Traffic Bar and Lounge

(212) 813-1595

986 2nd ave (Between 52nd Street and 53rd Street)
new york, NY 10022 40.756228 -73.967536

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Neighborhoods: Midtown East (Turtle Bay), Midtown, Midtown East

trafficbarnyc.com/

Hours:

Mon - Fri: 3pm - 4am

Sat: 12pm - 4am

Sun: 12pm - 4am

Last updated 8.16.11

Category:

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

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard

Bar & Pub Special Features:

Drink Specials, Private Rooms, Happy Hour, Bar Menu

Dress Code:

Casual

Bar & Club Special Features:

After Work, Private Parties

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About Traffic Bar and Lounge

Featured Review

Amy Abate

Contributor

This 3,500-square-foot, bi-level bar and lounge draws sports fanatics on game day, midtown suits seeking to unwind after a day at the office and 20-somethings celebrating their birthdays on weekend nights. With 23 flat-screen TVs, Traffic can access any game being broadcasted, and comfy seating, happy hour specials and a tapas-style menu of classic bar fare make it an ideal spot for large groups to cheer on their alma maters. Private rooms and party packages also make it a stress-free option for corporate events.

Editor's Tips

Fun Fact:
Look for the green light! When the stoplights (located behind both the upstairs and downstairs bars) turn green, it's go-time for drink specials.
The Extras:
Traffic is a homebase for Texas, Indiana and Tennessee alums.
Save Money:
For $30, get a bucket of 30 wings and five Coors Lights.
drinks
100.0% positive
  1. “The drink specials were great as well.”
  2. “The bartenders were friendly, the drinks were strong, and the prices were very reasonable.”
  3. “The Food was great especially the Mac N Cheese and sliders they were very affordable and for bar food really good.”
food quality
100.0% positive
  1. “The Food was great especially the Mac N Cheese and sliders they were very affordable and for bar food really good.”
service
100.0% positive
  1. “The bartenders were friendly, the drinks were strong, and the prices were very reasonable.”
value
100.0% positive
  1. “The bartenders were friendly, the drinks were strong, and the prices were very reasonable.”
  2. “The Food was great especially the Mac N Cheese and sliders they were very affordable and for bar food really good.”
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/05/11

Best Sports Lounge

by PaddyKenny at Citysearch

I went there for my birthday 2 weeks ago and I have to say I had a great time. I called that week and they offered me and open bar or drink special. Some of my friends did a 2 hour open bar and some people did cash bar. For cash bar they did a drink special - $5 mixed well and $4 Coors. The staff and management took care of my friends completely. They gave me a free wristband and gave us shots on the house. I will def be back soon.

4 Star Rating: Recommended

06/05/11

Have à good time

by Martin Samuelsson at Citysearch

Surprised, just as good as it looks :)

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

05/27/11

Love it

by Claire714 at Citysearch

I am a regular at Traffic Bar on 2nd and have always had the a great experience. I starting going after attending a work happy hour. They manager took care of everything and the staff was bubbly and we all had a great time. I just went to the one in hell's kitchen and it is AWESOME. They just opened and the only compliant we had was some orders took a little long. They gave me and my 5 rounds of this frozen drink that was amazing to make up for it. I will def now be back at the Hell's Kitchen as well. I suggest going early because when they have the doors open it feels like your outside.

1 Star Rating: Poor

03/16/11

Poor Service

by commpro12 at Citysearch

I went to TRAFFIC last night with my best friend it was an amazing place, I liked the vibe--but the bartender was horrible, she didn't know how to make a lot of drinks, and perceeded to give us a lecture because we didnt tip her over 15% and according to her she makes a living off of tips.

We then told the manager Tim but he seemed to not care and then some regulars said not to mind her she's always a bitch-- THEY DONT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT US GOING BACK THERE EVER AGAIN!!

4 Star Rating: Recommended

11/01/10

Good atmosphere, good food, good drinks

by AnoNYCmous at Citysearch

Ok so I think the angry girl's post is testament to the type of customer she is. (That's very rude to comment on someone's acne situation.)

I'm a frequent customer of Traffic for a few reasons. I am always received well by the staff. They have never been rude or unprofessional. The bartenders are nice and attentive.

Liquor drinks are "you get what you pay for." They do not skimp on the amount of liquor they put in there for you. The food is also really good. I've have a number of items from the menu and they were all great!

They have great wings and beers of bucket deals on Saturdays!

The Details on Traffic Bar and Lounge

Place Categories:

  • great place
  • friendly bartenders
  • great happy hour
  • great drink specials
  • very reasonable prices
  • great bar food