Arthur's Tavern

10/14/09

great music bad waitresse

by toresi at Citysearch

Today was surreal!!!!!! The waitress actually gave me a dirty look walking without saying anything and was rude with us during all the evening.

THE MUSIC IS GREAT AND THE ATMOSPHERE IS SENSATIONAL.

• Pros: good atmosphere and music
• Cons: staff

04/12/09

watch your wallet

by bob183239 at Citysearch

I have been taking people from out of town here for years, touristy by fun. My last experience was that the staff is just looking for ways to make money. Our waitress charged $11 for a drink I always paid $9 for. In addition she short changed me on a $50 bill. The next one charged me a service charge of $9 on $33 worth of drinks, when there is no service charge. I guess they just like to determine their own tips, and they are quite generous.

Try 55 Bar if you want music, I will never return!!

• Cons: dishonest staff

10/27/07

great time up until the bill came

by divebarnicky at Citysearch

The atmosphere was great if you like cramped, customers that sing along to the music and a decor that hasnt changed since the place opened.

BUT watch out if your running a tab, almost positive they added 2extra beers on the tab, they did add an automatic tip, and like the other review below me there were only 2 of us, and $7 for a budlight crazy.

And they dont takew credit card!!!

I would go back, actually want to just to see if they try to rip me off, but there are other places in the city and that area just as good, if not better.

• Pros: atmosphere, music
• Cons: prices, cash only bar

08/10/07

Beware!

by jennam206 at Citysearch

Beware of this scam artist haven! Me and my boyfriend actually had a wonderful time here, enjoying the funk/jazz band Off the Hook with blues diva Sweet Georgia Brown. But at the end of the night, after we had 3 drinks each, the cocktail waitress charged us for 4 each, AND charged $12 a drink instead of $10, as the menu clearly stated. To make matters even worse, there was a 20% service charge added to the bill, even though there was only two of us. We talked to the manager, who scoffed. This place is a scam! Beware! They will rip you off!

• Pros: Great music, a lot of fun until the bill comes...
• Cons: Watch your bill carefully, and count your drinks everytime. They will rip you off.

05/07/07

Best fun

by larrypowe at Citysearch

I visited Arthur's Tavern in November 2006, just after Thanksgiving. I was pleasantly surprised. We arrived about 8 pm when it was quiet and not crowded. Then the band started setting up. By 9 pm, the place was packed with patrons and then in walked a uniquely dressed, well rounded woman in a hat and zebra outfit. She worked her way to the back and we realized that she was Sweet Georgia Brown. What a show person! She entertained us all evening, with song, a little crassy humor, and she made us laugh, loudly. If you are a bald guy who likes to laugh, loudly, be prepared for some friendly exchange with Georgia. Sit near the front of the tavern and she will still pick you out! It was a great time. I will visit every time I return to the Big Apple.

• Pros: The ambience
• Cons: It is crowded. Restrooms are in the basement.

01/12/07

Snap your fingers for jazz and blues any night of the week.

by Erin Behan at Citysearch

The Scene
The wooden bar, tables, chairs and lingering scent of cigarette smoke of Arthur's Tavern predate the Beats; walk in and you're immediately transported to a bygone era. The rectangular bar bordering the tiny back stage puts music lovers and the night's live entertainment side by side. Distinguished couples share space at the main bar with an eclectic array of music lovers, all hungry for the bar's stiff drinks and soothing tunes.

The Draw
Strains of old-school blues, jazz and R&B fill the cozy seating area and offer a chance to catch unknown legends like "Sweet" Georgia Brown. The bartenders treat their job like an art, and though fancy martinis aren't on the menu, they'll gladly make one if you ask.

03/22/05

Gotta Go

by mrdavidamsp at Citysearch

Arthur's Tavern has been around a long time. If you're visiting NYC and want to hit a club where you can hear good jazz and R&B, make sure Arthur's is on your short list. No cover. Reasonably priced drinks. Great service. Great music. A mostly white crowd, wide range in age. Loved it!

• Pros: Its Tradition, Great Music, No Cover
• Cons: Crowded

11/08/04

Top Jazz Bar!

by dizzdy2000 at Citysearch

Hi it was my 1st time to New York as I am from UK. Read about Arthur's bar and knew I had to try it. Was not disappointed at all! Fantastic music, great atmosphere and all the band members were great guys! The lead singer (whom I spoke to outside) had a great voice whic was not impaired by smoking! Or so he told me! The lead gutarist was awesome! He did a great rendition of Voodoo Chil'. When I go back to NY I am definitely going back to Arthur's bar! See you soon xx

• Pros: great music, good waitresses, cheap beer
• Cons: , n/a, n/a

11/29/03

Ahmad

by amasood at Citysearch

Crowded, LOUD!, some good acts, Love Mr Parker, who is seemingly in deep slumber during the gig, but wakes up on cue and brings the house down.

08/25/03

Cool Place

by sdpsteelers at Citysearch

Definitely worth the trip! We went to a couple other places rated by this site. I was not very impressed until I got here. This place was definitely cool. The house band was very entertaining. I was extremely impressed with Raul Midon. He is an incredibly talented musician. It was a very fun night. I would definitely go back.

• Pros: Good Music, Fun Crowd, Very Entertaining