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John Doe Craft Bar & Kitchen
ZipPicks Awards
Best Late Night Restaurants in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Late Night Burgers in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Master Critic Review
John Doe Craft Bar & Kitchen
8.0
John Doe Craft Bar & Kitchen is a Fifth Avenue gastropub that stays open late with craft beers, cocktails, and a menu that’s more considered than typical bar fare. It’s where office groups and locals land for one more round plus burgers or steak frites before calling it a night.
Must-Try Dishes:
John Doe Burger, Truffle Mac & Cheese, Steak Frites
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Late-hours gastropub with better-than-average bar food and drinks.
Who should go: Coworkers extending happy hour into a full night
When to visit: Weeknights after 9pm when the bar fills in
What to order: John Doe burger, truffle mac, steak frites
Insider tip: Ask about daily specials; they can be better value than staples.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and difficult after 7pm; nearby paid garages on Fifth Ave and 31st–33rd St typically run $20–$30 for the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many guests come straight from the office in business-casual attire.
Noise level: Moderate to loud — fine for group conversation, but can get noisy near the bar late at night.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes after 9pm without a reservation, especially for larger groups
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short waits
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several veggie-friendly small plates, salads, and sides are available
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of sides and modified salads work, but no full vegan entrées
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free options like salads and proteins; cross-contamination is possible in the kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure first drink than a romantic dinner — it’s social and energetic rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially for small groups earlier in the evening; after 10pm, expect a short wait or to start at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evening only — the vibe shifts firmly adult after 8pm, with loud music and a bar-first crowd.
Best For
Better for: Late-night drinks with real food, not just bar snacks, plus easy group seating for coworkers and friends
Skip if: You want a quiet cocktail lounge, a romantic dinner spot, or a destination gastropub with a chef-driven menu