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The Ragtrader & Bo Peep Cocktail and Highball Store
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
The Ragtrader & Bo Peep Cocktail and Highball Store
8.5
A two-level Garment District hideaway that pairs a surprisingly serious food menu with a live-music, singalong-leaning cocktail basement. The best move is to treat it like a full night: an early dinner upstairs, then downstairs for a highball and the piano-bar energy that turns Midtown into something warmer.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime Burger, Roasted 1/2 Chicken, Mac N' Cheese
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A garment-factory space with a true live-music cocktail “second act” downstairs.
Who should go: After-work crews and couples who want dinner-plus-drinks.
When to visit: Weeknights early, then downstairs after 8pm.
What to order: Prime burger; roasted half chicken; mac n’ cheese.
Insider tip: Do dinner first—Bo Peep hits best as the follow-up.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; nearby garages available but pricey. Street parking is limited and tough after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy-casual—jeans are fine, but a polished top or jacket fits the room.
Noise level: Upstairs is moderate and conversation-friendly; downstairs gets loud once live music starts.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; earlier seating is easier.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily an evening destination.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward mains and sides work well.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides or modifications possible, but not a strength.
Gluten-free options: Partial—meat- and vegetable-based dishes can be adapted; confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you like a built-in second act. Dinner upstairs keeps things relaxed, and heading downstairs for music gives the night momentum without a venue change.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights if you arrive early, but reservations are smart for weekends or prime dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is an adult-leaning dinner-and-cocktails spot with live music later in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Dinner-plus-drinks nights where you want food quality and a lively, singalong-style bar scene in one address.
Skip if: You want a quiet, low-key meal only, or you’re sensitive to noise once live music ramps up.
The Ragtrader & Bo Peep Cocktail and Highball Store
8.2
A Garment District dinner-and-drinks compound that’s unusually practical for private dining because it has multiple configurable spaces, from small private rooms to larger buyouts. Food is designed for sociable pacing—share plates, sliders, and a burger anchor—while the Bo Peep side adds live-music energy when the group wants the night to keep going.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime burger, Gochujang chicken wings, Fried chicken sliders
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Multiple private/semi-private rooms plus a live-music speakeasy next door.
Who should go: Work groups and celebrations that want a fun runway.
When to visit: Weeknights for easier room control; weekends for music.
What to order: Prime burger, gochujang wings, fried chicken sliders
Insider tip: Book The Knitting Loft when you want true separation from the main bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking; garages on W 36th–39th St are the most reliable option, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy. Jeans are fine, but elevated tops and proper shoes fit the room’s energy.
Noise level: Moderate to loud depending on room and time; private rooms allow conversation, main bar areas skew energetic.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak party hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or minimal wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several share plates and sides can anchor a vegetarian-friendly group order.
Vegan options: Limited – a few adaptable vegetable dishes, but advance notice helps.
Gluten-free options: Some options available; best to flag needs ahead for private events.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a second or third date. The energy is high and social, which is great if you want momentum but less ideal for quiet, focused conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, especially early on weeknights. For groups or weekends, reservations are strongly recommended to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. This is an adult-leaning, nightlife-driven space best suited for evening groups rather than families.
Best For
Better for: Flexible private dining setups and groups that want dinner to naturally roll into drinks and music without changing venues.
Skip if: You need a quiet, culinary-first private dinner or a highly polished, formal service environment.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 11:45pm
Tuesday11:30am - 11:45pm
Wednesday11:30am - 11:45pm
Thursday11:30am - 11:45pm
Friday11:30am - 11:45pm
Saturday11:30am - 11:45pm
Sunday11:30am - 11:45pm