Arlo and Esme
New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 777-5617
- Cross Street:
- Between 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue
- Directions:
- F, V at 2nd Ave
- Specialties:
- Lounge
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 8am-4am, Sat-Sun 10am-4am
Editorial Review for Arlo and Esme – by Joshua M. Bernstein
In Short
Get juiced on java, then take the edge off with a little liquor at this split-level spot that's a coffee house during daylight and a full-scale bar and lounge later on. The upstairs is a sun-dappled cafe, while the 4,000-square-foot basement is a nightlife playpen containing a pool room, Ms. Pac-Man machine and nightly DJs spinning sweet beat science. To put you in the proper dancing mood, knowledgeable bartenders craft spot-on renditions of classic libations like the old-fashioned and the Manhattan ($9).
Hits: Come during the day and you'll savor strong coffee and plenty of space to sprawl out; after dark, you'll sip expertly prepared classic cocktails and dance until the wee hours.
Misses: Though some nights are crazy packed, other evenings are so quiet and slow you'll often wonder if you've wandered into a bona fide ghost town.
Photo by Peter Cuce (http://www.flickr.com/photos/aranciaproject/2420315150/in/photostream/)
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Fun FactArlo and Esme--which was formerly East Village Yacht Club--is named after the nephew and niece of owners Harry Joannides and Gage Pray.
The ExtrasLaptop-toters, rejoice: The strong, speedy WiFi connection means you can surf the web while caffeinating, or settle a drunken dispute with your iPhone's browser.
Outdoor SeatingSnag a table stationed outside the front door, and you'll own the perfect outpost for people watching.
User Reviews for Arlo and Esme
09/29/2008 Posted by sapphire922
i LOVE this place. I had my birthday here, went to another friend's bday, and also came here to dance at my friend's bachelorette. Every time, it was a great crowd, never too packed. Everyone in the parties always had so much fun and couldn't stop talking about how much they like the bar and atmosphere. DJ is great, playing a mix of indie, throw back hip hop, current hits, etc. Great decor, different rooms downstairs- dance floor, bar, pool tables. Drinks are reasonably priced and strong enough. Highly recommend for a fun night!!
Pros: great, diverse crowd; excellent DJ
Cons: sometimes there's a line to get in if you don't get there early
09/08/2008 Posted by Zots3000
It took me 5 mins to cut through the crowd to get downstairs. Once I got there it took 15 mins to get a drink. When I finally did get a drink it was a weakly poured Gin and Tonic in an 8 Oz glass, filled with ice for 7 bucks.(I asked for Vodka Club Soda. When I told the bartender she just looked at me with a blank stare for a second and walked away). I'm going to estimate that there was about 4 oz of liquid in that drink and about 0.5 oz of that was liquor. I had to start ordering 2 drinks at a time because I finished the first one before the bartender got back with my change. Then I went outside to smoke a cigarette. Bad idea. I was outside for about 10 seconds before the bouncer informed me that I couldn't smoke in front of the bar because the neighbors complained about noise a lot. I guess their realtor didn't explain to them that there are 7 bars on this street. He directed me to an area a half block away from the bar where it was okay to smoke. On my way back to the bar I started typing a text message and stopped walking briefly to read it over before sending it. The same bouncer approached me and asked me "how many times am I going to have to tell you you can't hang out here". I tried to explain to him, politely, that I wasn't making any noise and that I would send it and be inside in 5 seconds. He rudely replied "That's all cool but you can't do it here, either go across the street, over there (points to the spot a half block away) or don't come back at all". I guess he was worried that the sound of me typing on my blackberry would wake the neighbors. I tried to explain to him that he had made more noise asking me to move then I had made typing my text but he couldn't understand that. I went inside and got my buddies. I would be damned if I would give this place a penny of my hard earned money. We promptly finished our drinks, all 4 ounces of them, and left the bar. I will NEVER in my life go back there for any reason. ZERO STARS!!!
Pros: None
Cons: All
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