what. is. this. place?!?! i have never had friendlier bar tenders. never. not even in the south. these guys were so nice to us and chatty and quick on the drink orders. i'm not sure what's going on, but i've never wanted to go back to a bar more than i want to go back to whiskey tavern. it's like there's some kind of spell over the bar, where everyone who enters is protected from the general stuck up and asshole attitude that permeates the rest of the city.
this place is just around the corner from santos, so if you need a spot to pregame look no further. the picklebacks are very enjoyable. you should have one, or three.
Great find! Bartenders were friendly and overall service was excellent!
We arrived on a Wednesday night when they had live music. If you love late 90's alternative(which I do!) then this is the night for you!
Word got back to the staff that is was my birthday to which I was presented with a  giant  jade green dildo with a sparkler on it :) Needless to say, I can't wait to go back.
My bf had his bday here. Place gets super crowded, but the crowd is pretty diverse and fun to be around. Also they let patrons choose some of the music as well, so they played los lonely boys's song with Michael Bolton about Pirates of the Caribbean, which was pretty funny. There was also a deal for a pickleback and bud, which was good by me, since I love picklebacks.
Review Source:If you want a bar that you can call your second home, "where everybody knows your name" a la Cheers, this is the spot. Per all the previous reviews, you obviously have to get a pickleback shot when here (if you don't know what that is, don't worry, I didn't either until I went and definitely did not regret my choice to take the shot). Whiskey Tavern is an unpretentious chill bar in the Chinatown area, but people come here from all over the city at all hours of the day, everyday. Another major plus is that the bar has random games (i.e. jenga) and tv screens for sports games (they also take requests if they aren't playing something you want to watch). The bartenders and owner are all very friendly and go out of their way to get to know you.
All in all, this is a warm friendly bar in the vastness of the city.
Gotta love WT. Drinks are large and strong; bartenders are great; food is served all night; and in warm weather the back porch is opened up so you can go out there to escape the crowd and even play some Jenga.
The only negative is that the music is so crazy loud that you cannot possibly talk to anyone. If you're in the mood to dance, that's fine; if you're not, you'll just end up awkwardly staring at each other.
Quickly becoming one of my favorite low-key bars in the area. Popped in for a quick beer on a Saturday afternoon and ended up staying for 5 hours. Nice to have a bar nearby that's unpretentious and laid back if you need a break from the Soho/Nolita scene. The crowd seemed to be having a genuinely good time which made for a great, casual vibe. Reasonably priced beer, mediocre bar food, good music, fairly loud.
Review Source:Many a good night at this bar, which as the regulars call it, "Whiskey". Rob, the owner/bartender/instant friend, is what I like to think of as the consummate "bar guy". Remembers your name, your brother's name, what you like to drink, when he saw you last, but "forgets" your shady escapades. The food is great, as are the tall drinks. The tater tots are well thought out to absorb the copious amounts you will drink after you catch vibe of the "Greatest Hits of the 80's and 90's" playlist rocking the crowd. You'll definitely want to "feel the heat with somebody".
Review Source:When I got here to meet a friend on some business tip, there was already a party happening. Amazingly, there was old school 90's music and a bunch or suits partying it up like there was no tomorrow. When I ordered their whiskey and shot special (and then rejected both whiskey and shot), I offered it to the bartender, who then bent over the bar and drank the shot from my hand. Amazing. The double Jame-o is a no fail and warmed my soul. My friend had a bunch of Guinesses and seemed like he enjoyed it. The music was getting to me, as "oldschool" 90s music is something that one should enjoy only every so often. I prefer newer music... but the crowd was fun. Will def go back when possible and perhaps when there's different music/ party.
Review Source:I learned things from Jenga pieces that will help me forever.
Aside from the requisite picklebacks (both spicy and otherwise), I enjoyed a version of a Skittle bomb that involved Stoli, that was quite refreshing.
To quote my first review, "If you don't like Whiskey Tavern, you're un-American."
Right by the courthouses (and Chinatown). Â I was joking with some of my law school buddies to dress up in their suits and bring their resumes with them, apparently ADAs frequent this joint... but enough about that.
First off, I should mention that I really do appreciate really weirdly located establishments. Â If a joint's clientele was defined by its location, then this place should have been attended by lawyers, Chinese lawyers, Chinese take out guys, and criminals. Â But alas, not all client bases are the product of the environment (at least not for this place).
A conversation with a dear friend about picklebacks had me instantly intrigued. Â No, I've never done one (prior to this visit); and I had my party intrigued at the prospect when I told them prior to going. Â A classy whiskey chased by a nice chilled shot of pickle juice. Â Must do it again. Â I also like the shot/beer specials at $10 a pop. Â The friendly servers threw in complimentary shots as well. Â Thank you server with the red sweater... and they also have Jenga too.
Quite loud, cramped, but one of the only bars in the area, which makes it A-OK. Came here before heading to dinner for Chinese New Year. I appreciated their attempts at partaking in the celebrations by decorating the bar with banners and decals.
Nothing spectacular but deserves a decent rating since it serves as a bar in a very bar-desolate area!
Opened the doors to the Whisky Tavern and walked into an electric, low key atmosphere, complete with enthusiastic bartenders who look like they genuinely love to serve.
Patrons gather around the TV screens with interest, standing room only, catching the latest Knicks or Rangers action. The crowd is young, non pretentious and no BS; out for a good time, and not to be seen.
The icing on the cake to this place; board games scattered around the joint, encouraging good old fashioned, connect 4 making, battle ship sinking, fun.
Go on, stop in for a cold one or three.
-SZ
I really wasn't expecting much from Whiskey Tavern to be honest. Â Maybe it had something to do with the bar's location? Â Regardless I came there last weekend post-hot pot with an open mind and am very glad I did!
The atmosphere reminded me of the kind of watering hole only locals would go to in the Hamptons--the yr-round people vs. the summer crowd. Â Just very low-key but well-maintained. Â It took me a few minutes to pick out a drink from the drink menu--so many delicious-sounding options--but eventually picked out an alcoholic version of a raspberry iced tea. Â It was as good as it sounds. Â I'll more likely than not order it again when I return at some point. Â We also shared the tater tots with the best condiment of them all, chipotle mayo--obviously a winner.
Whiskey Tavern, you have won me over!
So, I found myself in NYC for work, for all of 20 hours. Â Stay closer to La Guardia Airport, but what else to do, but go to Manhattan. Â Got off the train and walked around Chinatown, and what do I find? Â The Whiskey Tavern!
It was early afternoon, but why not? Â A cleansing ale is welcomed at most hours of the day. Â As my Dad used to say, "you have to stay hydrated, Geoff". Â Thanks, Dad.
I parked myself at the bar and was welcomed by Philip, the bartender. Â Very nice guy, from Atlanta, I think he said. Â I was impressed that he welcomed me so quickly, shook my had and then called me by name the whole time I was there.
Deciding on a Miller High Life (bottle), he promptly served it in a Whiskey Tavern coozy! Â Brilliant! Â I asked if the coozy came with the beer, as in, can I keep it? Â Of course! Â Not only that, but he gave me another one for my brother-in-law. Â So, I had another beer..........
Good looking food menu too, that other reviewers have mentioned.
Some televisions around the bar and some booths make for a very cozy and welcoming atmosphere, in Chinatown.
See you soon, Whiskey Tavern.
Somehow this has become a bar that I frequently visit, not just for convenience but because I enjoy it. Â The bartenders are some of the most down to earth, fun, albeit sometimes loud guys out there. Â Rob's memory never ceases to amaze me. Â
Random nights will be really crowded and it can get loud, but I still go back. Â If the backyard is open, I prefer it back there. Â Service is okay, but I give the girls some slack because it's usually pretty busy there. Â Food isn't great unless it's Taco Tuesday, but you don't go there for food. Â Decent beers, better whiskey selection. Â And those spicy picklebacks... must be done. Â (Although after NYE, I'm backing off them for a while.)
Oh, and yes, I've been to the Whiskey Brooklyn, the sister (brother?) bar and I have to admit, the Chinatown one is undoubtedly better.
My visiting friend wanted to go to any whiskey bar in NY to watch the Knicks game on a Sunday. One of our friends randomly chose this one. First of all, this bar is in the most random neighborhoods. Chinatown? chyeahhh..
This bar couldn't have been any more perfect. They have the nicest and coolest bartenders and staffs, great Sunday specials, many big screen TV's, and great food (I know, right?). The bartenders makes an effort to get to know you and your names. They were sooo FUN! This was when Jeremy Lin was still hot on fire with the NY Knicks and the bartenders had fun props and shirts supporting the team. LOVE IT!
They have THE BEST tator tots ever. I'm not sure if they were just frozen or if it was made in-house but they were perfectly crisp and addicting. We ordered two of these bad boys and were tempted to order a third bowl.
We also ordered the Bowl O'Bacon. This was basically a whole slab of bacon slices thrown into a deep fryer that produced fried bacon. It was heart-attackingly good and addicting. I didn't know when to stop especially with their bleu cheese and maple syrup dip.
We had several pickle back shots and they were only $5 each! BTW, be careful with the pickle backs. It was my first time having them and I realized I had one too many when I woke up hungover and drunk on Monday morning. It hit me extremely late and I had to call in sick the next day!
Not sure if I can add to any more of the awesome reviews here, but I'll try:
Best. Bar. Ever.
Phil and Rob are my new favorite people. Â Picklebacks - I took way too many to celebrate my birthday.
They have games!
Very nice and fun people (even when I argued with someone about the Redskins). Â Others were air-guitaring to Journey (which I do in private or super drunkenly in public, so I felt a connection). Â DJ played great music - perfect for the atmosphere.
Affordable drinks! Â We didn't eat, but the food looked really noms too (tots, I'm looking at you).
If I lived in NYC, this would be my go-to bar.
Came here on a packed Saturday night to meet up with some friends and drink before heading to a party at nearby Santos Party House.
I was able to secure two seats at the bar for our party of 6 and we got our drink on. Our bartender, Graham, was super nice and friendly (and cute to boot!). I ordered several vodka soda's. The weird thing was, they were all brownish in color, but tasted like a regular vodka soda. I also ordered a round of shots of tequila (I wish I could have tried the pickle back shot) for the group. The drinks are pretty decent in strength and large, which I liked very much.
Overall, this place is a ton of fun. They had an eclectic mix of music. There were long lines for the bathrooms (2 single-occupancy in the back), but they went by quickly. They also had a long table in the middle of the bar for big groups.
I had a great time here and I know I'll be coming back here when I'm in the area.
Even though this place doesn't really need another good review where the reviewer calls out his or her favorite bartender, I just felt the need to do it anyway. Â (heart Rob! Â He was so friendly and fun!)
Went here on a Thursday night - lucky enough to snag some seats at the bar. Â Got some food (tater tots with beans and cheese which sound gross but were delicious) and of course the standard pickleback buyback.
What really makes this place stand out is the bartenders who not only remember your drink but remember your name..it really is a nice touch. Â My friends and I headed out for a bit (had a Zogsports volleyball game nearby) and when we came back to celebrate our embarrassing loss - which could be partially related to those pickleback shots we consumed prior to the game (in different clothing) - Rob still remembered our names. Â Gotta love that!
What makes this bar awesome is the bartenders, period.
On the night I went in particularly, Phil helped us out. He was hysterical, and definitely helped create the atmosphere in that bar. Plus, he gave us free shots (which, from what I understand they do frequently).
I'd definitely come back here, and they've got a great patio area out back.
Whiskey Tavern is a pretty interesting bar located in Chinatown. The drinks are reasonably affordable. Try the pickleback shots--which is a shot of whiskey followed by pickle juice.
Their conveniently placed TVs and the combinations of the bar and booth sitting are ideal for watching sports. The staff are also really efficient even when it's crowded.
This was temporarily my local bar for the one week I was here, although I've been to Whiskey Tavern many times before. It's such a warm and welcoming space filled with friendly people that you immediately feel comfortable. The service is beyond perfect...they treat you like you're a friend. The food is good (the specials are usually spot on). And although the beer selection is not high-brow (no microbrews here), it's just fine.
I wish this was my local bar all the time.
I came here to watch 2012 election results. Â I was previously at Pulqueria, but wanted a more lively crowd... I found Whiskey Tavern because several people were checked in on foursquare. Â The crowd was youngish but not fratty, which I appreciated. Â The bartenders were super nice and remembered my name all through the evening. Â Also, I was only having a soda and they said it was on the house as the house specialty (thanks Vinny!). Â And then at the end of the night, they peer pressured me into taking a shot anyway. Â
Good vibes, good people. Â I don't frequent the area, but I will definitely stop in next time I'm around.
Oh, and there was an old black man that everyone knew in the corner with a mustache named Smitty. Â That made everything 10x better. Â
(Man is Smitty, not the mustache.)
Popping bar located in the unassuming Chinatown where it is nestled amongst Chinese restaurants.
// DRINKS //
  + Whiskey and a pickleback: GIVE the pickle juice a try! It was my first Whiskey with a pickle back and I'm definitely a fan! The whiskey is pretty weak and the pickle juice is chilled to perfection. I'm a big fan of pickles in general, but I can see how the pickle juice might not bode well with those less infatuated with my sour friends.
The Whiskey Tavern is a fun, lively neighborhood bar filled with friendly patrons and even friendlier bartenders. Â The bartenders here are so welcoming and nice that they make you feel like a regular even if it's your first time there.
Definitely get the pickle backs (a shot of mild whiskey followed by a delicious shot of high quality pickle juice) and come hungry. Â There are a ton of food options including perfectly crispy tater tots, hamburgers, fried pickles, nachos, quesedillas, chips, potato skins, sandwiches and chicken wings.
Pretty damn good bar in my opinion.
The spicy pickleback shots are amazing. Â I could do some serious damage after a night at Whiskey Tavern. Â Be careful of the picklebacks though. Â As much as they are great, you can easily end up doing many shots in a really short time. Â You might be surprised when the bill comes because you wont remember how many picklebacks you had. Â It can get expensive quickly, but in my opinion, its worth it. Â You will definitely have fun here.
This place is intense. Â It can get pretty packed on weekends. Â So much so, that it could take more than 5 minutes just to reach the bathroom.
They serve really large drinks too. Â Almost every drink comes in a pint glass. Â So, it is definitely a great value for your money.
Give this place a try if you are in the chinatown area. Â But dont tell too many people, I need my seat at the bar!
In the bar wasteland known as Chinatown, Whiskey Tavern stands tall. Â I used to go down there often, and this place was my savior when I needed a drink after a long meeting. Â It is basically a long, dark, wood-paneled tavern. Â Because of the lack of bars nearby, it packs out pretty quickly. Â Aside from being the only game in town, it is still a pretty decent bar. Â
As suggested by the name, there is a substantial whiskey selection even though I didn't find it incredible. Â Drinks are typical Manhattan prices, not small at all, and they have a decent selection of beer. Â Bartenders are pretty good at keeping track of everything with a sizable crowd, which is a pet peeve of mine. Â I've tried food here before and it was fine. Â The crowd when I've been there has been decent, with people being willing to mix and talk instead of just staying in their circles. Â There's nothing truly remarkable about the place that makes it stand out though; it is just good at what it does. Â Considering the large number of bars that fall short of even that mark, this is a good thing. Â If you're looking for just a drink in this immediate area, this is where you should go.
Whiskey Tavern is pretty cool, as far as bars go. Â The place is clean, big, and surprisingly quite classy for a place called Whiskey Tavern. Â It has a pretty cool garden/back patio area where you can relax with friends, with plenty of seating. Â Our service was quick and friendly. Â
They have a variety of cool and crafty (with awesome names) drink selections on their menu. Â
In a nutshell, I had a very pleasant experience at Whiskey Tavern and would definitely love to visit again.
Great outdoor seating in the back. Friendly wait service. Prices are a little high even for happy hour. A pint of Guinness was $6 during happy hour =(
They do have a deal. For $10, you get a pickle back and a beer.
I prefer Whiskey Rebel by Baruch College. But I guess if you're in Chinatown and don't want to travel, this is the place for a drink.