No College Kids Allowed

Updated: March 02, 2009

Tired of drinking next to barely-of-age, shot-swilling youngsters? Mortified of being hit on with the line "What's your major?" We scope out nine New York bars that are guaranteed to be undergrad-free.

On this page:Strict Age Limits, Older By Choice.

Strict Age Limits

  1. 1 3 Star Rating: Average Greenpoint Tavern
    Read Reviews

    188 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (map)

    When your old-time regulars are threatened by endless crowds of fresh-faced hipsters, sometimes the only thing to do is enforce a strict 23-and-over age limit. Take that, recent NYU grads!

  2. 2 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Town Tavern
    Read Reviews

    134 W 3rd St, New York, NY 10012 (map)

    Young men need not apply. On weekend nights, college-age dudes must drink elsewhere because of the 23-and-over policy. Young ladies, however, are welcome. Don't worry guys, dorm parties are cheaper anyway.

  3. 3 3.5 Star Rating: Average Back Room
    Read Reviews

    102 Norfolk St, New York, NY 10002 (map)

    How does this speakeasy-style lounge keep away the drunken Lower East Side weekend crowd? With a 25-and-older age limit and, most likely, the serving of drinks in teacups.

Older By Choice

  1. 4 3.5 Star Rating: Average Label
    Read Reviews

    174 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002 (map)

    Finally, a hot singles scene in the bustling Lower East Side that isn't dominated by hormone-fueled 21-year-olds. Nu jazz, afrobeat and soul on the turntables keep the crowd a little older but still sexy.

  2. 5 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Ear Inn Inc
    Read Reviews

    326 Spring St, New York, NY 10013 (map)

    It stands to reason that one of the oldest bars in New York City (open since the 1870s) would have older clientele. The live jazz also helps keep away the MTV crowd.

  3. 6 3 Star Rating: Average Stone Rose
    Read Reviews

    10 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019 (map)

    How can you be sure a lounge won't be overrun by college students? Put it in the Time Warner Center. The Columbus Circle locale and luxury hotel vibe practically guarantee you won't be sipping martinis with anyone under 30.

  4. 7 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Iona
    Read Reviews

    180 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (map)

    In the just-turned-30 club, but prefer talking about indie bands instead of real estate? This laid-back pub, complete with ping-pong and plenty of European beers, is the place for you.

  5. 8 3 Star Rating: Average Hudson Cafeteria
    Read Reviews

    356 W 58th St, New York, NY 10019 (map)

    Sometimes you don't need an age policy to keep 21-year-olds out of your bar--just exorbitantly expensive drinks. Think of the American Express Black Card as the secret password.

  6. 9 4 Star Rating: Recommended One Little West 12
    Read Reviews

    1 Little W 12th St, New York, NY 10014 (map)

    Aside from the occasional child of a Greek shipping magnate, not too many college kids are hanging out at this flashy Meatpacking District lounge--but then again, most average-salaried people aren't either.