I came here with three friends on a weekday evening (of a holiday week). I was immediately struck by how narrow the space is, though people were ok with our scooting to the back. We stood by a wall-mounted table for about 15 minutes before taking over one of the few high tops in the back. So, I'm not wild about the spacing situation. The thing is, this bar is pretty awesome. Their bourbon selection is some of the best in the neighborhood, with about 25 options. They also have some unique beers for all tastes and some smashing cocktails. Check out the Coat of Arms, which includes jalapeno. (It took a long, long time to make...) They were projecting Batman on the brick wall, which made for some amusing commentary. I only wish there was a bit more space! read more

This is a nice tiny spot to have some drinks or to meet friends to just chat. It has a small area with tables up front and on Wednesdays they have an open mic on which local artists perform. They had about 7 musicians and comedians perform. If youre not into that then go further back and enjoy your drink. They have craft beer and their drink prices are reasonable. Good deals like $4shots with some cheesy puffs. Cool chill spot will return if I'm ever in the area. read more

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Good mellow bar. Recommend for drinks with friends or late night drinks! Has darts too

Just went for a drink and had read some great reviews. I found the place to be a bit small, drinks are good, prices average for Manhattan. They played good music, service was ok but we were confused when we received the bill and were charged for margaritas plus an additional up charge fee. We asked the bartender what was that and he told us that the margarita charge was for only the liquor and the up charge was for making the margarita mix... that was just strange. Never heard of that before. We asked for the manager and he told us they didn't have one on duty humm read more

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I didn't appreciate the hostess asking me and my friend for a credit card to place an order- while we sat at a table. We won't be returning but the Meso-Thai hot dog was delicious! Now you officially have the SUPREME TOUCH! read more

I love this place! It's got a great laid back vibe, USB plugs in the wall under the bar, hooks for your bags/coats, and a dart board in the back! Not to mention there's an outdoor area, generous pours at the bar and a friendly wait staff. Drinks are affordable, and the list of good things goes on and on. You can scribble an inappropriate message on the bathroom wall, which is actually a chalkboard. Trust me, the message writing gets to be more fun as your drunkenness progresses. And you can nibble on the free cheese balls, which I'm happy to report were only stale the first time I went, but have gotten increasingly more fresh with subsequent visiss- hooray! The drinks are great and strong, and you might just meet a friendly stranger who offers you their shots...obviously you don't turn these down! I could've done without the DJ who was there on my first visit, but loved the oldies playing before the DJ arrived (think The Gap Band, "Outstanding"). It's a really great place to meet with friends for an after work drink, or a wonderful place to challenge someone to a friendly game of darts. It was also a cool first stop on Mardory's UYE train. I'm happy Mess Hall is just across the park from my office, so that I can escape quickly on my most stressful of days. Thank you, Mess Hall, for providing this much-needed service! read more

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Atmosphere - Lots of big table seating in the front, smaller tables in the back. There's a dart board too but it was taken at the time we were there. Lots of dark wood decorations and old paintings on the walls - very quirky/divey Menu - we didn't try any food but just stopped in for a quick drink. The cocktails were great! It seems like a solid bar that's kind of tucked away (even with the large, neon "bar" sign on the front)! read more

This was a fun little long "shotgun" style bar right on Frederick Douglass where there's a lot of new businesses are popping up. Beers and ciders are the thing, as are specialty hot dogs (make it vegetarian for a buck extra). They also give out free bowls of pretzels and cheese balls (deadly). The other thing: they do a shot (whiskey?) And a PBR or Modelo and tequila for $5. For a flat $10 you can get their "adult happy meal"- the beer shot combo plus a specialty dog of your choice! I didn't partake in the beer and shot cuz beer and me are no bueno and I don't like whiskey anyhow, but did try the Harlem Dog. It was delicious (although a little messy!). And for $5.50 it filled me up. They had a projector playing football on a wall in the back along with several TVs. They played kinda fun party songs from the 2000s while I was there. Deducting a star cuz im not a fan of the backless wooden bar stools, but otherwise... I'm a fan. read more

I give it a 3.7 lol... Chill vibes, cool aesthetic, and super chill people. Good drink specials and the dogs aren't to bad at all :-) the cheese balls are awesomeness. If you're ever in my hometown of Cincinnati, try Senate and then tell me what you think of the gourmet hotdog movement. read more

Mess Hall - Random Tuesday before finals.. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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This place should be ashamed of itself. So much so, I actually played the game of thrones app "SHAME BELL" at the manager. Not only was I humiliated. But, as a Harlem-born native who is active in bettering my community and living in this neighborhood for over 20 years. I've witnessed gentrification first hand and now I understand why everyone is boycotting gentrification in Harlem. Please note: I have been to Mess Hall plenty of times and bring many of my friends visiting from Europe or Chelsea to a cool gay friendly spot in Harlem. In addition, I'm a great supporter of small businesses in Harlem and pretty much know most the owners on restaurant row. Yet, MESS HALL behaved as messy as the two women I walked in on doing the nasty in the bathroom (not that's there's anything wrong with that! Lol) But, after 3 trips to the restroom and no toilet paper each time I went. Here is where I had the problem...I asked a guy that work there once. Second time around I same overweight bearded guy. Instead of saying, I'm sorry we'll take care of it right away. He called me a "homophobe" which threw me off and I kinda went off on him. I was beyond insulted! Anyone who knows me knows this to be crazy. So this idiot insults me; I go off on him... he asks me to leave, I say NO. Here is where it got stupid. He goes to his manager and just tells her, "I'm being a disturbance" (I felt like it was a Larry David episode) He omits to tell her he called me a "homophobe" and all I was asking for was toilet paper. This woman decides to call the police. So all I could say while waving my game of thrones Shame bell was, "this is what gentrification looks like??!! Calling the police on the people that attend monthly police community meetings so that white businesses like this piece of crap place, Mess Hall, can call the police on patrons insisting on TOILET PAPER??!!" This evening ended up with a big bully calling a patron a homophobe simply because he didn't want to do his job and get toilet paper. Shame on management that let him. SHAME SHAME SHAME!! read more

I was drawn to Mess Hall for the promise of a back patio space and weekend happy hour, and I was not disappointed. The outdoor space is cool, with several tables and waiter service, and they have happy hour specials on beer, wine, well cocktails, and shots seven days a week from 4-8pm. I was drinking wine the whole time I was here, and its pretty good for a kind of divey bar. The draft beer selection is nice, but only a few count for happy hour. The only food they have is a unique selection of hot dogs with various toppings, and I definitely wasn't going to leave without trying one. I tried the Meso Thai dog and liked it quite a bit... never thought I'd want a hot dog with avocado and pepperjack cheese. I'll be back for more Saturday happy hours. read more

Pretty chill bar! I liked it, they serve pretzels and cheese puffs. I definitely would recommend this place for the pre turn up lol read more

Mess Hall - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

First off, this place is way too cool for me and my friends. We're 21 year old amateurs, and to prove that, one of my friends asked the bartender, "What does bourbon taste like?" We walked in on a Wednesday evening for some drinks, not expecting much as we're not very experienced with the bar scene. What we walked into was a bar full of people drinking and playing bingo. Pretty cool if you ask any of us! We sat down in the back and not long after we were greeted by one of the staff members who had menus and bingo cards in hand. We joined the game (which had prizes) but we never won. The staff was really really friendly though, guiding us through the menu and answering our semi-ridiculous questions. We got mixed drinks and a sampler of bourbon. I'm no bourbon expert, but it seemed of high quality. I just don't.. Think I'm mature enough for bourbon yet (or probably ever). The mixed drinks we had were cool, and much different from others I've had. Incredibly original! Also, I had their Harlem Dog and wow, it was really good. I don't even like pickles but theirs made the hot dog even better. I don't know how they do it. Overall, Mess Hall is really comfortable and has a great atmosphere. I definitely, definitely recommend it if you're a bourbon lover! read more

This bar was very cool. Drinks were perfect and service was excellent. The menu didn't it catch my attention because I'm not a hot dog person but the menu was very creative. Very chill atmosphere. I will be going back for more drinks :) read more

Mess Hall - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

I am updating my opinion-- not my favorite bar but has a good happy hour. I still think it is too noisy for the space/intimacy of a tiny bar. read more

Drinks are good and the trivia on Tuesday nights are so fun! I've been here twice and been happy both times! A great place to come chill in the neighborhood. The first of many bars to come I think! read more

Mess Hall - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

good prices, good vibes and great service. had my birthday here and there was plenty of space for a small group to gather without having to do a group tab or make a reservation read more

It was a grater surprise to me when I finally stepped in and hang out since I would pick in at hours that it wasn't open would stop at the coffee shop next door and that's how I discovered the adorable place and it's Staff just on point grate drinks and ambiance read more

A solid bar with free cheese puffs! Good beer selection, a beer and shot deal, nice selection of whiskeys. The back yard looked nice too but I was there in the winter so it wasn't open. read more

Tried this place out for happy hour with some friends and loved it! Very chill, hole in the wall type bar but they play good music and fast service. They have a $10 special where you can order any of their hot dogs, a can of beer, and a shot of tequila or bourbon. So worth the $10. I ended up ordering 2 hot dogs...the Harlem Dog and Meso-Thai. The Meso Thai was out of this world! Definitely a must try. The Harlem Dog is a nice spin on a classic. I loved the crunchy onions on top. Both of them were filled to the brim with toppings. read more

Mess Hall - Adult happy meal...one hot, a beer, and shot for $10! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Visited for the first time a few weeks ago, so there was only outdoor seating available. The drinks are delicious and strong and the vibe was chill. I've gone back a few times since. Great neighborhood spot! read more

Have been local for 17 years . Cool place.. with outside .. came with a friend to have a beer in the garden .. Delvante, waiter, was good in the beginning ... 10-15 min late he came and told us to pay and leave because he had to close the patio. I asked if we could have 5 min to finish the drink .. he said no and kicked us out directing to go to the bar where were no seats. Harlem, Nowadays, have so many options where to go and being local .. I find it To be pretty SAD to be treated like that. read more

I live just like 10 blocks away from this place and I've only been here a few times, but I've yet to have a bad experience here. The drinks are pretty good for their price and the service has always been pretty great for a bar. The hotdogs are also really satisfying, if not incredibly flavorful. read more

Mess Hall - Chicago dog and an old fashioned - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

What a great bar in Harlem! The feel is neighborhood and hip and they have a great Happy Hour. My friend knew the bartender and she seemed to know everyone else. It's a casual, relaxed, but trendy bar with a NYC pub feel. I'll be back! read more

Mess Hall - Mess Hall Happy Hour - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Favorite bar in Harlem. Good beer selection, lively vibe, and the cheese puffs are appreciated. The outdoor space is great in the summer too! read more

My co-workers brought me here to try their amazing happy hour special where you can get a gourmet hot dog, a tequila or whiskey shot and a can of beer. The service was great and there was even bingo for everyone to play. I got the Thai hot dog, which was surprisingly good. I would probably come back again to try the other hot dogs during happy hour. read more

In true Gemini form, Maria Gentile is the life of the party, and her hospitality embodies the very special "brand" that is Mess Hall. It's a New York thing, our culture is the people -- it's a true democracy. Amazing beer and bourbon list; hot dogs to die for (no, literally)... Try the Chicago dog and the Copenhagen dog, and you'll literally never be the same. Great company, merry company, and fine spirits -- what more could a girl ask for?! #ThisIsTheAmericaILove read more

Mess Hall - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

This place has become my new favorite place after Covid. The drinks are amazing. And Angel is the best! He's part of the reason me and my friends come back. He's super personal, always fun, always a vibe. read more

Space outside to sit comfortably distanced with a few friends on stools. Their Frose is amazing. Tasty, frozen and refreshing. Will be back soon! read more

This is the best bar in the neighborhood hands down. What makes Mess Hall so great? - Daily happy hour from 5-8pm. Includes $5 beers and deals on house wines, cocktails and picklebacks. - Free bar snacks (mixed nuts and cheeseballs) - Nice cocktails - Good service and music There is taxidermy all over the bar which makes it a cozy space during the winder. During the summer they have an outdoor space in the back that can hold about 15 people. All in all a great bar. They also have hot dogs and a dart board for entertainment. The hot dogs make for a great snack to soak up the alcohol. They tend to have a lot of specials and free tastings so you might be in for a good surprise when you come in for a drink. read more

Have you ever thought, "Where can I get a good vegetarian hot dog loaded up with toppings and have a drink with friends?" Well, I didn't either because that's a pretty specific thought. Honestly I had pretty much written off hot dogs after I became a vegetarian, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a whole menu of possibilities at the Mess Hall! They have meat hot dogs too, if you're wondering. I really liked the vibes of this place and it was nice to go out to a bar and actually eat the same type of food item as my friends. :) read more

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I have been going to Mess Hall for years now and will say this is by far the best bar ever! The prices are great. The food is great and the music. I gave them 3 stars however because they have hired a new bartender who is extremely rude and really tarnishes the business name. His name is Belize and if you happen to run across him do not let him serve you. He is rude and does not know how to treat customers. I know every single bartender and have had him serve me a couple of times as well and forgot my I.D. however everyone else I was with had an I.D. and the other bartender vouched for me. He instead went on to be very rude and rolled his eyes at me and created a scene. If he is at Mess Hall I will not be there to order a drink. read more

Good happy hour drinks, fast bartender and I absolutely love their bingo games. It was so much fun that I can't wait to come back- only reason they don't get 5 stars is because they have nothing for me to eat in their menu (lots of hot dogs- although also a veggie option) nothing other than that. They should consider adding a salad or something along those lines to their menu. read more

The inside looks really cool. The drinks menu looks really cool. I like hot dogs. My girlfriend and I came inside to get a drink during the Democratic Presidential Debate. We sat down at the bar, and were promptly ignored by both bartenders. I finally waved down one of them after waiting for 10 minutes. We placed our order. We sat there. A commercial came and went. I asked if our drinks were being made to the guy that I originally ordered from, he nodded and said that they were. He then walked over to the other bartender who was in the midst of a conversation, she nodded and continued her conversation. About 5 minutes later we left without a drink. read more

Warm atmosphere with a fun, mixed crowd that's ready to get up and dance. Recommended cocktail: The Campfire - it tastes like the sexiest of pancakes. read more

Mess Hall - View from the middle of the bar. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Mess Hall is a fantastic bar with a fantastic happy hour. They serve classy beer but, during happy hour (4-8), they charge you like they're a dive bar. My personal favorite is the $6 pickle back and the $5 Omegang (happy hour prices). Also, the free cheese puffs and popcorn makes for a lovely atmosphere. read more

Get the CHEESEBALLS! They're amazing! Great bar in Harlem! Drinks are not overpriced and delicious. Also, if you're a beer drinker they have great pints as well. The place is crowded which makes it fun for a group. There's a dart board in the back, which is a more spacious area for larger groups. read more

HARLEMS HIDDEN GEM. Went there for the first time last night with my boyfriend. It was happy hour but it wasn't wall to wall crowded which was nice. The bartender was very attentive and took our order right away. I want to say we stood for about 10 minutes before a table became available. The drinks were strong the bartender was awesome the patrons were really down to earth and friendly also. I will DEFINITELY be returning here on my next trip to Harlem. read more

Mess Hall - Scotch x soda - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Love Mess Hall. Enormous whiskey selection and beer too, but don't discount the cocktails! I've always had great service here too. Go for: the chill environment, it's never a fight to get a drink. Order: the Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale. I take all my first dates here, perfect environment for a good drink and not so loud that you have to scream. read more

Rats everywhere outside and around their patio. Music is also bad and terrible food selection.