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All Reader Reviews of...

Employees Only

510 Hudson St., New York, NY, 10014
nr. Christopher St.
212-242-3021

Avg. Rating

6
Food: 7
Service: 6
Décor: 7
"Mixed Reviews"

Average Reader Rating on a Scale of 10.

54% would go back.

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Fabulous food, a bit crowded

By krodster on 7/17/2012

  • Overall Rating: 8
  • Food: 8
  • Service: 7
  • Décor: 9
  • Yes, I would go back!

I took my family here for my birthday last week on a recommendation from a friend. Luckily we got there early, around 7:30, because as we were leaving at 9 it was jam packed. The cocktail menu is astounding, I don't know why you would order anything but a cocktail. Both of mine were delicious, and there is enough variety to please even the pickiest palates. Our server was fairly attentive, if maybe a little over-worked. She convinced us to try the bone marrow, and we were not disappointed. I heard the oysters were fabulous. I had a pasta and peas dish, it wasn't terribly exciting, and my father's fish was a little bland, but the appetizers did not disappoint, even if the entrees did. I would certainly recommend it for apps and drinks, though maybe skip a full meal. Dessert was heavenly though, oh my word.

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15 out of 34 people found this review helpful.

Best fraise sauvage!

By citrakayah on 1/25/2011

  • Overall Rating: 8
  • Food: 7
  • Service: 10
  • Décor: 8
  • Yes, I would go back!

I can't have enough of it. The bartenders there are very cool, great service from them, and I get consistent and fantastic drinks. Lately the crowds were questionable (some finance guys had no idea what they were talking about). But I will definitely be back for the drinks!

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60 out of 124 people found this review helpful.

:)

By pirjo on 11/1/2010

  • Overall Rating: 10
  • Food: 10
  • Service: 10
  • Décor: 8
  • Yes, I would go back!

loved bone marrow and lamb chop appetizers. and elk and cavatelli!!! can not wait to come back!!!!!!!thank you so much!!!

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54 out of 124 people found this review helpful.

Great Cocktail Menu!

By andybailer on 11/18/2009

  • Overall Rating: 9
  • Food: 8
  • Service: 9
  • Décor: 10
  • Yes, I would go back!

Employees Only is definitely known for its award-winning cocktails and aperitifs, but it also serves up some delicious meals, like orecchiette (a sausage-filled pasta). It is reasonably priced and the decor evokes a feeling of 1920's prohibition-era, because I believe the place was originally a hidden speakeasy.

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109 out of 207 people found this review helpful.

Not what it used to be

By willyc on 9/5/2009

  • Overall Rating: 4
  • Food: 6
  • Service: 1
  • Décor: 4
  • No, I would not go back!

Used to be a great spot for drinks and dinner. Now, service is spotty at best. Pass.

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109 out of 213 people found this review helpful.

My new favorite

By darlingc on 6/17/2009

  • Overall Rating: 10
  • Food: 10
  • Service: 10
  • Décor: 10
  • Yes, I would go back!

Surprised by the other reviews, but it's clearly not for everyone. And why should it be? This is NYC, the customer is not always right and not everyone should get in easily. A speakeasy created for & by the service industry, if you happen to appreciate a dimlit, lowkey but stylish atmosphere with excellent food that's not trying too hard- this is the place. With a true top shelf, mustachioed barbacks and a last call ritual that includes Tom Waits & complimentary chicken soup passed out like communion, you never know who's gracing the next barstool. The crowd is as eclectic as the city itself, and unsurprisingly- pedestrians and wannabes might have more complaints than artists and jetsetters. My new favorite spot.

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95 out of 200 people found this review helpful.

Not worth your time

By devondjones on 3/12/2009

  • Overall Rating: 4
  • Food: 5
  • Service: 1
  • Décor: 7
  • No, I would not go back!

This bar sells itself as an after work hangout, but acts like some pretentious meatpacker club. The door staff is incredibly rude, and the service inside is positively wretched. If you want good drinks but not to be treated horridly, go to one of the many other top notch bars in the area.

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107 out of 208 people found this review helpful.

Worst bar in the West Village

By legallady on 2/8/2009

  • Overall Rating: 1
  • Food: 1
  • Service: 1
  • Décor: 1
  • No, I would not go back!

If you are a giant d-bag who enjoys extremely crowded bars with expensive drinks and bad service then definitely check out Employees Only because you will fit right in. If you actually want to enjoy your evening, you probably want to keep looking.

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128 out of 223 people found this review helpful.

worst service ever

By troisetoilemichelin on 7/29/2007

  • Overall Rating: 1
  • Food: 1
  • Service: 1
  • Décor: 1
  • No, I would not go back!

My god! such a bad service is rare in the industry. I reserved a table and was told i had t wait for 30 min although i arrived 10 min late. the barmans were more occupied showing off rather than serving people and lost 20 min waiting to get served...doorman was an absolute joke. it can't be that difficult to be nice with people. i will not go back.

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315 out of 619 people found this review helpful.

Great place for drinks, doorman kills it

By anthony_vincent on 6/8/2007

  • Overall Rating: 6
  • Food: 7
  • Service: 5
  • Décor: 8
  • No, I would not go back!

I used to be a regular at EO and would frequent the place about 2-3x a week. Didn't have a problem getting past the doorman on weekdays. On the weekend if I brought more than 1 guest, then it was a different story. The place has been getting overly crowded, which makes it tougher for people to get in. On these occasions, the doorman would usually make it difficult for my guests. Tian (door man) is unprofessional, short tempered, ill-mannered, and portrays a bad image for the bar. I have spoken to Henry about this problem, but they choose to turn a blind eye. Having been in the bar business, management should understand that regulars are a bars lifeline, long after the popularity factor goes away. I understand that they are going for an air of exclusivity, but they could do much better than by having a prick regulate the door of this small joint. Other than that, the place is great. Good food, good drinks, good atmosphere inside. Chicken noodle soup at the end of the night is a good nightcap. Too many other places in NY to spend your money.

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323 out of 680 people found this review helpful.

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