(212) 242-8643

24 9th Ave (13th Street and 14th Street)
New York, NY 10014 40.7404 -74.0057

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Neighborhoods: Meatpacking District, Downtown

arawinebar.com/

Hours:

Mon-Fri 5pm-2am

Sat-Sun 6pm-2am

Last updated 1.24.11

Category:

Restaurants, Bars & Pubs, Bars & Clubs, Wine Bars

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, Discover

Bar & Pub Special Features:

Bar Menu

Bar & Club Special Features:

Beer & Wine Only

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About Ara

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

Bright, comfy and relatively undiscovered, the back room of this wine bar is just one U-shaped banquette, plumped up with silky pillows in sunset colors--perfect for chatting. Start with one of the champagnes by the glass, or uncork one of the many bottles, most of which hail from California and France, with a few Australians thrown in. Unhurried patrons snack on pate and truffles. Dessert wines include fruity riesling and muscato d'asti, and for those in need of something stronger, assorted cocktails are also available. –

Editor's Tips

What to Drink:
There are also three beers on tap.
What to Drink:
Not a wine drinker? There are also three beers on tap, plus specialty cocktails like the rosemary mint cooler (tequila sweetened with an infusion of rosemary, mint and sugar, served over ice).
The Extras:
Ara can accommodate private parties for up to 70 people (or up to 35 in the back room). Call for details.
Food Served:
Don't let the wine go to your head--sate your hunger with delectable edibles like tandoori chicken pizza or a cheese plate.
ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. “Yes, they have a lovely ambiance; Beautiful candle lit interior, kind staff, great music the night I was there.”
  2. “The space is well designed for 600sqft with very cozy pillows and seating.”
drinks
100.0% positive
  1. “My friend was waiting to order a drinks for both of us and we were told to leave and "get out.”
  2. “Small, intimate, great service, fabulous (and luxurious interior), great wines, laid back staff that make you feel like you're a regular.”
  3. “My favorite neighborhood wine bar”
  4. “Great neighborhood wine bar because it is small & intimate for catching up with friends.”
  5. “Definitely a place for wine snobs who like to try amazing wines from all over.”
  6. “Delicious cheese plates, pate, etc, are a perfect match to the wines.”
service
83.33000183105469% positive
  1. “Yes, they have a lovely ambiance; Beautiful candle lit interior, kind staff, great music the night I was there.”
  2. “The bartender was extremely rude and yelled at me for using their bathroom without asking permission.”
  3. “Small, intimate, great service, fabulous (and luxurious interior), great wines, laid back staff that make you feel like you're a regular.”
  4. “The bartenders are friendly and give good service.”
  5. “The knowledgeable, friendly staff is never overbearing, but they're there when you need them.”
  6. “very congenial staff!”
value
0.0% positive
  1. “the snacks are inconsistent (the pricey pita piza thingies should go), but this is a place to boozr and chat, not to eat.”
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

03/16/09

Great Wine Place

by skiloud at Citysearch

Such a quaint little place with a chill, laidback but professional attitude. Definitely a place for wine snobs who like to try amazing wines from all over. Went with a friend who owns a winery for some nice catch-up conversation and even she was impressed! Really cool place and will definitely go back!

  • Pros: Nice Ambiance, Great Wine Selection, Friendly Service
  • Cons: What are the drawbacks?
2 Star Rating: Below Average

05/10/08

Really???

by walkercain at Citysearch

Yes, they have a lovely ambiance; Beautiful candle lit interior, kind staff, great music the night I was there...

I had just had the WORST day at work, and came across the street to Ara for the first time to unwind at the bar. I ordered a drink that they "(didn't) have on the menu". Once I explained the recipe, the bartender happily made it for me. I enjoyed it right up until I got the bill: $26 for my single drink!!

Ridiculous!

Then again - who knows. Maybe their Jack Daniels is imported from somewhere other than Tennessee.

Or maybe it's made of gold.

  • Pros: Ambiance, Location
  • Cons: Crazy Expensive, Poor Service
2 Star Rating: Below Average

03/01/06

More of the same...

by erbngurlz at Citysearch

Soft glowing candles and cozy pillowed seated areas look condusive to flirting and wine conversation. Unfortunately, the entire experience was ruined by the DJ, who must have thought he was spinning at a multi-level nightclub. The music was so loud that I had to SCREAM to be heard. The bartender knew nothing about wine and, when he tried to lower the speaker volume, the DJ returned to crank it up again.

  • Pros: Decor
  • Cons: DJ, Zero wine knowledge
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/20/05

My favorite neighborhood wine bar

by nychub at Citysearch

Great neighborhood wine bar because it is small & intimate for catching up with friends. The space is well designed for 600sqft with very cozy pillows and seating. The wine selection is great and you will rarely be disappointed. The bartenders are friendly and give good service.

1 Star Rating: Poor

02/14/05

Horrible Service

by claire19sc at Citysearch

The bartender was extremely rude and yelled at me for using their bathroom without asking permission. My friend was waiting to order a drinks for both of us and we were told to leave and "get out." I was shocked at how rude he was.

  • Cons: Rude Service

The Details on Ara

Place Categories:

  • great wines
  • extremely rude bartender
  • great service
  • favorite neighborhood
  • order drinks
  • pricey pita piza thingies
  • very cozy seating
  • nice catchup conversation
  • great music
  • very nice attention
  • perfect match
  • perfect place
  • great neighborhood wine
  • very cozy pillows
  • very congenial friendly staff
  • professional attitude