The Randolph at Broome

Cool cocktails in a bi-level divey-chic setting.

by Alexis Korman

Located just far away enough from the crowded bars on Rivington Street, this covert lounge on the border between Nolita and the Lower East Side provides a laid-back place to party--even on weekends--now that the bar’s buzz has died down somewhat. And while a ragtime-era piano near the front door signals the familiar speakeasy theme, the crafty, premium liquor-packed cocktails (created by Milk and Honey alum Matty Gee) aren’t the only thing on offer; you’ll also find a variety of bottled beers along with plenty of Pabst ($5 a pint), which seems to better match this bar’s quasi-divey atmosphere.

03/13/09

Not cool man, not cool.

by spure2003

I walked by the Randolph yesterday while running a work errand. I popped my head in and I really loved the decor, my kind of place. Unfortunately the 'tender' was in the back I guess doing some stock stuff, so I decided to come back the next day. You know how nice it is to have a cool looking bar literally right around the corner from work....if you don't....well I don't either (so sad). I finally popped in again this afternoon and there were some financial guys at the bar starting early (it is Friday, why not!). I asked the lovely female bartender for a drink menu and the draft prices.....this is where it went downhill fast. The average cocktail is around 14-15 dollas', I'm a beer man myself so I was bummed to here about the 8 dolla' pint! OUCH! It still hurts when I say it. She did however tell me they had PBR for 5 dollas a pint, really are they serious? If that isn't enough to keep me out of this joint, reading the reviews about the door thing is ye old nail in the coffin. There are too many other establishments to visit in this area after work that have happy hours (attitude adjustment hours), Von, Slainte, Tom & Jerry, and a slew of others in the area. In this economic climate you have to go were your buck has the most weight and this place is not it. Cheers!

• Pros: Fun decor, not snooty
• Cons: the prices are super snooty

02/06/09

Just couldn't resist responding to the idiot below me

by Boomski

To the idiot below me who is criticizing this place because they served you four roses "whisky" instead of Jack Daniels. Four Roses IS bourbon you idiot (a very good one at that). Obviously you have no idea what you are talking about. Bourbon IS a type of whisky. Whiskies = Bourbon, Rye, Irish, and Scotch. Why don't you stay up in Murray hill and do your shots of jack daniels with your friends from ohio state.

01/30/09

Worst bar in NYC

by yipblaze

I was in town visiting friends and unfortunately was taken to The Randolph. The beer selection is non-existent and the bartenders take pride not only in being rude but also in being bad at their job. When I asked for a shot of Jack Daniels they gave me Four Roses instead which isn't even a bourbon. Any bartender worth his bottle opener should know the difference between whiskey and bourbon. As I went to close out my tab I noticed they had overcharged me. I guess they were hoping I was too drunk to realize. I would imagine they do that sort of thing on a nightly basis. The only reason I would ever go back there would be to dispute a double charge that showed up on my bank account. Steer clear of this jip joint that can't even get a simple shot of bourbon right.

10/15/08

Fantastic jazz and amazing drinks!

by ilm42

It was already one of my favorites when it was M Bar, but this latest incarnation currently holds the title of my favorite bar/lounge in the city... The "mixologist" cocktail creations take the drinks to a whole new level (current favorite the Strawberry Cucumber Fizz), and I LOVE the addition of live jazz on Tuesday and Friday nights. While celebrity sightings are always fun (I won't name names...), I'm hoping it doesn't get so trendy that you can't even get in! Oh, and for those people who are like me and get hungry again after drinking for a few hours, they just started serving these amazing panini (not exactly sure what was in the one I had - all I remember is truffle oil) that are the perfect late night snack.

• Pros: Creative Cocktails, Live Jazz
• Cons: I think the secret is out on this place unfortunately...

10/11/08

cocktails cocktails cocktails

by johnlp

i?ve been going out in nyc for 14 yrs. this place gets it, no b/s just a superior and unique product. don?t let the pr hype/celeb sighting hoopla scare you away. there are ropes outside but it wasn?t difficult to get in. the space/decor is decent, crowd an appealing mix actually, but its all about the cocktails. they are truly THAT good. massive attention to detail is obvious, a page taken from the milk and honey book apparently. we got there early and had time to chat with the bartender about what our tastes and were. he made us custom drinks that were excellent across the board, even in presentation. the food was surprisingly good also (there's some alidoro sandwich shop relationship) + there was live music, very cool. one legitimate negative is the place isn?t cheap. the drinks are super stiff and made with all kinds of fresh and fancy ingredients, but your friendly neighborhood $6 vodka-soda vendor this place is definitely not

07/10/08

Cocktails and fun

by 12l

I had been to the old randolph and it was ok, but when I heard they renovated and re-opened with Matty Gee the Head bartender from milk & Honey and his team. I figured I would give it a shot and WOW!! The drinks were top notch and the service was impeccable! The knowledge of his bartenders was very impressive. Worth a stop by for the cocktail lover or someone in search of a unique experience.

02/28/08

Worst Service Ever!

by ericathechef

The service here is ATROCIOUS. The bartenders take your card, start tabs and then claim you never gave them a card...only to find your card charged 2 days later for insane amounts. The manager TIM is quite possibly the most incompetent person I've ever encountered. When I finally got Tim on the phone after calling 6 times a day, 4 days in a row, I got the worst attitude! Instead of taking my address right then and there, he asked me to call back in 5 minutes and leave my address on the machine to send me back my card.

When I didn't get the card back a week later, his response was: "other people pick up the phone, I never got your message." Are you kidding me?!?!? He was just too lazy to get a pen when he initially spoke to me. Basically they just steal credit cards and charge erroneous amounts, in addition to serving mediocre drinks. Sounds like a stellar evening, no?

This place is awful, it's a waste of money. The only saving grace is the doormen...they should bounce the staff and take over.

• Pros: I am smart enough to never come here again
• Cons: rude staff, mediocre layout

01/05/08

Enough of this door attitude

by cosgood

Seriously? Screw this place and their wack door policy. Tried to meet friends there on a Saturday night and was told by the mustachioed douche doorman (and for real - the mustache look is as au courant as Vice Magazine - meaning, dead and 2001) that there were "soo many parties going on inside that you can only come in if you're here for one of them." When is this kind of BS elitism going to end in NY? I've napped in this city longer than people like this have existed. Congrats on having moved out of your parent's house in Jersey and finally making it big as a doorman. And after watching some of the white bread i-banker frat dudes wearing ballet slipper sneakers with untucked shirts walk out the door, you'll realize this is not a place for you.

10/27/07

prince night!

by cynfullil1

my group and i had so much fun at the prince night, though it was definatley a slow start... party because of us. I will say this: for a sunday the party did start a bit late. We're all professionals in my group and we really really hope that going foward prince night can start a little earlier. also, hopefully next time they won't boo us away at the door when we're trying to get in. its not like there was anyone in there!

• Pros: prince night, great atomosphere, good drinks, clean bathroom
• Cons: overly selective at the door, open too late for sunday, kicked us out at 3!