intended to return but got Covid in May so I wasn't up to the walk to 79th. Fast forward to recently when the bagel place I went to didn't have seats. I knew the employees at Eli's were nice. I asked if I could sit at a table if I bought a coffee. The employee was very gracious and said yes. He said hot or iced Decaf Americano was the same price, $4.36 with tax. I gave him a tip and considered myself lucky. It's a relaxing atmosphere and since the weather was beautiful I was very comfortable. I'm definitely returning for the delicious cold brew coffee. I hope the nice young man will be there to make it for me! I'm recommending you visit this Eli's location any time of day or night. read more

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Ok, the food here (on the menu at night) is not very good! It tastes like regular dive bar food. Tonight, my hamburger was decent but the French fries were hard & old (they were refried!). On my last visit, just last week, the fish tacos weren't fresh; they were hard & dry. The service here is good, but just going by the food & the blah ambience (it just looks dark at night, not jovial like in the pictures), I can't believe this place still carries Eli's name! Clearly Eli doesn't come by here anymore. So, not sure I'll come by again. read more

I've always passed by this bar and thought I'd give it a try. I thought it was pretty average... we got ~$20 cocktails each and they didn't taste very strong but rather a little watery and not what I was really expecting. It was OK. Also the service was not very good, had to flag down the waiter a bunch of times unfortunately. Maybe I'd come back at night if I'm in the area but not rushing to go back... read more

Eli's Night Shift - Cocktails - Cafes Near Me - New York, New York

Vodka pizza was delicious as well as my old fashioned. Cool vibes with some great music playing in the background. Love the random art around the walls. After we ordered bartender was basically non existent. Honestly probably would give it 5 stars if it wasn't for the lack of service. read more

I had a great meal at Eli's Night Shift last night! First and foremost, though, I want to point out that this restaurant and bar currently has a Grade Pending restaurant grade which is concerning. I really hope they get this resolved soon. Ordered: Flying zombo ($14): this drink was fruity and sweet. It was made with vodka, aperol, strawberry, basil (I couldn't taste it), lime and soda. It wasn't terribly strong and had a nice flavor. Chicken sandwich ($19): I really enjoyed this sandwich. The crunchy fried chicken breast was perfectly cooked. It was topped with delicious pickles and cole slaw and was served with salty (but not too salty) French fries. The sandwich was a good size but it wasn't huge. With the fries I found it to be a good portion. Eli's Night Shift is a nice neighborhood spot! I know the ingredients are fresh as it's related to the high-end food market a block away. Once they get their A rating, I'll be back! read more

Eli's Night Shift - Flying Zombo - Cafes Near Me - New York, New York

Super cute place, grabbed a drink and dessert here and very much enjoyed! It was a little pricey but so is most places in the area. They had the Yankees game playing on the projector and I also heard they put on the football games as well on the weekend! Perfect spot for drinks after dinner or happy hour with friends! The service was also great. read more

We paid $27 dollars for two 12oz beers and a 15% tip. Absolutely outrageous that they don't indicate on their menu that their beers aren't the standard 16oz but they're priced that way. To top it off, it was probably the rudest service I've had in quite some time. We'll never be back. read more

Bartender needs to learn how to manage stressful situations better. Guy was absolutely out of control and in his haste and rush, spilled an entire drink on us. No apologies, nothing. Guy needs to slow down and chill out. Poor customer service, will not be returning and do not recommend. read more

Really fun date night spot. Walked in at 8:30 on Friday night and there was no wait, we found a spot to sit immediately. It wasn't crowded but wasn't empty either. Onion rings were huge and on point. The buttermilk ranch sauce that came with them was spicy in just the right way, and they were generous with the sauce serving. I did order the kale salad, which wasn't very good, but I feel like that's on me... who orders Kale at a bar? I had a margarita which wasn't on the menu, but they made for me anyways, and it was a great marg. I'll definitely be going back. read more

Very expensive for what you get. Drinks are definitely a child's portion I got a ToGo drink that was basically a Dixie cup for $15. I don't even know where they found a cup with a lid that was that tiny read more

Last night we were looking for a place to have a quick bite and a drink...my daughter suggested this place because it is new in her neighborhood and has gotten great reviews, so off we went! Well...I'm afraid to say how much we loved it because next time I'm in town I may not get a seat at the bar and we had fantastic service - unbelievably amazing steak tartare with toast points - and DOLLAR OYSTERS!?!?!?!? Wow. just WOW. I live in Florida and we can't find dollar oysters anywhere, let alone ones with fantastic mignonette sauce and small, beautifully shucked slippery little suckers like these! I was in heaven. WHY, oh WHY did we stop with just 2 dozen?? I am completely bummed because I'm writing this review from a seat at LaGuardia airport and just dreaming of those mouth-watering oysters! There's always next Monday...I need to make sure they're open because I'm there! (PLEASE save me a barstool and pour me a drink!) read more

Eli's Night Shift - Cafes Near Me - New York, New York

I've visited this place twice within the last year and a half. To me, it has always had great potential. The environment is great, almost like an open market. I love how it is open to the street. However, seems very overpriced for the environment that it is. Drinks are overpriced like elsewhere in the area, not surprising. Food left A LOT to be desired. We got the night shift nachos with chicken for $17. The chicken tasted like it was pre-cooked chicken from the grocery store. Extremely disappointing especially for the price. Other dishes ordered were not as bad, but still quality was unacceptable for the price. Not sure that I'll be back, which is unfortunate because the environment does have a lot of potential. read more

Eli's Night Shift - Cafes Near Me - New York, New York

Best pizza I ever had. Plus delicious kale salad and roasted broccoli. Great customer service. If you are in the area, must try. read more

Eli's Night Shift - Kale Caesar Salad - Cafes Near Me - New York, New York

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I've been wanting to come here for years and had a great experience. Their COVID set-up is very good and I like how you can be mostly outdoors while still catching a sports game on their large projector screen. The restaurant has a laid back European ambiance. Their burgers and hand cut fries are excellent and they have a great selection of local craft beers as well as wine. The staff was attentive. read more

Eli's Night Shift - Cafes Near Me - New York, New York

High end coffee shop selling at premium prices. Iced coffee is a rip-off. Same volume at 50% higher price. Is it physics or geometry that a taller, more narrow cone will hold the same volume as shorter, wider cone? read more

Eli's Night Shift - Side by side comparison of small and large cup for iced coffee proves I was listening despite the B- in high school geometry. - Cafes Near Me - New York, New York

The food was good, but dear god; this place actually has the worst tap beers I've ever had in my life. The pizza rat tap beer was undrinkable... read more

Really want to like this spot. Good location in the neighborhood and cute atmosphere but the food is mediocre and honestly the service is lacking. I've come in a few times and sat at the bar. Unattractive bartenders I repeatedly have an empty glass of wine and water. So, I end up leaving. Would Love to make this my neighborhood spot but they just aren't welcoming or seem to care. Odd for a bar??? Too bad read more

Good arrive to a crisp on one side and raw on the other. I had the food for delivered via Caviar. Don't waste your money ordering from this place this is the second meal I've had that was not edible read more

Eli's Night Shift - Pigs in a blanket arrived burnt to a crisp on one side and raw on the other. Don't waste your money - Cafes Near Me - New York, New York

Food is always super yummy, vibe is low key and bohemian -especially for the UES. Immediately became my go to- I ate there last in 2019 -super glad they are still open! read more

This place is so cool and weird, I fell in love. It basically looks like an upscale deli in some ways, but is really a bar with good snacks. The staff is so friendly and mixed me up a few drinks based on what I was feeling like drinking. My friend also ordered the porchetta sliders, which, while heavy on the mustard, were super delectable. Potato chips at the table are also awesome. Overall, it feels like a local joint where people know the bartenders and come for a relaxed drink, and as a former restaurant industry worker, I love the industry vibe I got here (for instance, I saw my fave bartender from Bondurants while there). Anyhow, fun place for a relaxed drink and bite, and I'll definitely be back. read more

Eli's Night Shift - Tiki drink the bartender made me - Cafes Near Me - New York, New York

We came here while bar hopping during a Summer Friday. No crowd at 5ish but a lot of people were not done at work yet so this was understandable. We sat at the bar where on a chalkboard they list the beers currently on tap. I went with Gun Hill Mosaic and it was quite good. For food we split a cheese platter (which is new here) and some sweet potato tacos. The tacos were okay but small. The cheese platter was pretty good but we had to ask for more crackers. The bathroom is literally one tiny room (probably sucks when it's crowded here) but it's very clean. There is plenty of picnic-style seating off to the side if you plan on staying a while. All in all a good place to grab a quick drink and a quick bite then go elsewhere. read more

Espresso martini was alright...tasted nothing like it did at Raines Law Room (my only frame of reference), but it was drinkable, just bland/not sweet. I'd come back to try their decent selection of local beers, though, and maybe a burger. read more

Love the location, not satisfied with the pour or the service. Smile man, just smile. It makes everyone uncomfortable when you don't. Otherwise, food is decent. Nachos are insane. Funghi pizza is dope. Little too much oil used in other dishes like the burnt broccoli you can't stop eating. Overpriced drinks (well, anything related to Eli's is overpriced). Tables could be wiped down a little better (sticky), but that's to be expected, read line 1. I'll still go back because there aren't too many bars in the neighborhood. read more

I came here for drinks with a friend and we had a great time! I decided to be adventurous and order the "Bartender's Choice". I request that it would be any sort of champagne cocktail and I received an elegant drink. The champagne cocktail was strong but well balanced with a citrusy flavor. It looked beautiful too and was served with a pretty lemon twist. I had sip of my friend's cucumber margaritas and they were pretty good (very strong though!). I would recommend this place because the ambiance was cool and I liked the actual drinks. read more

Eli's Night Shift - Asked for bartender's choice and got a great champagne cocktail! - Cafes Near Me - New York, New York

I always pass by this spot and I'd been wanting to stop by for a quick bite and a few drinks - finally did so the other night with a group of friends after a day in central park and I'm so glad I did! we were able to sit at one of the big tables right out front, and service was great/quick. they have a pretty solid menu - I enjoyed my aperol spritz and the diavola pizza (the hot honey drizzle was a nice touch!) and everyone I was with really liked their food as well. I would definitely go back! read more

Fantastic new little hidden find. It does not come up under a Yelp bar / lounge search, I think because it is a cafe or little store during the day. It is owned by the same Eli as another Eli's (bread master of NYC) listed nearby during the day and apparently this bar by night transition only opened a couple months ago. Interesting because you would barely see bakery/ little market traces had the bartender not told me. The bartenders are skilled and while not the warm and fuzzy over the top social type - personable, even a bit entertaining in a subtle way with their exchanges with the few of us there . Skilled and know their drinks. They made some very cool firey rum drink for another customer there, and I requested a Mezcel drink as the bartenders choice, which he made well and tasty . I couldn't taste the Mezcel and he made modifications - we then realized as my friend tasted the drink that my cold was numbing my smell and taste - despite my cold, Mark was great accommodating and trying to make me happy with my drink . They also offer a number of NYC made beers on tap... The atmosphere is kind of Cool, clean, contemporary... read more

Eli's Night Shift - Bartenders choice - fruity Mezcel creation - Cafes Near Me - New York, New York

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Tiny itty bitty quantity for an overpriced amount. We dropped $50 dollars for a couple bits of macaroni and a couple sips of alcohol. Also, we weren't offered the free chips all the other reviewers were raving about. The music is 5 stars tho. Would I go back? Um, nah. read more

Eli's Night Shift - $40 ($10 beer not pictured) - Cafes Near Me - New York, New York

$27 for 2 small sandwiches and an ice tea, which fine we're in Manhattan. Then I got yelled at for "no free refills..." Super trashy read more

Stopped by for an early pre-dinner with a friend after work. Love the look of the cozy open layout with only high top seating. *Don't lean back on the seats because they easily tip over. Each table gets a free basket of freshly cooked kettle potato chips which are addicting. The chicken tenders were piping hot, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Although a bit pricey at $12. The sourdough grilled cheese looked sloppily put together and overly greasy. Could have been better. Drinks are great with a small list of local beers, wines, and interestingly named cocktails. Would love to come back if they had a happy hour. read more

Eli's Night Shift - Chicken tenders - so delish - Cafes Near Me - New York, New York

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Yum! What a great little place for a drink and some small bites. Be sure to drop in between 6-8 for the $1 happy hour oysters. Seats are located around the bar and then there are a couple high communal tables w stools. You aren't going to find any sit down tables. That's not this place. I started w the Mistaken For Strangers cocktail and it was delicious. Thought it was interesting that there's an option to just have the bartender create something for you. They also bring around house made potato chips which are addicting. Ended up having 2 rounds of oysters and they were very nice. They had 2 varieties to choose from and were described as "smaller one" and "larger one." I had the avocado toast which was nice but nothing extraordinary. Also had the tortilla chicken soup which had a bit of an unexpected kick in it. The best thing we had was the fish tacos. So good! Moist and flakey fish that was nicely seasoned. I'd definitely recommend the fish tacos. The portions are all small so you can order an extra plate or two. read more

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Excellent burger, full of flavor! The hot pastrami was amazing and that spicy mustard, oh boy! Fish tacos were very tasty - and made with halibut. Kinda small tho. The kale caesar was lemony but good - it was a salad size. Home-made potato chips are very fresh, salty and crunchy - great for drinks! The menu gets updated but the regulars are amazing and totally worth it. Great new place for the neighborhood! read more

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Burnt pizza. Overpriced small portions. They settled our bill using a Toast / handheld device so we didn't get to see a breakdown of the bill. But a few minutes after we paid, we did some quick math in our head and realized it was too high. So we asked to see a breakout and found they accidentally charged us 2 extra beers. We only had 3 beers so being off by TWO beers seems excessive, but that's ok. What was bad is that he gave us a bit of an attitude. I politely said, "sorry for the trouble, it just seemed a little high" to which he responded, "what, 10 bucks??" (it was off by $20) with a clearly annoyed look. I have no problems with mistakes - it happens all the time - but the attitude needs to go out the door, especially when they're the ones who made the mistake! read more

While this bar doesn't have outdoor seating, it's open glass doors and huge windows make it feel like you're outside. I've never come here for the food, but the food is high quality, being owned by the same owners as Eli's grocery. While the wines aren't cheap and there isn't a happy hour, they are also high quality and worth spending a little more. If you're not sure what you wantthe waitstaff is very kind and will usually let you try the wine before you commit. Perfect atmosphere, good drinks, and good location - only taking a star off because prices are, unfortunately, what you'd expect on the UES. read more

People seem confused. There are two Eli's. By day it is Essentials, and at night it is Night Shift. Why? Who knows. Buuuuuut, I really like the atmosphere here. The counter seating by the windows, which open to the street, is great for people watching. And dog watching, because it is the UES after all. Plus, they have a good beer selection. read more

Delicious fish tacos (halibut / gluten free!) and a roasted broccoli appetizer/side dish that I might be addicted to (a tiny bit spicy and a tiny bit salty). Drinks are well balanced. Outdoor tables are "seat yourself", and it's a nice casual atmosphere. read more

Unbelievable burger! Place is very cool with great cocktails, great food and a good vibe. The burger might be one of the best on the Upper East Side, but the other food is great too. Little short on the wait staff, but overall everything is very tasty and good here. Pro tip: best chips on the UES. They are to die for and and come with free refills! read more

Eli's Night Shift is a unique spot in upper east side Manhattan. This shop is a cafe/brunch/lunch shop during the daytime and a lively bar during the nighttime. With its spacious frontage and nice deck, the store gives its guests a good view of the lively atmosphere of upper east side manhattan while keeping the cold draft from seeping through the store in winter. Every square foot of space is utilized in this unique shop. You have specialty soups, salads, sandwiches and grilled vegetables in one sections and cold cut sandwiches in another. There are numerous House made goods such as unique Russian Coffee Cakes, house made Chips and numerous pastries as well as coffee and a generous tea selection. While a little pricy, the numerous seating spaces and options as well as the lively atmosphere makes this place a worthwhile visit. read more