(212) 252-0146

431 3rd Ave (East 30th Street)
New York, NY 10016 40.743191 -73.979943

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Neighborhoods: Kips Bay, Midtown

BANCCAFE.COM

Hours:

Daily 11am-11pm

Last updated 8.16.11

Category:

Restaurants, Neighborhood Bars, Singles Bars, Lounges, Bars & Pubs

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Happy Hour

Bar & Club Special Features:

DJ, After Hours, Outdoor Seating, 21 & Over, Specialty Cocktails, After Work, Live Music

Minimum Age:

21

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About Banc Cafe

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

DJs spin weekends at Manhattan restaurant and bar serving internationally inspired appetizers, raw bar, entrees and salads.

Editor's Tips

The Extras:
The bar can be rented out for private parties.
Happy Hour:
Catch $6 martinis and Miller Lite $3.50 select beers are $4 Monday to Friday from 4pm to 8pm.
ambiance
97.22000122070312% positive
  1. “It was very comfortable setting, not too crowded and the staff was very nice and attentive.”
  2. “We head to what used to be Bank Cafe, a pretty damn fun bar.”
  3. “Nice atmosphere, good food, and very reasonably priced.”
  4. “The decor in the Banc is tasteful, however the music a bit tired once the DJ showed up.”
  5. “Great location”
  6. “It is a fun place, inexpensive and has a nice decor.”
  7. “have had lovely meals and good wine here, also there is always a buzzing atmosphere.”
  8. “The decor in the Banc is tasteful, creating a great atmosphere both day and night.”
  9. “Nice atmosphere with modern décor.”
  10. “Great experience at this place, went on a Tuesday, but had a ton of fun.”
  11. “Also great food and strong drinks, fun place to have dinner with your friends, great interior design with lighting that sets the mood, PERFECT for A DATE NIGHT!”
  12. “Great food, great service, friendly atmosphere and terrific value.”
  13. “Good for people watching, great atmosphere and awesome martini drinks.”
  14. “Great atmosphere”
  15. “It was a nice ambiance unfortunately that was overshadowed by the very rude Friday night female bartender who made us give up our bar stools for her friends.”
  16. “The food is good the atmosphere good.”
  17. “We loved the decor which has a retro bohemian”
  18. “On several occasions I returned with friends when the Bar was buzzing with people - and we all enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and the food and drink.”
drinks
88.45999717712402% positive
  1. “They have a seperate bar menu which seems to make it a nice place for couples to hang out, eat a little and watch the games at.”
  2. “The bar looks really cool.”
  3. “Good for people watching, great atmosphere and awesome martini drinks.”
  4. “This is a great bar.”
  5. “It was a nice ambiance unfortunately that was overshadowed by the very rude Friday night female bartender who made us give up our bar stools for her friends.”
  6. “think the food and drinks are great!”
  7. “this place is great for a date and a freind to go get dinner and drinks.”
  8. “w/coffee our server Jesse was so pleasant and helpful ,.”
  9. “On several occasions I returned with friends when the Bar was buzzing with people - and we all enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and the food and drink.”
  10. “Their signature cocktails are full of syrups and were not much better.”
  11. “We head to what used to be Bank Cafe, a pretty damn fun bar.”
  12. “The bartender was super nice and was pouring all of us ridiculously awesome and strong drinks.”
  13. “perfect place to grab lunch or meet a few friends for a drink after work.”
  14. “way too quiet (i felt guarded in my cheering) and the menu lacks good bar food (no wings, pretty lackluster appetizer selection, etc.)”
  15. “The best bar in the area in my openion.”
  16. “Did not feel rushed at all, even though by the time we left, the place was hopping, with what looked like 90% of the tables full, people around the bar, etc.”
  17. “The Banc Cafe is a wonderful place to go to relax for a good drink that is reasonable and not expensive and the staff there is very friendly.”
  18. “Moved into this area 1 year ago & let's just say food and good drinks( other than tap beer) are yummy!”
  19. “Decent place for a drink”
  20. “Great drinks”
  21. “This place is a good place to go for an after work drink, at night to start you out, for brunch, or dinner.”
  22. “Great night, great bar.”
  23. “its a nice bar”
  24. “Also great food and strong drinks, fun place to have dinner with your friends, great interior design with lighting that sets the mood, PERFECT for A DATE NIGHT!”
  25. “have had lovely meals and good wine here, also there is always a buzzing atmosphere.”
  26. “But Not a big fan of rude english girl bartender, have been there a few times and she is always seems put out by the people at the bar and makes slappy drinks, would recommended but just sit away from the bar!”
food quality
100.0% positive
  1. “Nice atmosphere, good food, and very reasonably priced.”
  2. “The food was terrific (i had sea callops w/rice and peapods) that were so flavorful.”
  3. “Having good food sitting on sidewalk was very nice.”
  4. “Moved into this area 1 year ago & let's just say food and good drinks( other than tap beer) are yummy!”
  5. “Def recommend the food, especially the Quesadilla's!”
  6. “had the French onion soup which was surprisingly good and a salad which was equally good.”
  7. “On several occasions I returned with friends when the Bar was buzzing with people - and we all enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and the food and drink.”
  8. “The food is great and the music is very good when the DJ's are there(thurs-sat i think).”
  9. “Also great food and strong drinks, fun place to have dinner with your friends, great interior design with lighting that sets the mood, PERFECT for A DATE NIGHT!”
  10. “The food was delicious and our server was both pleasant and helpful.”
  11. “Great food, great service, friendly atmosphere and terrific value.”
  12. “The food was excellent.”
  13. “the sampler platter is amazing and the right mix of food and they have killer bloody marys.”
  14. “The food is excellent.”
  15. “Oysters were really fresh for summertime!”
  16. “way too quiet (i felt guarded in my cheering) and the menu lacks good bar food (no wings, pretty lackluster appetizer selection, etc.)”
  17. “The food is good the atmosphere good.”
  18. “solid palce to go all around - food is fresh and consistent.”
  19. “The food was good and the bartenders were pleasant and attentive.”
  20. “think the food and drinks are great!”
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. “way too quiet (i felt guarded in my cheering) and the menu lacks good bar food (no wings, pretty lackluster appetizer selection, etc.)”
  2. “up the area, definitely my new local, attentive staff & a diverse menu, I met my new girlfriend there and we both love the place, friendliest staff in the area by far.”
  3. “They have a seperate bar menu which seems to make it a nice place for couples to hang out, eat a little and watch the games at.”
overall
87.5% positive
  1. “This place is a good place to go for an after work drink, at night to start you out, for brunch, or dinner.”
  2. “Other than that, this is a great place to hang out any time of the day.”
  3. “Also great food and strong drinks, fun place to have dinner with your friends, great interior design with lighting that sets the mood, PERFECT for A DATE NIGHT!”
  4. “this is NOT a good place to watch football on a weekend afternoon.”
  5. “They have a seperate bar menu which seems to make it a nice place for couples to hang out, eat a little and watch the games at.”
  6. “good place to change it up”
  7. “Banc is a great place for friends to go and have lunch or dinner.”
  8. “It is also a great place for parties.”
return potential
100.0% positive
  1. “Overall a wonderful place, can't wait to return.”
  2. “the place is very pretty and all i can say is i cant wait to return for another great dining experience”
service
84.61999893188477% positive
  1. “The bartender was super nice and was pouring all of us ridiculously awesome and strong drinks.”
  2. “On several occasions I returned with friends when the Bar was buzzing with people - and we all enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and the food and drink.”
  3. “Attentive staff, unfriendly patrons”
  4. “The wait staff were less than attentive, and the table for four was cramped.”
  5. “Finally a place where you can have a good time and the staff is really nice.”
  6. “Staff was extremely rude to my husband and myself.”
  7. “The Banc Cafe is a wonderful place to go to relax for a good drink that is reasonable and not expensive and the staff there is very friendly.”
  8. “The staff was extremly friendly without being overbearing.”
  9. “It was a nice ambiance unfortunately that was overshadowed by the very rude Friday night female bartender who made us give up our bar stools for her friends.”
  10. “The food was good and the bartenders were pleasant and attentive.”
  11. “Good for people watching, great atmosphere and awesome martini drinks.”
  12. “It was very comfortable setting, not too crowded and the staff was very nice and attentive.”
  13. “We had a great time at Banc, wonderful Martini's, service, and tapas!”
  14. “Did not feel rushed at all, even though by the time we left, the place was hopping, with what looked like 90% of the tables full, people around the bar, etc.”
  15. “They did their best and deserve an A. Unfortunately the rest of the crowd was as friendly as a wolfman during the full moon.”
  16. “But Not a big fan of rude english girl bartender, have been there a few times and she is always seems put out by the people at the bar and makes slappy drinks, would recommended but just sit away from the bar!”
  17. “Our waitress was great, along with the bartender.”
  18. “w/coffee our server Jesse was so pleasant and helpful ,.”
  19. “up the area, definitely my new local, attentive staff & a diverse menu, I met my new girlfriend there and we both love the place, friendliest staff in the area by far.”
  20. “The food was delicious and our server was both pleasant and helpful.”
  21. “The service is good overall but not always the case depending on the server you get.”
  22. “Server was very friendly.”
  23. “Server was friendly & attentive although I had difficulty understanding her when she was explaining the specials, she spoke with an accent.”
  24. “Great food, great service, friendly atmosphere and terrific value.”
  25. “The Bar Staff: Jeff., Chris and Jesse were friendly, courteous and attentive without being obtrusive.”
  26. “The lady at the neighboring table was as loud as ever and could not stop talking about herself but the staff was great in recognizing her abruptness and did everything they could to make it a great experience.”
value
100.0% positive
  1. “The prices are also decent.”
  2. “Good value”
  3. “The Banc Cafe is a wonderful place to go to relax for a good drink that is reasonable and not expensive and the staff there is very friendly.”
  4. “It is a fun place, inexpensive and has a nice decor.”
  5. “Great food, great service, friendly atmosphere and terrific value.”
  6. “The prices were decent.”
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

11/20/10

Best place on 3rd!

by crobaby83

My girlfriends and I stumbled upon Banc for my bachelorette party after my reservations were screwed up at Tonic.

So, the manager,Tom, was kind enough to accommodate me and my 7 other bridesmaids last minute for dinner. We explained the situation and within 15 minutes he seated us in this cozy booth and we had our cocktails in no time. Our waiter Jesse was the sweetest and the service was exceptional.

The food was absolutely amazing!!! The lobster ravioli is to die for as well as the eggplant parm and gnocchi.

(And very reasonable)

Overall I recommend Banc to anyone wanting to have great food, drinks, service, music etc etc Thank you so much Tom and Jesse for making my night amazing! We will be back!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

04/22/10

New York's Best Murry Hill/Kips Bay Hot Spot

by Organist1174

Banc is a great place for friends to go and have lunch or dinner. It is also a great place for parties. It is a fun place, inexpensive and has a nice decor. It is a neighborhood place in which you will see many locals walking up and down 3rd avenue. It was actually recommended to me by a friend who lives in this area, and I was there for lunch with my family last week. Great outdoor seating too.

  • Pros: Friendly Service, Great Menu. Outdoor Patio Seating!!
  • Cons: None
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

11/30/09

Great atmosphere

by J B HURLEY

I have just returned from a trip to New York City and during my time there I visited several Bars & Restaurants on my own and with friends. I refer to one in particular: Banc Cafe [30th/3rd]. Jessica greeted me graciously as I entered and I made my way to the bar. The Bar Staff: Jeff., Chris and Jesse were friendly, courteous and attentive without being obtrusive. I met Tom, the Manager, who was keeping an observant eye on the establishment to ensure that everyone's needs and requests were being met.

The Filet Mignon was one of the best I have ever eaten in NYC - and I had it twice!

On several occasions I returned with friends when the Bar was buzzing with people - and we all enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and the food and drink.

On a more mundane but important note - the restrooms: I have always said that you can judge a Restaurant by the cleanliness and hygeine of the toilets: the BANC CAFE was not found wanting in this respect - they could teach others a lesson.

Naturally, I will return and I will recommend a visit to the BANC to all my friends who visit NYC.

  • Pros: Everything to my liking
  • Cons: None that I know of
4 Star Rating: Recommended

07/31/09

Nice Place

by MrSykes

I go to Banc pretty often, as I live in the area. I usually go on Fridays. The food is great and the music is very good when the DJ's are there(thurs-sat i think). There was a DJ there on Fridays for most of this year who was awesome, although I don't remember his name, but he hasn't been there in a few weeks. I hope he comes back, it's not the same without him. Other than that, this is a great place to hang out any time of the day.

  • Pros: Great food, nice atmosphere, good music
  • Cons: not many
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/21/09

a jewel on third avenue

by mjw1951

My wife and I were strolling on thrid avenue monday after work looking for a place to eat when we stopped to check out the menu at Bance.

We were pleased with the selection, so we went in.

The food was terrific (i had sea callops w/rice and peapods) that were so flavorful. While my wife had a chopped salad

For desert we had an apple tart w/coffee

our server Jesse was so pleasant and helpful ,. the place is very pretty and all i can say is i cant wait to return for another great dining experience

  • Pros: Food /service /menu variety/wait staff
  • Cons: N O N E

The Details on Banc Cafe

Place Categories:

  • great fun place
  • great bar food
  • attentive wait staff
  • great strong drinks
  • great friendly atmosphere
  • great fun bar
  • helpful server
  • helpful server jesse
  • nice live music
  • tasteful decor
  • attentive bartenders
  • great dining experience
  • courteous chris
  • not expensive good drink
  • terrific value
  • surprisingly good french onion soup
  • great service
  • wonderful martini
  • full signature cocktails
  • surprisingly good salad
  • decent prices
  • rude staff
  • attentive diverse menu
  • amazing sampler platter
  • disgusting management
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