Classy Chelsea lounge channels Harlem with classic cocktails and cool jazz tracks.
(212) 627-8320
165 W 26th St
(Between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue)
New York,
NY
10001
40.7456
-73.9932
Neighborhoods: Midtown, Chelsea
Tillman's Bar & Lounge
Last updated 4.30.09
What People Are Saying About Tillman's Bar & Lounge
The Owner
Tillman's Bar & Lounge
Owner
Lesly Bernard, previously a partner at Pravda & owner of Clementine brings soulful Harlem flair to Chelsea. -"Bernard's super-fly new lounge on West 26th Street, comes complete with beaded curtains, tufted leather booths lined with speakers, & sepia-toned photos of old men blowing smoke from their nostrils or playing brass instruments on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd." (NY Mag.) Bernard has loaded the cocktail menu with expertly mixed classics and the menu features "The dainty Monte Cristo, made with egg-dipped brioche & plated with blackberry preserves while the French onion soup & homemade…
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short – Each semicircle banquette in this soulful, 1970s-style room is set back into its own carved-out recess, glowing with yellow light. Acoustics aren't as crucial as at your typical blues venue--here, it's the speakers, not a stage, that are strategically placed to optimize the sounds of the jazz-spinning DJs. Setting the laid-back vibe are groups of neighborhood denizens and their aficionado friends, paying homage to black-and-white photographs of jazz-era legends with a little food and drink, and a lot of appreciation.
11/15/09
POOR SERVICE/MANAGEMENT
by pistachiostreet at Citysearch
I used a Groupon (you pay $20 for a $40 voucher) and when our food came out, the manager came over and insisted we move tables. She said that since we had a Groupon (which I had called ahead for and verified that could be used on a Saturday night!), we had to give up our table to others who wanted it.
We got moved TWICE. So in the middle of our meal, a busboy came and moved us. Then when we got comfortable at a new table, we got MOVED AGAIN! The manager was not apologetic. She basically blamed us for having a Groupon and therefore felt justified in moving us in the middle of our meal.
Also, the live music only lasted 45minutes for the entire night. The band kept taking breaks. Very bizarre.
Could have been an amazing experience because there are very few places like this, but the management and limited live music really ruined the night.
- Pros: Great music, delicious food
- Cons: POOR MANAGEMENT
10/08/09
RUDE
by mentor55 at Citysearch
The staff including the manager was very rude, THEY made my staff very uncomfortable. The manager and waitstaff were extremely rude I will never visit this lounge again
- Pros: the place was very nice
- Cons: terrible service
06/08/09
Disrespectful
by CSMobileUser at Citysearch
We reserved space for a party of 20. Later when some of our group started departing, one of the staff came over and rudely started moving our tables around while we are still sitting there. When asked what's going on, he just said "you guys have enough space in the corner for 12 people. ( a booth with hardly enough space for 5 people mind you). After expressing that we still have enough people to fill out our reserved area, he just continued moving us around, looked at his watch, then said "well you guys are supposed to be out of here soon anyway." After that rudeness, the majority of the party left... Leaving the birthday girl distraught and very unhappy. Stay away from this neo-soulless excuse if a tragedy. Did I mention it took 30 minutes for the waitress to get my drink? Yeeah.
The Details on Tillman's Bar & Lounge
What to Drink:
Tried-and-true potions like the Moscow Mule and Singapore Sling are finished nicely with giant ice cubes.
Food Served:
Tillman's serves mostly grilled sandwiches, such as the basil-topped grilled cheese and sided by tomato soup. The spice-cured BBQ baby back ribs are the only non-sandwich option.
When to Go:
The only live music played is during Monday's open mic.
Where to Sit:
The raised stage area is the coolest seat in the house, with mod couches and a gas fireplace. It's open except during open mics.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Bar & Pub Special Features:
Bar & Club Special Features:
DJ, Open Mic, Romantic Nightlife, Specialty Cocktails, After Work, Late-Night Scene
Message from Tillman's Bar & Lounge
- Classic Cocktails
- Soul Music
- Swanky Lounge
Lesly Bernard, previously a partner at Pravda & owner of Clementine brings soulful Harlem flair to Chelsea. -"Bernard's super-fly new lounge on West 26th Street, comes complete with beaded curtains, tufted leather booths lined with speakers, & sepia-toned photos of old men blowing smoke from their nostrils or playing brass instruments on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd." (NY Mag.)
Bernard has loaded the cocktail menu with expertly mixed classics and the menu features "The dainty Monte Cristo, made with egg-dipped brioche & plated with blackberry preserves while the French onion soup & homemade spicy potato chips, pairs a spicy dipping jus with a grilled-Gruyere sandwich made from garlic-rubbed country loaf. There are more traditional small dishes too, but you're unlikely to be chowing on ribs if you've snagged a seat under a skylight and next to a roaring stone fireplace." (NY Mag. Online)
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