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    The Keyhole

    4.0 (22 reviews)
    InexpensiveDive Bars
    Closed 12:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    The Keyhole Photos

    THE KEYHOLE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed

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    a man at a bar watching television
    Lanie F.

    Keyhole emerged as a delightful surprise for our nightcap, offering not only pocket-friendly drinks but also the warmth and attentiveness of a fantastic bartender. The economical pricing of their drinks was a welcomed discovery, ensuring a delightful evening without straining the wallet. The bartender's charm and attentiveness added a personal flair, turning our visit into a truly hospitable experience. A quick note for future patrons: Keyhole operates on a cash-only basis, so come prepared. Despite this small consideration, the overall positive ambiance, reasonable prices, and exceptional service make Keyhole a spot I'll gladly revisit for future nightcaps

    Sama C.

    This is your low "key" dive bar based on the theme of keys, and keyholes. It is a very small bar located off of Newark Ave, and the enclosed street. You may even pass it by without knowing it, because it is not flashy on the outside. Once you enter the bar is in the middle with seating alongside in a circular shape. So if you are unable to grab a seat at the bar you may be standing in a tight spot. A handful of TV's makes its a chill spot to watch some sporting events. Attentive and kind staff make this place a more personable and friendly spot for drinks. And, if you take care of them they take care of you kinda joint. What I didn't like was this is a CASH ONLY bar. I do not recall an ATM either, but it may have been on the other side of the bar. Also, the men's bathroom is a single urinal stall & sink (no toilet), and the door does NOT have a locking mechanism. Their drink selection is somewhat extensive for the size of this bar, but they could be missing some of the usual favorites. There is NO FOOD made here, but they allow you to order out (delivered to you at the bar), or you can walk in with food/snacks of your own. Would be nice to have something to snack on or some bar pies, but I do not believe they have a kitchen. FYI: Not sure about the cell phone service here. I couldn't get good reception, and I have Verizon.

    a bottle of beer and a glass on a bar

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    5 months ago

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

    best dive bar in downtown jc - great location, cheep drinks, and a chill vibe

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    3 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Zu gave me amazing service in Keyhole tonight. So Bubbly, so friendly, and super pleasant. Need her here on more nights.

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    7 years ago

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    Ask the Community - The Keyhole

    Review Highlights - The Keyhole

    There are TVs to watch the game and our bartender, Zu, was fantastic!

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    The Three Monkeys

    The Three Monkeys

    4.2
    (1.5k reviews)
    4.2 mi
    $$

    Step into the new 3 Monkeys, a tri-level playground of grit and glamour -- exposed brick that looks…read morelike it survived Prohibition, tin and copper ceiling tiles that wink under amber mood lighting, and a wooden bar polished by a thousand high-fives. Surrounding TVs keep every play, fight and miracle replayed in glorious surround-sass while wooden tables beg for pitchers, pretzels and conspiracy theories about the ref. Whether you're upstairs for the 3rd floor vibe, mid-level for the perfect sightline, or down in the cozy den with the best acoustics, this is New York sports bar energy: loud, a little brazen, impossibly welcoming. One particular bartender, Delaney not only brings an awesome level of energy to the bar, she saunters in like a halftime show -- a grin that's equal parts mischief and welcome. She's all quick elbows and quicker comebacks, the kind of bartender who remembers your name, your drink, and that one ridiculous story you told months ago. Her laugh is loud, her wink is devious, and she has a way of making first-timers feel like regulars by the second round. Behind the wooden bar she's choreography: expert pours, theatrical muddles, and a flourish that makes every order feel curated. Delaney's drinks are personality-packed, with her behind the bar, the place doesn't just serve drinks -- it gets its personality back. It's a place off 8th ave where fitness meets fun, and every corner feels like home--complete with friendly staff who know your name (or at least your size) and are always ready to offer a witty comeback or a perfect recommendation. Cheers!

    Came here for a Knicks game and really enjoyed the nachos and wings they had! The nachos had a lot…read moreof toppings on them, which is much appreciated as lots of sports bars will skimp on toppings. Taking off a star because I had a weird experience with the people at the front. I'm currently recovering from an injury and I'm in a pretty obvious neck brace. I was visiting with two people who were on their way and would be arriving in about 10-15 minutes and the people at the front told me I couldn't be seated until they arrived. I understand that this is normal protocol, but I pointed out my neck brace and asked if an exception could be made because it's significantly more comfortable for me to sit down (and there was no room at the bar). They said that their manager wouldn't let them do that, and that they couldn't seat me until the rest of my party was there. There were tons of table tables available the entire time and when my friend arrived about 12 minutes later, they seated us, I totally could've sat the whole time and it wouldn't have been a problem. Not the end of the world and I probably could've pushed it harder, but it definitely was a little awkward!

    Photos
    The atmosphere..10/10
    The atmosphere..10/10
    The Three Monkeys
    The Three Monkeys

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    Paradise Lost

    Paradise Lost

    4.4
    (171 reviews)
    3.0 mi

    Thank goodness we FOUND paradise LOST. You ring the doorbell, and are buzzed in to be put on the…read morelist. For my group of 2, it was approximately a 25 minute wait on a Saturday at 7. We jumped over to the bar right beside and drank some girly drinks before getting the notification our table was ready. As with nearly every establishment in NYC, it is very close quarters in paradise lost. We stood at a table while waiting for seats at the bar to become available. Which, we didn't mind. I could see how this might be a little harder to get a seat for a bigger group if you aren't there before 6. It seemed that once a group got a big table, they camped out. The drinks were strong and creative. Friendly bartenders, good music, and yummy options for bar snacks. Also, the bathroom is a nice touch. Given the hell theming for the bar, the bathroom is a 180 and while using the Lou, you can listen to the bible being recited. Theres also a spooky surprise if you press the button in the bathroom. Speaking of the bathroom, it is at the bottom of some decently narrow stairs. So, try and stay sober enough for stairs or you may fall. Go to this bar. You will have fun.

    The vibe is cute, and the ambiance is cute, but everything is overpriced, although most tiki bars…read moreare. I don't know if I've ever had such a bad pina colada in my life at a tiki bar. I mean, I've had bad pina coladas at dive bars, but I expected more from this place. I would say it was very strong, though, so you know what? That's a good thing to be very strong for that price I'm paying. The spam musubi was also a rip-off. You see two here, but each one costs its own $10, so save your money. Eat somewhere else. Eat a pizza across the street.

    Photos
    Amazing atmosphere!
    Amazing atmosphere!
    Beware the shark!
    Beware the shark!
    Damned Dumplings ($10) and Kappa Krab Roll ($15)

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    Damned Dumplings ($10) and Kappa Krab Roll ($15)

    The Keyhole - divebars - Updated July 2026

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