Employees Only

Employees Only Reviews

Add your review for Employees Only.

• Good

  by restaurant42

  
  

• Really like the Art Deco style of this place. The bar staff are very good and I had the nicest mezcal based cocktail I think I've ever tasted

  by Adam C

  
  

• I used to visit this bar in 2008. Almost 10 years later, it's kept it's cool.

  by megan m.

  
  

• Mentally prepare to handle a crowd. Ginger smash is worth wearing heels to get.

  by Kathryn I.

  
  

• Reserve in advance (only available for dinner) or be prepared to wait, cocktails galore (try them all) and fresh oysters daily, great for a night out with a group or a date

  by Ahuva R

  
  

• Cool speakeasy with delicious cocktails. The Amelia is amazing.

  by Amanda E

  
  

• Love this place! Great cocktails and great atmosphere, just be ready to line up to get in. It's worth it!

  by Rhiannon C

  
  

• Yes, at this point this “speakeasyâ€� is anything but secret, but that doesn’t make it any less of a gem. We could go for a ginger smash and some bone marrow poppers right about now, come to think of it

  by PureWow

  
  

• Great friendly professional bartenders, great ambience!

  by Samuel T

  
  

• food and drinks were quite good but the ambiance was disappointing: diner tables, ugly stained couches, and a skylit back area that made it seem like a cheap place with patio seating

  by Rafi Romero

  
  

• Amelia. Spring/summer 2017 cocktail

  by natalie M

  
  

• Great bar, super skilled bartenders.

  by Maweł K

  
  

• Burlesque on Sundays at midnight. Quality varies but drinks are always top notch. This is the place where I ate an Oyster for the first time in my life.

  by Conrad S

  
  

• Cocktails and snacks. Especially the beef tartare.

  by chuck L

  
  

• Great drinks and food - overall great bar. Try to go in the weekdays instead of the wknd. It's usually super crowded over the wknds, if you are planning on going make a reservation.

  by Gustavo B

  
  

• Consistently the top cocktail bar in NYC and one of the best in the world. Outstanding speakeasy-style cocktails served by NYC's most talented mixologists. Great crowd, beautiful decor / ambience.

  by John E

  
  

• was super crowded so didn't feel much like a Speakeasy. Can't remember the exact cocktails we got but they were just okay, not worth the $16 imho.

  by Natalie V.

  
  

• Amazing cocktails, for food definitely try tuna tartar as a starter, rib eye for main!

  by Nazli Oguz

  
  

• Ginger smash ftw

  by Elizabeth B.

  
  

• Good vibes. Skip the prosecco

  by Stephanie Isaacson

  
  

• One of the original mixology bars in NYC. Amazing drinks and the staff aren't dicks. Nice dim environment.

  by Winn S

  
  

• Amazing Steak Tar Tar was made at the table the food was nothing less than spectacular we even got our cards read on the way out if you don't go your missing out !!!

  by Dave S

  
  

• Always has been my go to place for THE BEST oysters & tartar and of course cocktails and interesting crowd.Gets packed prepare yourself for a line,don't wear shorts if you're a guy and no flip flops.

  by Jen J

  
  

• well done pisco sour!

  by Ursula T.

  
  

• When I asked the bartender which of two drinks, he gave a great answer that won me over. I still drool over that fraise sauvage.

  by Shivvy

  
  

• Great ambience and good drinks

  by Betty O

  
  

• Great cocktails!!

  by Thanasis D

  
  

• Pretty tight, but everyone is so friendly and the atmosphere is great!

  by Nicole F

  
  

• This place is simply awesome. Great atmosphere and open late for a cocktail after dinner at the Spotted Pig.

  by Lou L

  
  

• it's doable as a walk-in if you get there early enough on a weeknight (by 9, preferably). the bar is LOUD, so if conversation is what you seek, try to snag a table

  by Chad H.

  
  

• Steak tartar and a lazy lover are my faves. Excellent staff from the door man, bartender, hosts, to the kitchen staff. Love this cozy spot in the west village!

  by Linda Nguyen

  
  

• Brilliant cocktails served by charming bartenders, cheers!

  by Caroline

  
  

• Everyone is at least an 8/10.

  by Nate A

  
  

• Christopher St

  by Lisa S

  
  

• Everything

  by Gerald H

  
  

• Horrible service. The 'manager' who has the worst attitude (agreed by every single employee who works there) treats people like a piece of garbage. Fire that woman!

  by Burak R

  
  

• Quiet storm was delicious

  by Scott T

  
  

• Late night #cocktails and snacks

  by Nick C.

  
  

• The Old Fashioned

  by Marlynn W.

  
  

• Really good cocktails! If you're not sure, ask the bartenders- they know exactly what you should be drinking.

  by Kathy Liu

  
  

• Worth waiting to get in... Cocktails were amazing!

  by Magali Ä

  
  

• The bartenders are excellent mixologists... Let them do their thing and wow you!

  by Lissa G

  
  

• so beautiful I had to come here .

  by Aji J

  
  

• Get the Billionaire Cocktail.

  by Nick

  
  

• Lively atmosphere. Difficult to get a seat at the bar. Drinks are worth standing.

  by Lauren T

  
  

• Great steak tartar and perfect cocktails.

  by Gabriel C

  
  

• Elegant cocktails and authentic prohibition ambience.

  by Kristoffer N

  
  

• Bumping speakeasy. Crowd was a little posh but the cocktails were off the charts. Good drink spot.

  by Stephanie C.

  
  

• Open late. Super cool. Great cocktails

  by Florence J

  
  

• Meh. Just too busy to enjoy a. cocktail. Old fashioned was mediocre at best. 1 toilet for the entire bar.

  by Andrew @

  
  

• Very good cocktail bar ... friendly bartenders, good music, relaxed atmosphere ... for a recommendation

  by Ivan W

  
  

• It's always crowded late night no matter what day of the week

  by Emily S

  
  

• Lives up to the hype. Don't get out of line.

  by Rob K

  
  

• Dress to impress considering the bouncer can keep you from entering

  by Spotted by Locals - city guides by locals

  
  

• Go early to grab a seat at the bar without a problem

  by Ryan

  
  

• Very cool vibe. Great drinks + mixologists. Ordered the bacon wrapped lamb shanks with a side of sautéed kale- absolutely delightful!

  by Sara Grace L.

  
  

• 6pm on a Friday: already enforcing a no-shorts dress code... I've been to plenty, plenty of other cocktail bars in the city and no other enforces it this early!

  by Andrea B

  
  

• Kind of a crazy scene but this is one of my favorite joints in the area!

  by Catherine P.

  
  

• Great cocktails and food at a speakeasy-style bar. Enter through the fortune teller window in the front.

  by Lindsay C

  
  

• Wednesday are the best!!

  by Constanza C

  
  

• Great cocktails. Try the ginger smash. Make a reservation so you can get a table, otherwise you'll be standing in a very crowded space.

  by Santi A

  
  

• Waterloo, steak tartare, parmesan fries...but honestly, everything is great.

  by Linda Nguyen

  
  

• Great cocktail program. Great crowd, great music

  by Ed D

  
  

• Just commit and get a table, it's the easiest way to getting many many drinks. Next level cocktails.

  by Johnny W.

  
  

• Cocktails!!

  by Lily O'Dare

  
  

• Cozy setting, amazing cocktails & even better service. The bartenders are fun, easy-going and know what they're doing. Definitely a good place for drinks & tartar :)

  by Jovana O.

  
  

• Expensive as fuuuuuuu

  by Joe A.

  
  

• I love this place and their cocktails. And even late night you can eat delicious food.

  by Ä°pek A.

  
  

• The Lazy lover is everything I expected! mmm... perfection

  by Matea Bronic

  
  

• If you can find a time when it isn't super crowded I think this could be a good spot to chill and have a nice cocktail.

  by Chris K.

  
  

• Steak Tartare, cocktails including Common sense, ginger smash & vodka w cucumber are must haves. Always crowded. Great music.

  by Sameepa S.

  
  

• wonderful cocktails. food is excellent too. highly recommended.

  by Martha

  
  

• Great date place, wonderful atmosphere and cocktails, appetizers try the lamb in bacon, pasta is solid, as is butterscotch desert

  by Michael F.

  
  

• Awesome cocktails and ambiance! Love the fire place!

  by JeanMarc Parveaux

  
  

• The all around famous bar in nyc still delivers, but the ambience brings it down several notches. Over crowded always. Attaboy and Angel Share have them beat hands down unless a food menu is a must.

  by Eric V.

  
  

• I love it tooo much

  by Ali K

  
  

• If this guy is working the door, don't bother with the usual "I know the bartender" or "I'm on the list" - he's not buying it. Head to the back of the line.

  by Cooper S.

  
  

• Great place for after work/dinner cocktails. Love the Billionaire Cocktail or the Quiet Storm. You really can't go wrong here.

  by Carlos R.

  
  

• This place would probably be good if it wasn't so crowded

  by Matthew M.

  
  

• Always positive interactions w the doorman. Not always inside. Overrated.

  by Doctore A.

  
  

• The steak is insane. Splurge and enjoy.

  by Isaac V.

  
  

• Their bone marrow poppers are great! Cocktails are yummy too. Had the amelia and mata hari. Ginger smash was popular too.

  by Winnie W.

  
  

• Great speakeasy but get in early

  by lino b.

  
  

• Bone Marrow Poppers, seriously!

  by Shelley C.

  
  

• Great vibe, solid drinks.

  by Curtis S.

  
  

• Strong drinks and was surprised to see the food looked amazing as well. Go early and sit at the bar.

  by Mike M.

  
  

• Place with great music but sometimes it can get too loud. Cocktails are great! Grab a few while you wait for a table because it might be a long wait.

  by Sanja Delcev

  
  

• Open late late late night. That is all.

  by Eric F.

  
  

• Billionaire Cocktail and the Hemingway. The Lamb Chops were great as well.

  by Jamison A.

  
  

• Try the ginger smash..

  by Phoenix 💥💥💥

  
  

• Amazing cocktails in a cool speakeasy style bar. Hold on to your wallet, though...

  by Drew Jennings

  
  

• Arriving earlier in the evening for dinner will allow guests to make a reservation, and skip the crowded club-like atmosphere that later ensues. Make sure to get an order of the bone marrow poppers.

  by Lori L.

  
  

• One of the few places you can get Spaten, a great refreshing lager, in New York.

  by Mike O'Sullivan

  
  

• Check out Employees Only as seen on Best Thing I Ever Ate

  by TV Food Maps

  
  

• Missy Robbins, chef of A Voce Columbus, eats here on her nights off. She loves the Cucumber & radish salad.

  by Chefs Feed

  
  

• Best cocktails ever. Don't go here to drink beer. Don't go here to drink mixed drinks. Go here to fall in love with the cocktail again. These guys seriously care about the art that is the cocktail.

  by Grayson L

  
  

• Delicious drinks!

  by Gaelù S

  
  

• I'll do this again and again: bone marrow poppers, Lazy Lover, Mata Hari, and Mazerati â�¤ï¸�

  by Betty

  
  

• The Ginger Smash is pretty fantastic 👌

  by karen s.

  
  

• Steve will take great care of you. Sit back and enjoy the ride.

  by Mutineer Magazine

  
  

• best bar for birthdays to claim to prime barside real estate, and order a round of original cocktails mixed by rascally, white-jacketed gents.

  by W M.

  
  

• Old-school speakeasy type bar/restaurant. On the weekends it can get packed, but its definitely an awesome spot.

  by Tim Crook

  
  

• all the staff is drunk

  by jeanaymeri

  
  

• Get there early or make a reservation as they fill up fast! Dev is THE MAN. Order ginger fizz and the charcuterie and cheese plates. Seasonal and nightly rotations- honey pistachios, orgasmic bread!

  by Susie K

  
  

• Best. Place. Ever.

  by Jacqueline G.

  
  

• Best place ever!!

  by Michel Granpasso O.

  
  

• Best Manhattan I've ever had!

  by Eric S.

  
  

• Order a Hemingway. The goods.

  by Sean R.

  
  

• Nice hidden bar with well made coctails

  by Paula D.

  
  

• Cosmo was highlighted on Timeout New York

  by Wilson Z.

  
  

• Not the friendliest staff

  by Adrian M.

  
  

• Great steak tartare, drinks are fantastic, only downside is the bar crowd is kind of too fratty for me.

  by Christopher L.

  
  

• [Restaurant/Bar] Art deco-themed cocktail bar with solid menu and special late-night menu (midnight to 3:30am). Try their Ginger Smash, Lazy Lover or classics like Manhattan. Fireplace lit in winter.

  by Anders D.

  
  

• [Restaurant/Bar] x

  by Anders D.

  
  

• sit at the actual bar, by the fire. the marrow puffs = amazing. lamb chops are delish but arrive super rare. the skate is great. and: the giant ice cubes in the scotch, rule.

  by Danyel S.

  
  

• Bacon wrapped lamb

  by Aya F.

  
  

• Late night must try !

  by Long

  
  

• I have a feeling tonight is going to get interesting. After all, we're with "Employees Only".

  by Nathalie A.

  
  

• Employees Only was designed to be an industry hangout -- the kind of place where chefs, servers, and bartenders go when their restaurants close to enjoy a serious cocktail and food.

  by Eater

  
  

• Closed at the moment... Not sure why, but temporary violation order on the door.

  by Jon B.

  
  

• Great bar. Love the entrance. Get the Ron Zacapa Manhattan. Only one bathroom.

  by Jarrod M.

  
  

• Mata Hari...coctail recommended >^.^<

  by Nostaljik Kedi

  
  

• splendid coupe glasses here.

  by Valentina M.

  
  

• The secret.

  by Warren B.

  
  

• Steak tartar impresionante.

  by Teresa G.

  
  

• Ginger Smash cocktail was yummy and the bartenders were all super nice!!! ;)

  by Helen H.

  
  

• The mixologists are legit - the Lazy Lover (cachaça and jalapeño chartreuse!) is the best cocktail my boyfriend and I both have ever had. Yum!

  by Jessica K.

  
  

• Handsome bartender and excellent drinks!

  by Daniëlle C.

  
  

• I'm in love with the Lazy Lover...

  by Monica F.

  
  

• Ginger smash. Everything else is also delicious, but there is no drink in NYC that compares to the ginger smash.

  by Jessica H.

  
  

• The most overrated of the cocktail bars, and the most expensive. Don't care if it looks cool to not - use your jiggers

  by Suri R.

  
  

• Octopus salad... enough said!

  by Nina V.

  
  

• Try the West Side cocktail. ..its delicious - not too sweet and refreshing. Food is fantastic too. D ef coming back.

  by Rachel I.

  
  

• This place really sucks. !!! Is so wrong spend ur money here!!! Don't go!!!

  by William O.

  
  

• Billionaire cocktail

  by Joanne J

  
  

• Marrow poppers and braised octopus are true winners here

  by Chris S

  
  

• Lamb chop bacon wrapped was amazing. I like piscine sour, ginger smash, not the west side story so much unless you like really tart.

  by Travis R.

  
  

• Get ready for the spirit of the '20s!

  by StageBuddy

  
  

• Great cocktails, try the Amelia

  by Javier G.

  
  

• Their cocktails are delicious but stay away from the food...

  by StageBuddy

  
  

• Very cool ambience and superb mixed drinks.

  by Russell G.

  
  

• Was there for a friend's 30th. It was a rare treat, considering the price. However, the food and drinks were amazing. Need a special occasion place to go? Try this place!

  by Audrey L.

  
  

• The West Side is the perfect not-too-sweet summer lemonade should you find yourself early to dinner and wandering lonely as a cloud.

  by Melissa K.

  
  

• What can i say? We love everything, the cocktails (simply the best) the Steak Tartare (amazing) Bone Marrow poppers (if you into them) plus Hemingways. Take care of your bar tender....and security.

  by Ed K.

  
  

• Order a "Don't tell babo" and the rainbow trout. You won't be disappointed.

  by Jesse S.

  
  

• drnak up ????

  by Kate K.

  
  

• Winner! Worth the wait.

  by Jack W.

  
  

• Cocktails are superb!

  by Candace Whye

  
  

• The Ginger Smash is... smashing :)

  by JaKenna G.

  
  

• Great staff, drinks and food. Steak tartare is delicious.

  by Bruna D

  
  

• Wood burning fireplace heats things up on a cold night.

  by George R.

  
  

• Order a Provençale

  by Anthony R.

  
  

• It's a @fashion_press NYC secrets, top 10 Bars in the World I kid you not, try the Hemingway Daiquiri a must

  by Ed K.

  
  

• The girls like the lemon vodka drink

  by Andrew P.

  
  

• Steak tartar... A dude comes to your table and amazing comes out of his magic

  by Andrew P.

  
  

• BONE MARROW POPPERS

  by Allene Jue

  
  

• To me,one of the best bars in the city of New York.Igor,Henry and all the guys are great.No tips are needed here.Just order the base on your cocktail.

  by omogenis

  
  

• Don't leave without trying the steak tartar

  by Heather

  
  

• It's a zoo some times but they know their stuff. Worth it. I want to be critical but if by chance something goes wrong then it's the kind of accident that could happen anywhere.

  by Paul

  
  

• They've got the Hemingway Daiquiri here, made with rum, maraschino and grapefruit

  by Dipsology

  
  

• If you're looking for specialty drinks in NYC this is the place! We've heard the bartenders actually own the bar so they really care about the customers.

  by Citybeams.com

  
  

• Holy cockles! Get a Manhattan and an order of Curried Cockles. You'll be "that guy" at the bar but it is entirely worth it.

  by Chase R.

  
  

• Try the steak tartar...delicious :)

  by Amyris W

  
  

• Great cocktail spot. Try a Quiet Storm... It's delicious!

  by Jay C

  
  

• Yes, the cocktails are superb, but they're only half the story. This place has some of the best speakeasy dinner food in the West Village.

  by Zack S.

  
  

• Love this place and the drinks r amazing!!! Food awesome!!( the only negative and Disappoint is the bartender with long hair and tattoos is a douche bag!! And always drunk with a nose problem!!)

  by William O.

  
  

• If you get a shot of Fernet from the guys behind the bar, you're a regular/family.

  by gabi p.

  
  

• Beware of pickpockets and loose women

  by Halsey C

  
  

• Snooty staff members . As much as I loved the ambience , will never want to go back there whatsoever

  by Nithya Q

  
  

• Love their Ginger Smash cocktail!

  by Rachna K.

  
  

• Employees Only is one of those "hidden" bars. To find it, look in the dictionary under "colossal Bridge & Tunnel douchebag clusterfuck."

  by A G.

  
  

• the daiquiris here are tops!

  by A.J. B.

  
  

• Some of the best cocktails in the city!

  by Josephine S.

  
  

• table made steak tartar... amazing!

  by Cat C.

  
  

• Sooo crowded!

  by Christina D.

  
  

• The white truffles please. No do it. Now.

  by Scott W.

  
  

• If you like gin, have the Provencal ( a little Charcuterie doesn't hurt either)

  by Ricardo P.

  
  

• NYC [Drink] You'll likely be wooed by the menu, but if you're looking for your own creation, tell their top-notch bartenders what flavors you like and they'll create something off the menu.

  by Syndicate Media Group

  
  

• Be nice to Milos ;-)

  by DMD

  
  

• 1920s,30s prohibition spirit. Best 2011 cocktail bar. New Hip place, you can't see the name out. Another usual hangout for us. Try Psychic on Thu. Tells some past events that will give you goosebumps.

  by Veena R.

  
  

• Try the jalapeño/Leblon/Chartreuse 'Lazy Lover' - spicy and delicious!

  by Jacob B.

  
  

• BEST steak tartar you will ever have

  by Tristyn O.

  
  

• Get your fortune read!

  by Tristyn O.

  
  

• Rocco DiSpirito, on Food Network's The Best Thing I Ever Ate, raves about the Bacon Wrapped Lamb Chops at Employees Only in New York, NY. Find more tips at FN Local.

  by Food Network

  
  

• Excellent cocktails

  by Sara K.

  
  

• This place pretty much sucks, bad service rude bartenders, pushy crowd. I'll avoid this place in the future

  by Bryan T.

  
  

• Go on Sunday night and stay later than you probably should.

  by Laren S.

  
  

• Best Manhattan that I've ever had.

  by Jason S.

  
  

• Deco devine. Enjoy friend, enjoy.

  by Adriaan l

  
  

• Deco divine. Enjoy friend, enjoy. (too /ginger/ smashed to spell, pun intended)

  by Adriaan l

  
  

• All about the Ginger Smash. Tequila never tasted so good.

  by Aisea L.

  
  

• With a small group of friends? Grab the window seats for great service!!

  by Matt M.

  
  

• Best fries!! And bratislav makes great drinks!

  by Gina G.

  
  

• Bulleit Rye on the rocks

  by Chelle 💃.

  
  

• They have a pretty mean Manhattan.

  by Donald K.

  
  

• Great bar - fab cocktails and atmosphere

  by Patrick

  
  

• Amelia, Ginger Smash, Steak tartar

  by Ravin D.

  
  

• Ginger Smash!!

  by Claudia S.

  
  

• Quiet Storm #drinks

  by Albert A.

  
  

• Best steak tartar EVER! Truffle capers? Who knew..

  by Lucy B.

  
  

• Cok iyi bar, super kokteyl'ler...

  by Renan T

  
  

• Love the steak tartar and presentation is impressive. Lamb chop appetizer is delicious too!!

  by Q Events

  
  

• Order the quiet storm cocktail

  by Tony L

  
  

• great food, great drinks. What else could you possibly need?

  by AskMen

  
  

• One of the best poured drinks you'll find in the west village. Perfect late night spot.

  by Adam S.

  
  

• Great bartenders! It can get pretty packed so get there close to 6pm when it opens to score a spot at the bar. The 'Amelía' is delicious

  by aMerryPrankster

  
  

• The steak tartar is amazing & a very friendly employee mixes it up right before your eyes. Employees employs a super sweet staff & serves up tasty cocktails. Only 1 bathroom? a bit odd but still rocks

  by dee D

  
  

• Order off the menu. St. Germaine and Hendrix conconction

  by Christian B.

  
  

• enjoy the bone marrow poppers and steak tartar!

  by Deniz G

  
  

• Tuesday night....

  by Alex B.

  
  

• Ask for the Manhattan with DonQ. A twist on the classic and it tastes better!

  by DonQ K

  
  

• Fraise sauvage is parfait for the girls

  by Aimara A

  
  

• Get the Ginger Smash!

  by Vishal S.

  
  

• Stick to the amazing cocktails and apps. The burger might as well be three day old meatloaf

  by Matt L

  
  

• sit at the bar, order a cocktail off the menu, and smile at the mustached mixologists. i also like to go alone because it's a great place to meet people.

  by stephanie h.

  
  

• crazy scene on thursday night in August.

  by SizzleMel

  
  

• Drink a Vesper.

  by Adam D