Underbar at the W Hotel

(212) 358-1560

201 Park Ave S (17th Street)
New York, NY 10003 40.7365 -73.9887

Get Map & Directions »

Neighborhoods: Gramercy Park, Midtown, Union Square

MOCBARS.COM

Hours:

Mon-Tue 5pm-3am

Wed-Fri 5pm-4am

Sat 6pm-4am

Sun 6pm-2am

Last updated 11.30.11

Category:

Bars & Pubs, Nightclubs, Singles Bars, Lounges, Taverns, Hotel Bars

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, MasterCard

Bar & Club Special Features:

Romantic Nightlife, After Work

Smoking Permitted:

No

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About Underbar at the W Hotel

The Owner

Underbar at the W Hotel

Owner

Underbar at the W Union Square Hotel is the ultimate, intimate underground New York hot spot. This Manhattan lounge is conveniently located in the Gramercy Park area, giving New Yorkers a chic place to relax.Upon entering this lounge, guests are escorted down a candlelit staircase, which opens into the bar's 2,000 square foot subterranean, entirely low-lit with wall-hung candle sconces, complemented by a glowing back bar. Lining the perimeter of the bar private niches draped in layers of curtains. Within some of the layers are cut out windows, allowing customers to peer out, while still…

Provided by CityGrid

Read more from the owner

Featured Review

Melanie Berliet

Contributor

The lighting at the subterranean lounge at the W Hotel in Union Square--most of which emanates from small sconces--is quite dim, but luckily, everyone tends to look better in the dark, even Underbar's well-heeled clientele. Hang out in the central area after work with colleagues, or seduce a date later in the night in one of the red, curtained-off booth areas. Either way, you’ll hear a mix of indie rock and Top 40 hits, and should expect to shell out for pricey, somewhat cleverly named cocktails like the Peartini ($16) or the Clementine Crush (Svedka clementine vodka, orange juice, ginger…

Editor's Tips

Food Served:
A menu of small bites is available until 10pm. Keep it simple with bistro fries or the classic flatbread with tomato sauce and mozzarella.
Know Before You Go:
Bottle service is available at typical NYC club prices. Vodkas cost $300 to $350, rums are $300 to $325 and tequilas range from $325 to $450.
The Extras:
The space can be rented out for private events. Call for details.
ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. “The drinks were not bad, a little outrageously priced compared to other places but the place seems to warrant the price with its high end like upscale decor.”
  2. “But again, if this is a date, it would be a nice place to go for the overall setting and ambience”
  3. “Place is in basement but has great atmosphere for cuddling with sweetie.”
  4. “The ambiance was great.”
  5. “Great music, decor and waitress.”
  6. “I've been lucky to get one of those cozy cubby seats both times I've been there.”
  7. “both atmosphere and good drinks I recommend”
drinks
33.3299994468689% positive
  1. “The drinks, average, not bad.”
  2. “The drinks were watered down, VERY pricey, the service was unpredictable, and the waitresses were a bit snotty.”
  3. “Only downfall drinks are pricey.”
  4. “It is a nice looking bar with plenty of seating, but in the busy hours, you're standing.”
  5. “The drinks were overpriced and the service was lousy.”
  6. “both atmosphere and good drinks I recommend”
  7. “The drinks are overpriced.”
  8. “The drinks were not bad, a little outrageously priced compared to other places but the place seems to warrant the price with its high end like upscale decor.”
  9. “The waiters are so pretentious they have no clue of what is available at the bar.”
  10. “The drinks were overpriced.”
  11. “This bar is definitely not recommended.”
  12. “After buying 10 of the $9 drinks and leaving a generous tip, the extremely rude, slovenly "hostess" dressed in a hooded sweatshirt came over and told us to move around, then to get up because the table was reserved.”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “It seems like a pit stop before rolling out, but it might make a good place to bring a hot date.”
  2. “Dark, good music--great place for a pre-game cocktail.”
  3. “When it is somewhat slow and quiet, this is a great place for a date.”
  4. “went there on a weekday with someone and it's a great place to just relax.”
  5. “But again, if this is a date, it would be a nice place to go for the overall setting and ambience”
return potential
100.0% positive
  1. “HIGHLY RECOMMENDED I'll definitely be back!”
service
38.88999938964844% positive
  1. “After buying 10 of the $9 drinks and leaving a generous tip, the extremely rude, slovenly "hostess" dressed in a hooded sweatshirt came over and told us to move around, then to get up because the table was reserved.”
  2. “rude management”
  3. “My sterling drinking guide was Heather a top-notch, adventurous and knowledgeable bartender!”
  4. “Great music, decor and waitress.”
  5. “The drinks were overpriced and the service was lousy.”
  6. “most of the people were just talking and meeting people so my boyfriend and i enjoyed the atmostphere.”
  7. “The worst bartenders in the city!”
  8. “The drinks were watered down, VERY pricey, the service was unpredictable, and the waitresses were a bit snotty.”
  9. “people that were hanging out there were all rude and there were just too many servers walk right between you and your friends in the middle of your conversation.”
  10. “The service was not bad, our waitress was gorgeous I noticed, although I'm glad my date did not seem to notice.”
  11. “Terrible service arrogant attitudeshame it is at the W”
  12. “like the dimmed light and a lot of seatings at this place, but there just ain't enough room for most people!”
  13. “Lousy service and rude waitress”
  14. “Our waitress gave us impeccable service, and was not only on top of her game but had a great personality too.”
  15. “The only draw is the bartenders are rude!”
  16. “The waiters are so pretentious they have no clue of what is available at the bar.”
  17. “The waitress that served us was really rude.”
  18. “The service here is quick and attentive overall, the lounge is comfy and roomy, the candlelighting is mysterious and sexy.”
value
22.219998836517334% positive
  1. “The drinks were not bad, a little outrageously priced compared to other places but the place seems to warrant the price with its high end like upscale decor.”
  2. “My sister and I had been there on a Friday night about 6 months ago and did not like the vibe, crowd or expensive martinis.”
  3. “The drinks were watered down, VERY pricey, the service was unpredictable, and the waitresses were a bit snotty.”
  4. “After buying 10 of the $9 drinks and leaving a generous tip, the extremely rude, slovenly "hostess" dressed in a hooded sweatshirt came over and told us to move around, then to get up because the table was reserved.”
  5. “If they adjust the attitude and prices, it would be a really enjoyable place.”
  6. “Only downfall drinks are pricey.”
  7. “The drinks were overpriced.”
  8. “The drinks are overpriced.”
  9. “The drinks were overpriced and the service was lousy.”
wait time
100.0% positive
  1. “The service here is quick and attentive overall, the lounge is comfy and roomy, the candlelighting is mysterious and sexy.”
  2. “When it is somewhat slow and quiet, this is a great place for a date.”
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

12/24/10

Awesome party

by Yalla Balla at Citysearch

Get ready for an unforgettable New Year's Eve 2011 celebration at Underbar! Kick back and enjoy a free 5 hour Premium Open Bar from 9pm -2am. Voted #1 Chic Boutique Hotel Bash for NYE 2011 ! You'll also receive complimentary entry to the after party at Kiss & Fly.

Pre-Sold Tickets guarantee your entrance and no problems at the door.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

12/17/10

buy your new years eve tickets now!

by nycnyeparties at Citysearch

purchase at www.nycnyeparties. com

email nycnyeparties@gmail. com for more information, group discounts, and VIP reservations!

Party it up this New Year's Eve 2011 at Underbar in the W Hotel, Union Square's trendiest hot spot.

Hotel bar conglomerate The Gerber Group has created yet another masterpiece in Manhattan's exclusive nightlife party circuit. Join the uber-chic crowd at the super swanky watering hole known the world over as Underbar. Become the master (or mistress) of your own New Year's Eve experience. Chill out, lounge, have a blast or go absolutely wild...the night is yours so you can do it all! Underbar's gorgeous staff is there to serve up whatever's your pleasure!

Underbar's seductive subterranean locale in the W Hotel Union Square is an urban sanctuary for those seeking thrills, chills, hot vibes and divine signature cocktails served up to perfection. Located steps off of Union Square's Park Avenue South, the hip, downtown locale is ideal to celebrate the biggest night of the year...New Year's Eve 2011. Saunter down the floating candlelit staircase into an intimate 2,000sf lair lined with private alcoves designed with floor-to-ceiling scarlet red velvet padded walls and plush couches covered in pillows. Tres risque with peek out cut-outs to watch the scene! Adding another level to its smoldering ambiance are the etherial layers of sensual, translucent curtains, flickering candlelight and a glowing back lit bar. Be seen and make the scene this New Year's Eve at Underbar's bash. The state of the art sound system amplifies the pulsating beats mixed by a world renowned DJ raising the heat and intensity of the night to new heights!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

11/21/08

Great Service, Good music, Strong Drinks

by mblaze311 at Citysearch

I came in a couple weeks ago on a Wed night and this place was jumping We got one of those little private banquettes, and had a sick time. Our waitress gave us impeccable service, and was not only on top of her game but had a great personality too. (A rarity amongst most lounges in the city)!! I definitely recommend stopping in her during the week for some drinks and debauchary!!!

4 Star Rating: Recommended

04/02/08

Best Place to Cuddle

by nicros71 at Citysearch

Place is in basement but has great atmosphere for cuddling with sweetie. Lounge and bar not bad either. Only downfall drinks are pricey.

  • Pros: Privacy
  • Cons: Need to reserve space
1 Star Rating: Poor

03/20/08

The worst bartenders in the city!

by dudely1150 at Citysearch

It was just shocking how rude the bartenders were... one of them spoke exceptionally rudely with my date for no reason whatsoever!! Not just the guy behind the counter but also the female bartender who later refused to serve us coz we refused (obviously!) to tip the guy after the way he spoke to her. it was the worst experience i've ever had with a NYC establishment and I for one am NEVER going back to this place... do yourselves a favor and leave this wanna be bar of your radar.

  • Pros: good location
  • Cons: TERRIBLE SERVICE!

The Details on Underbar at the W Hotel

Place Categories:

  • great place
  • lousy service
  • overpriced downfall drinks
  • rude bartenders
  • rude waitress
  • amazing w hotel
  • not like crowd
  • cool spot
  • nice bar
  • cool bathrooms
  • not like expensive martinis
  • cool lounge
  • recommend atmosphere
  • not even bother learn
  • rude management
  • not like vibe
  • worst never
  • like feels
  • pricey very
  • pretentious waiters
  • great personality
  • enjoyed atmostphere
  • like dimmed light
  • good music
  • not bad drinks

Message from Underbar at the W Hotel

  • 25% off all drinks on Sun/Mon
  • Tues-Thurs 25% for locals

Underbar at the W Union Square Hotel is the ultimate, intimate underground New York hot spot. This Manhattan lounge is conveniently located in the Gramercy Park area, giving New Yorkers a chic place to relax.

Upon entering this lounge, guests are escorted down a candlelit staircase, which opens into the bar's 2,000 square foot subterranean, entirely low-lit with wall-hung candle sconces, complemented by a glowing back bar. Lining the perimeter of the bar private niches draped in layers of curtains. Within some of the layers are cut out windows, allowing customers to peer out, while still keeping them hidden through silhouette.

The private niches are designed in floor-to-ceiling red velvet padded walls and plush couches strewn with pillows making for an exciting & voyeuristic New York bar with a provocatively-charged atmosphere in a hip, sexy sanctuary.

Underbar at the W Hotel