0 Followers
Down the Hatch
Master Critic Review
Down the Hatch
8.2
A basement dive and longtime Atomic Wings outpost, Down the Hatch builds its reputation on dozens of wing flavors, aggressive daily drink deals, and bottomless weekend wing brunch. It’s rowdy, affordable, and very wings-first, especially during its half-off bar and wing specials.
Must-Try Dishes:
DTH Famous Wings (Hot Mess or Garlic Parmesan), Combo Basket with wings and waffle fries, Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A 30-year Greenwich Village basement bar where Atomic Wings, nightly drink specials, and bottomless weekend wing brunch have made it a rite of passage.
Who should go: College-age groups craving rowdy drinks and serious wings.
When to visit: Weeknights before 7pm for half-off bar and wings.
What to order: DTH Famous Wings (Hot Mess), waffle fries, Buffalo chicken quesadilla.
Insider tip: Book the semi-private back room if you’re planning a fantasy draft or wing-fueled birthday so you get space away from the main bar crush.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on West 4th and Jones Street fill quickly after 6pm. No valet or garage directly adjacent.
Dress code: Ultra-casual—hoodies, jerseys, and jeans are the norm. Zero need to dress up.
Noise level: Loud—expect sports-bar energy with music, shouting over games, and little chance for quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes, especially during games or wing brunch turnover.
Weekday lunch: No wait; daytime hours are typically quiet.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—waffle fries, mozzarella sticks, and a few bar snacks qualify, but wings dominate the menu.
Vegan options: Very limited—most items involve dairy or fried proteins; not ideal for strict vegans.
Gluten-free options: Minimal—some wing sauces may be gluten-free, but cross-contamination is likely given the fryers and prep layout.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves dive bars, sports energy, and wings. It’s cramped, loud, and messy—better for casual hangs than romantic first impressions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—seating is walk-in only. Arrive before 7pm on weeknights or midday on weekends to avoid crowding; later hours can be standing-room-only.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is a college-heavy, alcohol-forward dive with loud music and tight seating. Suitable only for older teens during daytime hours.
Best For
Better for: Budget-friendly wings, bottomless wing brunch, and rowdy game-day energy—ideal for groups that want cheap drinks and lots of sauce variety.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, clean air, table service, or strong dietary accommodations; nearby sit-down pubs or full-service restaurants are better fits.