Local West

I was here on Saturday evening for a friend's birthday. There was a group of about 20 of us, and everyone arrived in smaller groups of 4-5 people, meeting on the rooftop. We had a few tables and ordered food and drinks, while some people were at the bar. Five of my male friends came in together and ordered drinks at the bar. After paying for the five drinks ($11 each) and tipping the bartender $5 ($1 per drink is pretty standard in Manhattan), they were all escorted out by the bouncers.

We tried talking to the manager downstairs to understand what was going on, and why everyone was getting kicked out. The bouncer told one of my friends that, "just because you bought the drinks here doesn't mean you can enjoy them here". The manager couldn't provide us with an explanation as to why they were being kicked out, though the bouncer relayed the message that the bartender claimed the guys were "being unruly and cursing" at her. Based on the 20 minute conversation we had with the manager before leaving, it was clear that they were not being unruly or cursing at anyone.

At this point, we had no desire to stay there any longer, but had to wait and pay for the uneaten food we had already ordered on the rooftop. It doesn't make sense that a group of 20+ people who are ordering lots of food and drink are kicked out of an establishment because a bartender feels like a $1 tip per drink is insufficient. I was under the impression that a tip is a voluntary additional payment made for services rendered, but apparently at Local West it is not only required, but must also be more than $1 per drink.

Overall this was a terrible experience, and we will never be back.

I would give this place 0 stars if I could, purely based on how horrible the service is. I sat at the bar and was unfortunately served by Mia, who not only did not know how to make a simple gimlet. but could not be bothered by her customers because whatever was on her phone was much more important.
The drink was horribly made due to the fact that she used the wrong spirit AND mixer. I would have had some respect for her if she at least  admitted she did not know how to make the drink. I also had to wait 7 minutes after finishing my drink before she noticed me waving her down for my bill.

If you ever find yourself here, make sure Mia is not tending bar.

Open seating on roof deck -- excellent
Happy hour beer specials --excellent
Mediocre bar food -- not so great
Service -- okay, depending on how busy it is

Great place to grab a drink after work.  There's usually a mix of people.  I could see how people think it feels like a frat party, but I felt pretty comfortable.  Everyone minds their own business.  It was slightly chilly when I was there about a month ago.  I put on my jacket and immediately one of the runners/bussers offered to light the outdoor heat lamp.  It didn't work but he kept trying.  That was super nice--I hope some of the waitress' tip ended up going to him.