Reynolds Cafe

Reviews & Tips

• 0

  Reynold's is one of the very best bars in the entire Big Apple. Take this with a grain of salt though; you will never pick anyone up here, you will never be sitting in a comfortable chair, you may witness (as I did) a "lady" walk right into the men's room without flinching after seeing an out-of-order sign on the ladies room door.
  You will, however, see a stuffed wolverine head above the bar with so much dust on it that it looks like someone uses it to clean out the lint tray from their dryer. You will also have incredibly friendly people pouring nice strong drinks or ice-cold beers for almost no money whatsoever. Have you seen an old episode of Barney Miller recently, or one of Scorcese's NYC classics from the 70s, and want that super legit feel? Come home to Reynold's, and I promise you you won't be sorry.
  
  PS - I just learned that George Washington's troops stopped by the Blue Bell Tavern on his march into New York on "Evacuation Day" when the British were finally forced out for good. The Blue Bell Tavern was located at what is now 181st & Broadway! If you're patriotic, or just want to save America you really owe it to yourself and your country to knock a few back in sweet sweet Reynold's.

  Review Source:

  Posted on 11.25.11 National H.

  • Report
• 0

  This Washington Heights pub is unapologetically rundown, and I mean that in the best way possible. Don't know if Reynold's is Irish-owned, but they're Irish-themed enough.
  
  The bar's patrons are a motley mix, almost all locals. If you decide to commandeer the jukebox, don't be surprised if you get a comment or two.
  
  Bartender Ish holds down the fort Wednesdays and is friendly as they come. Want a house wine or a shot of Jameson ($4 each; cash-only)? Watch out for his pours: you might get more than you paid for. I also mean this in the best way possible.

  Review Source:

  Posted on 03.24.11 Dave H.

  • Report
• 0

  A quaint Irish old school bar that sits in the Heights--Washington Heights.
  
  Immediately following an evening with an all star cast of women in poetry, my fellow inspiring and intelligent poets and musicians plus a friend for a total party of nine came to Reynolds Cafe Bar to celebrate the merriment. On a Wednesday night with one glass of house red wine followed by a downer of Jameson Whiskey shot induce and enhanced my inner spirit to be sprightly joyful in the company of good friends who are sincere and respectful. My first Jameson Whiskey shot at $4.00 was intentionally diluted with ginger ale, which the drinks are moderately priced. The actual shot glasses are boastful large in size unlike the typical minute thingy that most misery and wussy bars utilizes, thus patrons get their value without compromise to price. Patrons are working class yet very sociable and personable.  A good place for group gatherings indeed!
  
  There is a juke box and at Reynolds where an older crowd gathers regularly for the scene is taken of the 1980's sitcom "Cheers" for Jimmy, the one of many bartender(s) are very personal to acknowledge patrons on a first name basis.  It is cited as "Old Man's bar."

  Review Source:

  Posted on 03.17.11 Tina C.

  • Report
• 0

  Reynolds is one of the dirtiest, most depressing dives I have ever been in.
  
  Washington Heights has a handful of good Irish dives left over from the days when it was an Irish neighborhood. Now many local ethnic businesses cater largely to Dominicans. The Chinese restaurants serve fried plantains and jukeboxes in Irish bars feature Bachatta alongside Lynyrd Skynrd, The Clancy Brothers, and other traditional offerings.
  
  Reynolds Cafe is the best Irish dive left for a few reasons. (Though The Irish Brigade is also quite good.)
  
  1. The bartender (owner?) is in his seventies, skinny as a rail and is pretty good in Spanish. He's also quite nice though sometimes I worry he is going to keel over and die while pouring my drink.
  
  2. Prices can't be beat. I paid under $5 for a Johny walker red. Up the street it would be $8. As best as I can tell, the bartender keeps tabs in his head and charges what he thinks you owe at the end. I am always pleasantly surprised.
  
  3. Last time I was at Reynolds there was a line for the men's room most of the time despite the fact that the same 10 people were there all night. Cocaine is a helluva drug.

  Review Source:

  Posted on 07.23.09 Cory Q.

  • Report