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The Independent
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
The Independent
7.7
A snug, stylish bar-restaurant that works as a pre-theater basecamp when you want something more composed than the usual Times Square chaos. Come for cocktails and a couple of warm, shareable bites—this is a vibe-and-pacing win more than a destination dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bavarian pretzel sticks, Wings, Burger (bar-style)
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.4
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A cozy, cocktail-forward room tucked into Midtown’s theater orbit.
Who should go: Pre-theater duos and small groups.
When to visit: 60–90 minutes before curtain time.
What to order: A cocktail; pretzel sticks; one hot snack.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar—service is quickest and the vibe lands best.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Nearby paid garages on W 44th–46th Streets; street parking is very limited and unreliable after 6pm due to theater traffic.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but a polished top or jacket fits the room’s vibe better—especially pre-theater.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively bar energy, but you can still hold a conversation without leaning in.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, shorter if you’re willing to sit at the bar.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—this is primarily an evening and late-night spot.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – a few solid shareable bites and snacks work for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited – possible with modifications, but not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Limited – some small plates can be adjusted; cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want drinks and light bites rather than a full dinner. The cozy room, strong cocktail focus, and manageable noise level make it easy to connect without pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays or early evenings, but pre-theater hours fill fast. Sitting at the bar is the most reliable move if you walk in close to curtain time.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. This is an adult-leaning cocktail bar with limited food options for kids and a late-night energy that’s better suited to adults.
Best For
Better for: A calmer, more composed pre-theater drink-and-snack stop compared to louder Times Square bars.
Skip if: You want a full, food-driven dinner or a high-energy party scene—there are better options nearby for both.
The Independent
8.2
A snug, cocktail-forward bar-restaurant that feels like an escape hatch from Midtown’s loudest blocks. Come for a composed round and a couple of warm, shareable plates—the payoff is the room’s pacing and polish, not a sprawling destination meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bavarian Pretzel Sticks, Halloumi Fries, Baja Mahi Mahi Tacos
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A cocktail-first Midtown hideout with better-than-expected food.
Who should go: Pre-theater duos and small groups.
When to visit: 60–90 minutes before curtain time.
What to order: A cocktail; pretzel sticks; halloumi fries.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar—service is quickest and the vibe lands best.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is very limited; plan on nearby paid garages in the Garment District, especially after 5pm.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but the room reads better if you lean polished—clean shoes and a jacket won’t feel out of place.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively bar energy, but still easy to hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak pre-theater hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; this is more of an evening-driven spot.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes. Several solid shareable options and bar snacks work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited. A couple of small-plate friendly choices, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Limited but possible. Some small plates and snacks can be adapted—best to flag needs to the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The lighting, cocktails, and pacing make it ideal for a relaxed first date where conversation matters more than a long meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes—especially if you’re flexible. Bar seating turns over quickly and is the smartest walk-in move.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. This is an adult-leaning cocktail bar vibe best suited for teens and up, and even then it’s more date-night than family dining.
Best For
Better for: Cocktails, atmosphere, and a calm Midtown escape with dependable small plates—stronger for mood and pacing than many nearby bars.
Skip if: You want a full, multi-course dinner or a quiet, family-oriented restaurant—this shines as a drinks-plus-snacks destination.
The Independent
8.2
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Comfort Food Classics
A Midtown pub-restaurant that earns its keep with a real cocktail program and a menu that can stretch from quick bites to a full sit-down. For happy hour, it’s strongest when you keep it bar-driven: one signature drink, one savory snack, and you’re out before the theater crowd reshapes the room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Indo Old Fashioned, Croquettes, Butter toffee cake
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A legit cocktail-and-bites option on a high-traffic Midtown block.
Who should go: After-work regulars who want drinks plus real food.
When to visit: Weekdays before 6pm to beat the theater surge.
What to order: Indo Old Fashioned, croquettes, butter toffee cake.
Insider tip: Grab bar seats early—tables fill fast once shows let out.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Nearby paid garages on 38th–40th St; street parking is limited and tough after 5pm.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and clean sneakers are fine; business-casual fits the room best.
Noise level: Moderate. Easy conversation at the bar and early evening; gets louder once theater crowds arrive.
Weekend wait: 30–45 min without a reservation during peak theater windows.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; short lines possible around 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several shareable snacks and a few mains work without modification.
Vegan options: Limited – a couple of items can be adjusted; best to ask the server.
Gluten-free options: Limited – some naturally gluten-free options and flexible plates, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for drinks. The bar has enough energy to avoid awkward silence but stays focused early, making it easy to talk without committing to a full dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, but timing matters. Bar seating is the safest bet; tables tighten quickly after 6pm when pre-theater traffic rolls in.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. It skews adult and bar-driven, especially during happy hour and evenings; better suited for teens-plus at off-hours if needed.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail quality and food that feels more intentional than a standard Midtown pub—stronger for after-work drinks that still want a real bite.
Skip if: You want a quiet, lingering dinner or a late-night scene; nearby cocktail lounges or full-service restaurants handle those better.
The Independent
8.0
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Comfort Food Classics
A Midtown bar-restaurant that’s better than it needs to be: solid cocktails, tight kitchen execution, and wings with real sauce personality. It plays best as a happy-hour bite-and-drink stop—one wing order, one round, then leave before the pre-theater surge.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chili Crisp Chicken Wings, Bourbon glazed BBQ wings, Croquettes
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Chili-crisp wings and real cocktails in a Midtown workhorse room.
Who should go: After-work drink-and-bite people
When to visit: Weekdays before 6pm
What to order: Chili-crisp wings, croquettes, an Old Fashioned
Insider tip: Sit at the bar—wings land faster and stay hotter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is very limited; garages nearby but pricey. Best reached by subway or on foot.
Dress code: Casual Midtown smart-casual—jeans and sneakers are fine; work attire fits right in.
Noise level: Moderate early; gets louder closer to theater time.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during pre-theater hours.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some bar snacks and sides work, but wings are the main draw.
Vegan options: Very limited—best to come for drinks rather than food.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free items, but no dedicated prep area—ask staff to confirm.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something low-pressure. The bar seating, solid cocktails, and sharable wings make it easy and unfussy—just arrive before it gets loud.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes before 6pm. Bar seats are the easiest win; tables tighten up once theater crowds arrive.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. It’s a bar-forward room geared toward after-work and pre-theater adults; better for teens than younger kids, but still not a family destination.
Best For
Better for: Cocktails-plus-wings balance—stronger drinks and more personality than most Midtown sports bars.
Skip if: You want a quiet sit-down dinner or broad dietary accommodations—choose a calmer restaurant or dedicated wing spot instead.