(212) 777-5617
42 E 1st St
New York,
NY
10003
40.724
-73.9899
Neighborhoods: East Village, Bowery, Downtown
What People Are Saying About Arlo & Esme
The Editor
Joshua M Bernstein
Citysearch
Get juiced on java, then take the edge off with a little liquor at this split-level spot that's a coffee house during daylight and a full-scale bar and lounge later on. The upstairs is a sun-dappled cafe, while the 4,000-square-foot basement is a nightlife playpen containing a pool room, Ms. Pac-Man machine and nightly DJs spinning sweet beat science. To put you in the proper dancing mood, knowledgeable bartenders craft spot-on renditions of classic libations like the old-fashioned and the Manhattan ($9). – – Hits: Come during the day and you'll savor strong coffee and plenty of…
Cut the crap
by MeganInManhattan
Allegedly there has been good buzz surrounding Arlo & Esme lately, but after visiting I have no idea why. Their shtick is that this coffee shop by day turns into a club/lounge by night, which is clearly the most original concept ever...*sarcasm*. They even have a game room with a pool table and video games to remind guests that Arlo & Esme is quirky and oh so original. Though this place is overcrowded with boring people, somewhere along the line Arlo & Esme got the impression that they're a big deal and justified making patrons wait in line and pay a cover charge. Trust me, I don't even love paying cover at a hot club which this place is not. Though the downstairs portion plays decent music and has an interesting basement/dungeon decor, no dancing occurs (except for a few awkward drunken tools) due to the lack of space and magnitude of egos. Look around Arlo & Esme, in case you didn't notice this is the East Village where there are no sticks in asses.
meganinmanhattan dot com
- Pros: music...maybe?
- Cons: cover, people, attitude
wtf
by KAA
I have never written a review for one of these sites, but I really felt the need to say this. This used to be one of my favorite bars in NY. My friends and I used to go here all the time and we have even thrown several birthday parties here, buying bottles, etc. However, all of a sudden this bar was written up as being great in a few places and they think they are "so hot right now." This is not a club! This is not even an upscale bar! You should not be charging a cover. Your pretension just turned off some of your best customers and I won't be going back. I used to give arlo five stars for the great music and service, but now it just horrible and is super packed.
- Pros: great music
- Cons: cover?! here?!
Spare yourself the hassle; this place is not worth your buck
by poivre1954
This is the worst place I have been to in a while, honestly. The atmosphere felt college like and immature. The DJ is useless and perhaps Arlo & Esme should enroll him into a "Dance floor psychology" course. Or maybe hire another DJ? The drinks are ok but nothing to be impressed about and first and foremost be aware of the bouncers!! They are vicious!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Pros: bartenders are nice
- Cons: Bouncers are aweful
The Details on Arlo & Esme
Fun Fact:
Arlo and Esme--which was formerly East Village Yacht Club--is named after the nephew and niece of owners Harry Joannides and Gage Pray.
The Extras:
Laptop-toters, rejoice: The strong, speedy WiFi connection means you can surf the web while caffeinating, or settle a drunken dispute with your iPhone's browser.
Outdoor Seating:
Snag a table stationed outside the front door, and you'll own the perfect outpost for people watching.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard










Join Us on Facebook
Follow Us on Twitter