0 Followers
Aunt Bernie's Bar and Jardin
Master Critic Review
Aunt Bernie's Bar and Jardin
7.8
A modern Murray Hill gathering spot that channels Spanish-inspired tapas through a stylish cocktail bar lens. The lush garden room provides an unexpected respite from Third Avenue bustle, while the bar program delivers crafted cocktails alongside shareable plates of patatas bravas and croquetas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Patatas Bravas, Baked Brie Puff, Croquetas de Jamón
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Indoor garden setting with curated cocktails and Spanish-inspired small plates
Who should go: Groups seeking stylish happy hour with shareable bites
When to visit: Happy hour for oyster deals or weekend brunch
What to order: Escargot, patatas bravas, wine flight
Insider tip: Book the back garden room for private events and celebrations
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 3rd Ave between 34th and 35th; metered spots competitive during happy hour. Nearby garage on 34th St averages $25-35 for 2 hours.
Dress code: Trendy casual - stylish jeans, nice tops, date-night attire. The crowd skews young professional; dress like you're going somewhere after.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - bar area gets buzzy during happy hour, garden room quieter for conversation. Weekend nights lean louder.
Weekend wait: 20-35 minutes without reservation; garden room fills first. Reserve for groups of 4+.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; opens at 4pm weekdays so lunch not available except weekends
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good options - patatas bravas, baked brie, salads, vegetable tapas. Tapas format makes mixing and matching easy.
Vegan options: Limited - some vegetable plates can be modified; ask server about dairy/butter in preparations. Not a specialty.
Gluten-free options: Moderate options - many tapas naturally GF; staff can guide but no dedicated prep. Avoid breaded items and brie puff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great choice for casual-cool first dates. The garden room sets a romantic tone without feeling stuffy, tapas format encourages sharing and conversation, and cocktails break the ice. Not ideal if you want formal or quiet - there's energy here.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for parties of 2-3, especially at the bar or early evening. Friday/Saturday after 7pm gets crowded - reserve the garden room in advance. Walk-ins can typically grab bar seating anytime.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really - this is a bar-forward concept with dim lighting, cocktail focus, and no children's menu. The vibe is adult social scene. Save it for date night and take the kids elsewhere.
What's the oyster happy hour deal? Happy hour runs until 7pm with discounted oysters and drink specials. Specific pricing varies - check their current menu. It's a solid deal that draws the after-work crowd; arrive by 5:30 for best seating.
Is the garden room actually nice? Yes - it's the highlight. Lush greenery, softer lighting, and separated from the bar buzz. Best seats in the house for groups or dates. Book it specifically when making reservations for parties of 6+.
Best For
Better for: Stylish happy hours, girls' nights, and casual dates where cocktails matter as much as food. The garden room is genuinely unique for Murray Hill. Better ambiance than traditional Spanish spots nearby.
Skip if: You want authentic Spanish cuisine - this is Spanish-inspired bar food, not the real deal. Skip if you want quiet dinner conversation, substantial entrees, or are bringing children. For real paella, go to El Pote instead.