New York Magazine

STAY AWAY!!! Totally despicable service. If you want beer to be poured over your head by your server or if you enjoy being spit on, this is the place for you. Because my female! server was threatening me with physical violence, I had to call 911 to be escorted out of the bar. When police arrived, she denied non of it but claimed that it was all an accident. While she was screaming like a banshee, no manager or other staff members showed up to calm her. It must be the culture of the joint. Worst service experience of my life.

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19 out of 43 people found this review helpful.

The rating by "killerbeez" is full of lies.

By nutty0mcnutsac on 2/15/2011

Overall Rating: 8
Yes, I would go back!

I just wanted to clear up a couple things that are wrong in this person's review. First of all, they don't charge $15 for a screwdriver. I don't remember how much they charge exactly, but I have been here many times and never have I ever been shocked by the prices. I would guess that a non-call screwdriver would cost you $8 or $9. Second, I have been in this place dozens of times and there has never been a "service fee". This guy must have something personal against this place because those are two big lies right there. The place has a party vibe, and although it isn't hardcore jazz, it's still a very fun place with no cover, which is hard to come by in New York. I do agree that the drinks are a bit watered down though. This is a minor negative though, and the place has much more positives then negatives. Don't be disuaded by this killerbeez person. The music is very good more times than not, and sometimes it's not just good, it's great! For what it is (a dive bar with no-cover live music), it's probably one of the best values in the city.

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26 out of 50 people found this review helpful.

What a shame

By Dantestraw on 12/8/2010

Overall Rating: 1
No, I would not go back!

I first came here in 1999, on my first visit to the city. I really loved its slightly run-down charm and talented musicians, and vowed to return every time I came to New York. And I did, almost every year since then. Having finally moved to the city last year and not visited for a few months, I decided to take a friend from out of town to Arthur's on Friday night. She loves jazz, and I thought she'd enjoy the laidback, scruffy vibe - even if I'd noticed the drinks getting pricier and pricier in recent years. After our experience last weekend, I've finally realized my dedication to Arthur's is hopelessly outdated. Our waitress refused to let us sit down in empty seats, saying she was "saving them" in case a bigger group arrived, then picked a fight when - after ten minutes of them remaining empty - we finally rested our legs. She wouldn't take our drink orders, and told us we'd be kicked out if we didn't finish up and leave. Overpriced drinks ($7 for a Bud Light - really?), terrible service, and R'n'B - NOT jazz - played between sets. You'd get better atmosphere in an airport bar, frankly. I won't be going back.

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22 out of 47 people found this review helpful.

RIPPED OFF

By juniorcat on 2/5/2010

Overall Rating: 3
No, I would not go back!

Very rude service from short blond waitress... Was never treated as rude as I was from her.... will never go back! Too many other places near by...

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41 out of 80 people found this review helpful.

....a Mirage....

By killerbeez on 7/31/2008

Overall Rating: 1
No, I would not go back!

This place caught my eye because it looked like a hole in the ground bohemian jazz club that I have been looking for and finally found. However, my fears were realized when I went into this place and was treated rudely and felt ripped-off when I walked out an hour later confused, deflated and broke. Allow me to begin: The Drinks are watered down and they charged us $15 for a screwdriver made with "well" Vodka. Also, do not be fooled by the lack of a cover charge. The rude waitress (short blond girl) charged us a $25 "service fee. Since when does a bar charge a service fee? Was this the cover? The band however was fantastic. The sad thing was that the band had to perform for tips like circus monkeys. Shame. Screw the artists again-Shame on you Arthur's. In conclusion, stay away from this trap unless you prefer rude service and watered down overpriced drinks. If you are thirsty for a taste of ol school NYC Jazz then this place is a mirage.

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90 out of 138 people found this review helpful.