Auction House

04/21/09

A gorgeous gem of a bar

by amandas711

I've lived up the street for Auction House for years now and feel lucky to have such a wonderful watering hole within walking distance. It's beautiful, the bartenders are sweet, the drinks are cheap, and it has gorgeous historic furnishings (pressed metal ceiling, antique furniture, exposed brick, mahogany bar, etc.)

The crowd varies greatly on any given night, but it's a classy joint that lends itself nicely to dates as well as to larger groups looking for a place to sit and talk.

12/07/07

Great atmosphere

by kneering

Auction House is the perfect place to sit on a couch and bs with a friend. It's never crowded during the week, which I love. The paintings and decor are unlike any other bar in this neighborhood, and you get a lot of locals ... no riff raff. I wish the bartenders were nicer. They're not mean, they're just not welcoming. That aside, a great place to unwind.

• Pros: Awesome decor, good drinks
• Cons: Blah bartenders

07/11/07

Great Neighborhood Staple

by greenie212

I have been coming here for years! Comfortable and antique like environment with alluring maroon velvet curtains. Great place for dates.

11/08/06

Somethin different on the UES...in a good way.

by somoneydontevenknowit

Went there looking for something more relaxed, something a little less...college. This place was perfect. Easy to miss (no sign), look for the tall red windows and listen for the music. Relaxed, "velvet lounge" atmosphere, you can tell they put some effort into the deco inside (lots of tasteful paintings, crafted ceiling, candles, etc.). I don't thumb my nose up at the other typical UES bars I frequent, but it's a nice change of pace when you need it, without leaving the area. A little downtown culture in an uptown world.

• Pros: Atmosphere, music
• Cons: small

10/26/06

Awesome spot even for a downtown girl

by cfpmwcsr

Beautifl spot....belongs downtown. I had a small get together here last week and it was great. Very accomodating staff and it was a great crowd. Especially on the U.E.S. You sort of forget you're on the UES when you step into the Auction House. My friends and I will be going back there a lot........and I live downtown

06/15/06

Great Intimate Bar

by claraj

This place is great for a date or a drink with friends. The decor is romantic, dark, and unique. The bartenders are very friendly and drinks are not too expensive. The bar doesn't get super crowded even on the weekends which is a welcome change to being packed into a room and having drinks spilled all over you. There usually is a good crowd there though. The music they play is great and not your usual Top 40 crap. It's upscale and comfortable without being pretentious.

02/08/06

Hidden Gem

by minchkla

Went here on a Tuesday night for a birthday celebration with 3 friends and had a wonderful time. Quiet, laidback atmosphere - perfect for conversation. I want to go back with my boyfriend - seemed to be a great date spot (as evidenced by the two couples making out in the back.) I will definitely be back!

• Pros: quiet, lovely atmosphere, not crowded
• Cons: not cheap

11/15/05

Always my First Date Spot

by doulikeredheads

So love this place. Espically on week nights. But beware on the weekends when it gets so crowd, warm and stuffy that its not worth your time. I so love the decor and the ladi back-ness of it. It is soooo not your typical UES hangout. No frat boys here. Wines are like $7 be it in a small glass, but, with the comfortable velvet sofas and dim lighting it makes for a great first date place. And good for smooching too. Oh, unless you've been there before or go with someone who has, you might miss it bc their is NO sign, just red curtains.

09/12/05

Worst Bartenders on the upper east side.

by litigator69

We were ignored for 10 minutes at the bar which was not crowded. Asked about the beer and he scowled, "I dodn't have time for this". The vodka martini I finally got was undrinkable. We paid up and then the guy appeared and offered me a 10 dollar bill! One word, LOSER.

• Pros: Great ambiance, love the space
• Cons: rude service, tacky beer glasses, music is lame

09/09/05

awesome atmosphere

by cfitzgerald03

Had a party here recently bringing in about 30 people to an otherwise low-key louge.

They forgot about the party and tried to accomodate but the bartender was EXTREMELY rude and even gave my sister 2 dollars to leave him alone after we waited 15 minutes for a drink. That really sucked...BUT the back up bartender came and drinks were flowing like water and all was Merry and great. I really love this place.

They should know that one of the tenders is a real jack-ass though!

• Pros: atmosphere, music, crowd
• Cons: jerk bartender