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Funny Bar

133 Essex St, New York, NY 10002
$$$
Steakhouse

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Master Critic Review

Funny Bar 8.3
Lower East Side
Funny Bar is a candlelit steakhouse-jazz bar where the entire food menu is essentially two steaks, a salad and sides, all built around steak frites. It’s the non-traditional option in the neighborhood for people who want live music, mid-priced wine and a focused plate of beef rather than a sprawling steakhouse menu.
Must-Try Dishes: Bar steak frites with bordelaise, Big Steak with maître d’ butter, Our Salad
Scores:
Value: 7.6 Service: 8.1 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 8.4 Atmosphere: 8.9 Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: A compact steak frites–driven menu served in a live jazz bar setting.
Who should go: Steak fans who want music, drinks, and a focused menu
When to visit: Late evenings when the room is full and music’s on
What to order: Bar steak frites, Big Steak, brownie sundae
Insider tip: Sit near the piano if you want the full jazz-bar feel; bar seats work well for walk-ins and solo steak nights.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; availability is tight after 6pm on weekends, but you can typically find a spot within a few blocks on weeknights. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning stylish; dark denim, boots, and a nice top or button-down fit the room’s candlelit, jazz-bar atmosphere.
Noise level: Loud once the music starts; expect an energetic jazz-bar vibe where you can chat, but not every word will land clearly.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for walk-ins, especially after 8pm when music is in full swing.
Weekday lunch: Lunch is not typically offered; early weekday evenings usually have short or no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extremely limited—aside from salad and a few sides, the menu is centered on beef.
Vegan options: No meaningful vegan options; this is a steak-forward concept with a short menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes, but limited—steaks can be prepared gluten-free, and several sides can be adapted; confirm with the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want a moody, music-driven atmosphere with a single-plate focus that keeps the night simple. The candlelight and live jazz make it memorable without being formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes. Walk-ins are common—bar seats are the easiest to snag, especially before 7pm. After 8pm, waits grow due to the music crowd.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The menu is limited, the space is small, and the late-night jazz vibe caters more to adults. Best for teens and up, not young children.
Best For
Better for: A focused steak frites experience with live music—perfect if you prefer intimacy and atmosphere over a massive steakhouse menu.
Skip if: You want a traditional steakhouse with extensive cuts, seafood towers, or quiet conversation-friendly dining.