Reviews & Ratings for Van Diemens

05/28/10

Surprisingly Good Food

by caryn donohue

I've been here for drinks a few times and always enjoy myself, but what surprised me was their food. I went with a few friends for brunch one morning and they had a lot of excellent hang-over options and everything we tried was great. At the table were burgers, wraps, salads and mac & cheese and it was all gone shortly after it arrived. I particularly liked the buffalo soaked grilled chicken salad and wrap. So good!

06/13/09

My First Drink In My New Hood

by nattyrebel

I just moved to New York from Ohio - like literally - like yesterday. Van Diemens is the first place I have been so far and I love NEW YORK CITY! And it's right across the street from me. I don't wanna sound like dweeb - but it's just like the movies. I even had a cosmopolitan. Where I'm from in Tiffin, Ohio - you ask for a cosmopolitan - you get cranberry and vodka in a plastic cup. The girl behind the bar Nicole gave me a map of the city on a bar napkin. And a free welcome to the neighborhood shot. They had a dj. The place is huge. It's three floors. There is an upstairs - from where I can see my apartment. And the bartender Dale is beautiful!!! Did I just say that.... ouch.

• Pros: You're so cool.

06/09/09

Great Wings

by TracyDelany

Took my boyfriend here over the weekend to watch a yankee game. The wings were excellent & they have great beer specials. Friendly & accomodating staff. Fun place to watch a game

• Pros: Great Place to Watch a game

06/09/09

Great Afterwork Destination

by Suaznnesenior

I had an afterwork function here last thursday. They have a great loft space which you can use for private events. The drink specials are excellent and they have some great finger food. We will definately be back

• Pros: Excellent Drink Specials

03/27/09

Skip it.

by funfmal

I can see why they named the bar after a prison colony because it's as about much fun as one and when I was waiting for my change the bartender disappeared for a while and I was stuck there. I went in there to meet a friend and all the girls behind the bar were dressed like W-Hooters. I asked for a Bombay and tonic and the girl in the boob-tube had a conference with her bar-mate, I can only speculate to ask what the recipe was. Duh!! BOMBAY AND TONIC!!! And my friend asked for a glass of Merlot and we lost the bartender again. We started a running joke that they weren't bartenders. They were bare-tenders, because they were all hanging out of they're tops. I am not hating, ok. I just want a drink when I order it and to recieve my change as soon after I pay. Oh! And even after I told the girl thank you - she answered me, 'Yep.'

• Pros: None
• Cons: What are the drawbacks?

02/09/09

Van Diemens!

by Arlenm

My new favorite hangout. Great people and very good service(and it was crowded) make it a place I'd definitely go back to. Oh yeah, good drinks by the bartenders.

• Pros: People, Drinks, Service

02/08/09

stay away!

by srhsmith

I stopped by this place over the weekend and found it to be extremely uncomfortable. The staff were rude and drinks were overpriced. Overall, this place is totally not worth the trip for anyone looking for a classy new york experience.

01/30/09

Great Spot

by Gr8uv

I've been here a couple times to meet friends after week. Good beer selection, friendly people, convenient location. Great neighborhood spot to chill, watch a game or just meet nice people. Highly Recommended

When the same old dive bars grow stale, try this gigantic, upscale Murray Hill sports bar.

by Contributor

In Short
Although Van Diemens was the original name of Tasmania, this Murray Hill sports bar falls right in line with its neighborhood counterparts. Tall tin ceilings, exposed brick, red leather high-back bar stools and high bar tables surround a long walnut bar made with crown molding. Two enormous 8'-by-4' HD TVs dominate the front of the bar, while smaller screens find homes in the back area and at the upper level bar. Be sure to look out the front window to catch a great glimpse of the Empire State Building.

Hits: Upstairs (often used for private parties) boasts an enormous skylight, a DJ booth, and a fully-stocked, green-topped marble bar.

Misses: Even though the bar is a better option than others in this neighborhood, the differences aren't so dramatic as to make it a leader of the pack.

10/09/08

Fake Reviews Below

by diggernyc

Note how all the reviewers have just one review and they all say this new place is the greatest? Yes, this is my first review but I plan to be honest. The space is very nice, but the crowd and service are typical, and it is a bit pricey for the size of the drinks they pour.

• Pros: Nice Space
• Cons: Uppity, has fake reviews