Salt Bar
(212) 979-8471
29A Clinton St
New York,
NY
10002
40.7205
-73.9845
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Lower East Side
Hours:
Tue-Thu 6pm-12am
Fri-Sat 6pm-2am
Last updated 4.27.09
What People Are Saying About Salt Bar
The Editor
Allison Austin
Citysearch
The Scene
White-brick walls, cool cement floors, communal wood-plank tables stained dark chocolate and a crimson ceiling that fades in the dim candlelight--this is one of those rooms that makes everyone look and feel more attractive than they did before they walked in. Sit at the bar and chat with the efficient and attitude-free bartenders, or snatch the four-stooled bar along the front window.
The Draw
Melissa O'Donnell--whose restaurant Salt marries subtle romance and lush food--has done it again, this time with an impressive menu of affordable snacks to pair with wine or cocktails. Don't miss the dates wrapped in bacon, baked until they taste like salty, crisp candy; the satisfying chicken liver pâté or the beef Wellington with mushrooms and balsamic-vinegar sauce. The best cocktail is an intriguing hibiscus tea martini, which substitutes bourbon for gin and has just a tinge of sweet vermouth.
User Reviews
laura757
January 10, 2009
Well unlike the reviewers below, I did not find it too loud. Perhaps I missed out on this manager? It is such a romantic little spot with a neat vibe. The food and staff were great. Can't wait to go back.
read full reviewecparker71
October 14, 2008
I agree with the reviewer below who complained of the noise level. It's not a big space and is layed out to encourage conversation, both at the tables and at the bar, but the music was insistently cranked so loud over and over again by the manager (despite several requests to turn it down) that my friend and I left, slightly deafened and frustrated by the fact that we had to shout even just sitting next to one another at the bar. I suspect that this problem has more to do with that particular manager than general policy. The bartenders were cleary afraid of him (they would turn down the music but not actually speak to him about it and give in when he turned it back up) and he exuded a hostile vibe.
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poprock
October 10, 2008
It's really unfortunate. Salt Bar has been a place I've frequented many times. I feel bad saying this -- because Salt Bar is GREAT -- and the ambience is awesome -- but the manager tonight blew it. The music was ridiculously loud. I mean, you couldn't have a conversation. Don't get me wrong. 1. I love music. 2. I like it sorta loud. However, this was bad. Everytime someone in the restaurant asked for it to be lowered the bartenders and waitresses abided immediately. Not the manager! He kept changing it up, despite the customers' requests. I've been told by people who work there that other nights are better (i.e when that manager isn't there causing ear drum damage.)... I will go back for sure. Just on nights when he isn't there.
read full reviewThe Details on Salt Bar
What to Drink:
The wine list is short and nicely balanced--you'll find a smooth Medoc and an excellent Oregon pinot gris, as well as several wines by the glass for $6 to $10.
