01/01/09

Clueless management

by johnatan

I've been an on and off regular since 1999, but the last 2 Mondays I've been there it's been the same. And waiting 10mins for a dry Martini when the lounge is empty... it's ridiculous! But my date realized what was going on, a blonde girl behind the bar talking and following the bartender as a shadow, from the time we arrive: 9pm, until we left : last call.

I just wanted to tell her to let the guy make my drink! I asked who she was and I was told she's the manager! After being charged $15.5 for each Martini I would expect a better management...

• Pros: Perfect for a date
• Cons: Be ready to wait 10min or more for a martini

11/25/08

Good quiet relaxed vibe; HORRIBLE wait staff - so bad it ruins the experience

by abcbucku

For the prices, much better choices around.

Staff is slow/non-attentive considering a smaller bar. Also quick to snap (especially rude, considering I was with a young work crowd spending over $1K).

10/05/07

A shrine to sophistication and drinking like a grown-up.

by Contributor

The Scene
Once your eyes adjust to the dark, you'll see why New Yorkers covet Temple's mysterious charms. For most, it's love at first sight of the stained wood, black marble and dim deco sconces, which is why fans refuse to have a drink here with just anyone. Tucked in the shadows, you get the feeling this spot will exist forever. It's a feeling worth saving for an escapade with real potential.

The Draw
Aside from the elegant atmosphere, the easy piano music and lovely lady legends of jazz murmuring in your ear, there are the strong drinks, a staggering vodka list, lovable bowls of popcorn on the table, and the sigh of relief that somewhere this effortless really exists. The lithe waitresses are in perfect taste and timing. Without gimmick or theme, here's a bar for adults that says, "You've made it."

11/29/06

dcgsdf

by wavy

332 Lafayette St (Cross Street: Bleecker Street)

New York, NY 10012View Map

(212) 925-4242

Directions: 6 at Bleecker St; B, D, F, V at Broadway-Lafayette

Editorial Review

A shrine to sophistication and drinking like a grown-up.

04/17/06

Get of your high horse!

by chrz2

The pretentiousess was sufforcating!

I went with a couple of friends and was floored by the stuck up and rather robotic attitude. This is definitely not a place for having fun. The staff seemed almost uncomfortable and was overattentive and pretty clueless.

02/24/06

User review by poodlenyc

by poodlenyc

Temple Bar is a georgeous, sophisticated cocktail lounge with a romantic ambiance. Drinks are excellent, but service is rather mediocre. Beware of gratuity charges!

• Pros: romantic, free popcorn, decent drinks
• Cons: unwelcoming, expensive, uptight

03/30/05

closing spot

by hepcat

Temple is a great spot for intimate conversation and perfect drinks. End your night out here once you've reached your b&t quota and/or you want to have actual conversation with someone. The drinks are excellent, the appetizers passable. While the servers are attentive and undeniably attractive in their little black dresses, they occasionally struggle with the complexities of handling your order.

• Pros: cocktails, quiet, atmosphere
• Cons: $14 cocktails

06/06/04

UPTIGHT WAITRESSES!!!

by joolee

My friends and I walked in and it was packed with people but it was so quiet in there. everybody was dead serious and just stood there drinking...when my friends and I cracked jokes amongst ourselves, we were shushed by the waitress and told to keep it down... what kind of bar doesn't allow you to have a good time? this place was too uptight and serious... I would never recommend this place unless it was someone i hated.

• Cons: , serious atmosphere, rude waiters/waitress

05/27/04

Martini?...Yes!!

by jswiss

Temple Bar has become one of my favorites places to enjoy a cocktail. If you're a martini fan, this is the place to go. Quiet, relaxed atmoshpere provides the perfect date environment. Staff is always been helpful, patiently explaining the subtle differences between their abundant selection of vodkas.

• Pros: Amazing Martinis, Atmosphere, Service

05/24/04

Awesome

by zipline

This bar is quietly tucked away from the busy bar scene. They have an excellent selection of martini's and the staff is extremely helpful and accommodating. The dinig area is cozy, private, and perfect for a date night!

• Pros: Intimate, Great Vodka selection