(212) 226-8844

51 E Houston St
New York, NY 10012 40.7247 -73.9945

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Neighborhoods: NoLita, Downtown

Last updated 4.01.09

Category:

Bars & Pubs, Taverns, Dive Bars

Payment Methods:

Cash

Bar & Pub Special Features:

Jukebox, Happy Hour

Smoking Permitted:

No

What People Are Saying About Milano's Bar

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

Though dim and slightly off-putting at first, the relaxed take-it-as-it-comes atmosphere is ultimately comfortable. Plant yourself at the long narrow bar--if there's room--and review the walls, plastered with photos of past drinking days. The half dozen tables at back sit near a jukebox offering a mix of pop, country, oldies and Irish favorites. Five premium beers plus cider on tap please patrons who range from solitary loners, to after-work partiers, to a younger crowd of strays who wander in from the block's other watering holes.

Editor's Tips

When to Go:
An 8am opening ensures those coming off the night shift and those who can barely face the day an equal shot of some Dutch courage.
The Extras:
When it's time to move on to more of a party bar, stake out a couch at Botanica, two doors down.
Know Before You Go:
Milano's doesn't take credit cards and there's no ATM on the premises--head to the deli on the corner if you need cash.
drinks
100.0% positive
  1. Great bar but don't mess with Jackie.
overall
100.0% positive
  1. great place
service
100.0% positive
  1. The jukebox is great and the bartenders are friendly and pour with a heavy hand.
  2. Good people, met g-friend there, a Martha Stewart lookalike.
value
100.0% positive
  1. good jukebox, cheap bud, lots of smoke.
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/12/11

A Great Joint

by Jim647 at Citysearch

This is a great "Joint" and, this "Joint" from its pint sized personality packed New York Gal manager; it's Irish kick-ass, take no prisoners, entertaining as all-get-out daytime bartender "Miss Jackie"; to its hardworking late night hotchic bartenders; is a New York classic. If you're looking for bells and whistles this is not your place. This is a "Joint" where hard working New Yorkers get served cold beers and hard drinks for reasonable prices. The wall mounted Americana alone is worth the trip. The customers range from your builders, office workers, students, lawyers, criminals, the independently wealthy, and drunks, you'll hard pressed to tell the difference. It's well worth your time & money whether you're from "the city", the borough's, the Island, or out-of-town.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

12/08/08

One of the greats

by GaryNargi at Citysearch

One of the great old bars still standing in the Bowery area. Not as many winos at the bar as in the past, but still some gritty local characters. Friendly and although not as old as McSorleys or some other establishments still a refreshing taste of the old NYC.

  • Pros: atmosphere atmosphere atmosphere
  • Cons: gets a bit crowded
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/13/07

Friendliest atmospheric bar

by girlartist at Citysearch

My first stop in the Big Apple to show my art portfolio to the galleries.....they headed me in the right direction and sent me off feeling very supported! Like a family! I love you guys!

Excellent bloody mary mix...hand made by the Queen of the Bartenders!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

01/02/06

Meet the wonderful Jackie

by dkemp at Citysearch

Great bar but don't mess with Jackie. She is nice but takes no rubbish from anyone and has an attitude of 'You should be glad I am serving you at all' and dealing with the types in Milano's that is the best approach to take. Good people, met g-friend there, a Martha Stewart lookalike. Size of bar makes intimacy compulsory and that is a good thing.

4.5 Star Rating: Recommended

07/07/03

Great Happy Hour!!

by zyxjks at Citysearch

This is probably one of the narrowest bars in NY but it's always filled with a lively after work crowd. And no attitude! "EVERYONE" packs into this place for the best happy-hour deal anywhere in SOHO. Where else can you get a Kettle One for $4?? I go here all the time with my friends. The jukebox is great and the bartenders are friendly and pour with a heavy hand. Just what I need at the end the day...

  • Pros: inexpensive drinks, diverse jukebox, fun
  • Cons: narrow

The Details on Milano's Bar

Place Categories:

  • great jukebox
  • wonderful jackie
  • great happy hour
  • friendly bartenders
  • great old bars
  • good cheap bud
  • best approach
  • great bar
  • good people
  • great place
  • refreshing taste
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