55 Bar
New York, NY 10001
Phone: (212) 929-9883
- Cross Street:
- Between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue
- Directions:
- A, C, E; B, D; F, V at W 4th St; 1 at Christopher St
- Hours:
- Daily 1pm-4am
Editorial Review for 55 Bar – by Lisa Marie Rovito
The Background
Since 1919 and the days of Prohibition, folks have been sneaking down into this dark and sunken treasure to put away a few of "the usual" and pass the time with whomever's around. In more recent years, 55 has made its name as a hideout for live jazz. Afternoons attract an older lot propped against the bar; evening shows draw a range of ages, with a crowd more appreciative than aficionado. Small wooden cafe tables, dark wood paneling and old glass sconces cast a mellowing fireside glow, though no fireplace exists.
The Experience
Guitar is the main ingredient for most every nightly show--with a revolving door of musicians unafraid to try out new material between finely strummed classic riffs. Drink prices are low enough to afford a nice dinner in the Village beforehand--though a sign urges two drinks per set.
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Insider Tips
When to GoFriday and Saturday nights bring blues at 6pm and 10pm. Two sets are played and a cover is standard, but otherwise it's low to none. Sets are performed at 7pm and 10pm (Sun - 9:30pm) other nights.
Save MoneyHappy hour stretches from the opening of the doors until the music starts.
User Reviews for 55 Bar
08/02/2008 Posted by Takeshi55
I had a great time at the 55BAR. I'm 66 years old Japanese. I live in Chiba near Tokyo Japan. I love jazz music. For end of June, I and my wife visited New York. As for me, the second and my wife were first NY. There were two object of the trip of our NY trip. The one of the object was to visit 55BAR in the west village, and another one was city sightseeing and shopping, that my wife hoped. I can't expresss it in my English well, but write it about a wonderful impression in 55BAR which we visited. I visited 55BAR in the same time two years ago, but then 55BAR came to be unforgettable for me. And the reason because the atmosphere of this 55BAR is very warm, and having been homey, Ms.T. did very kind cosideration. I was able to be relaxed very much. This is nice for traveler above all. And 2 years later, I visited 55BAR again. This time with a wife together. If the state near 55BAR before two years, it was same feeling. I was full of feelings of the nostalgias and opened the door. Ms.T.welcomed us very much. I was excited. The atomosphere of the 55BAR was the tatally same as the front for two years. Very friendly regular customers (Fivers). The perfomance of the Van's band was a thrilling and fantastic. And beautiful Ms.T. I and my wife had a great time at 55BAR. We were really happy meeting Ms.T. We came to like NY more and more. The distance of 55BAR is very far from Japan Chiba, but I feel it very near. I want to visit 55BAR with my wife sometime again. Arigato 55BAR, Arigato Ms.T, Arigato Fivers and Arigato NY.
Pros: Wonderful Beautiful people
Cons: not one complaint
07/25/2008 Posted by tash18
Recently, my friends and I went to 55 Bar. We had a blast! We didn't expect to have such a good time. The atmosphere was dark, but it got us in the mood for good jazz music. The bartender was sociable as well as the other patrons. Highly recommended.
Pros: Friendly workers
Cons: Loud music made it difficult to hear people talking.
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