This is a small, but handsome little dive bar. Â Started my night off here so it wasn't very crowded, but would love to go again to see what other kinds of people wind up at this place. Â I thought drinks were gonna be a little expensive, but they weren't! Â And their cocktail menu is very tempting. Â The bartender was this older quirky guy who kept it interesting. Â
I went on a Sunday, but hope to come back on a Friday or Saturday.
This is easily one of my favorite bars in New York. Â A number of things going for it:
-Whiskey selection: Â Insane. Â I was name dropping some obscure Irish whiskeys and they even had them. Â What I really like is how the bar tenders know their whiskey and will make great recommendations.
-Ambience: The place is understated, dimly lit, and it totally works.
-Bar tenders: Great staff. Â They are funny and very informative.
Overall a great bar to check out in the lower east side, especially if you want to learn more about whiskey.
JD is my favorite bartender ever, and everyone else who works there is awesome too.
If you're a girl and want to grab a drink solo without getting hit on constantly, this is the place to go. I was there waiting for a friend the other night and the bartender bounced the random creepy drunk guy who wouldn't leave me alone.
A+.
Oh, and great whiskey selection (duh).
My new neighborhood go-to bar. Friendly staff, hella cheap drinks and a cool vibe. This is the perfect spot to kick your night off without burning a hole in your pocket.
Daily specials include PBR & a shot of whiskey for $7 or a shorty draught beer and any call shot for $7- I mean....I'm game. To the LES Sweet Tea in a mason jar, I'm comin back for you.
The very definition of overrated. The drinks are both mediocre and stingy, the bathroom filthy, and the crowd a bunch of aging, braying frat boys. It's an overpriced "dude" bar masquerading as a dive, to the delight of the mostly non-New Yorker crowd who think they've stumbled onto something authentic. (I especially enjoyed the commenter who said "it attracts a badass crowd" If by badass you mean trustafarians with tattoos, than yeah, I guess.) There are lots of real dive bars in this city, no reason to go to this poser's version.
Review Source:JD the bartender is freakin awesome, he really made my night. Me and my friend came in here on a Sunday night and the place was pretty mellow. JD was playing his Ipod, not really my thing (country, All I Have to Do is Dream, Elvis Costello), but still a good time. Crowd was friendly, there's a pool table, an excellent selection of whiskey (Red Breast!) and STRONG mixed drinks. Also they have a ton of menus if you want to order in.
Review Source:Came here a few times for beers. Place is usually not too packed. Once I did have the hiccups, and when I get hiccups they last for hours. I asked the bartender if he knew a cure for them, and he made me some random concoction on the house that tasted syrupy. And guess what? It cured me! Definitely coming here again when I get the hiccups.
Review Source:Love this place. I have only been once, but I am dying to go back. It's a little dive place with a very unpretentious feel (finally, NYC!). Reminds me of some of the places I went to in college, without all of the douchey guys.
I had two margaritas, and I was DONE. I mean, wasted. The bartender made the drinks SO strong. I told her about it and she laughed. I guess she is used to hearing that. I wanted to stay longer, but I had dinner plans. Needless to say, I don't remember that dinner.
Thank you, Whiskey Ward, for being there for me. I'd made plans to go to one spot for my birthday, but it was closed! So I had to quickly find a spot large enough to accomodate a group on short notice, that would be easy to find, and have some good stuff. Check, check, and check.
The place had good music, to which the friendly bartenders sang along. The wood-and-barrel design is very cozy. The LES iced tea is a nice, refreshing drink. All of the other mixed drinks were a bit on the small side, but I guess that's part of the ethos of pouring exactly 2 ounces of spirits and mixing the appropriate amount of mixers to make a tasty, strong drink.
Overall, I like it! And so did my guests! Hooray!
I went there on the night of Sat., May 25. The male bartender was feisty. Now, had he been the quickest, best-drink-makin' bartender ever, I would have forgiven the 'tude, but, slowness on the part of him and his female counterpart accompanied his lack of enthusiasm for...well, me and my friend, at least.
The bar is adorable. Maybe early on a weekend or on a weekday, it'd be perfect. But the bartenders couldn't seem to handle the amount of customers, who ended up piling up along the bar like ants.
Love this bar. Been going for years and it's just great. A step above divey and the whiskey/bourbon list is fantastic and fairly reasonably priced. Low key and unpretentious.
The bartenders know their stuff and it's always appreciated. One of my fave bars in the city and will continue to be for years to come.
There's even a pool table in the back...for people who like that type of thing.
Decent bar with a good whiskey selection. The hipster bartender was a douche however and would not put on the Syracuse game during the NCAA tournament. Â At a new york bar? Weird. Also it was way too loud in here to have a conversation. Probably wont return, didn't feel it offered anything exceptional
Review Source:Came here after another bar around the corner was too full and noisy. Â As soon as I walked in, I knew I liked the place - low lighting, great throwback 80's music that wasn't overpowering, and a good list of whiskeys. Decently priced too.
I subtracted a star because the peanut bowl wasn't full, and there were some crumbs from the last person sitting at my spot. I really consider those things 1/2 star issues, but yelp doesn't let me give a 4.5.
Anyway, I recommend.
Passed through here for a quickie with some buds. Stayed just long enough to kill off a round of big PBRs and promptly crush the cans on the floor once the car service arrived. Â I dont remember much else other than the pool table, sticky floor, and the chick eye-f*cking me near the front window.
Review Source:The place is a diamond in the rough! Went here on a Sunday night w/ friends. The whiskey selection is amazing!! My friend secretly ordered pickle backs and SURPRISE.... The bar tender had a secret stash of pickle juice!!! JD (bartender) was very kind, fun, and open to play our iTunes playlist! Drinks are strong, tasty, and budget friendly. Still a little tipsy from them as I type this on my iPhone lol. Go ahead...enjoy!!!
Review Source:How come every time I go to Whiskey Ward I wake up filled with regret and an unquenchable thirst for seltzer? I believe this term is also referred to as a huge hangover. Whiskey Ward is wone of those (alright, I mispelled that by accident but it's too good to correct) bars where for some reason it definitely all goes downhill, in the best way possible. I only mean this with complete and utter love for this establishment. There's great music, lots of bar space and also places to sit, it's just a fun time and reasonably priced and draws in a badass crowd. I highly recommend Whiskey Ward. Ah yes, and there is pool. And peanuts. Score.
Review Source:Must say, this was a great alternative to another bar that was full that day when I was looking for one to crash at to have a drink with a friend. I sat in the corner of the bar waiting for a friend and asked the barmaid.. hey... can I switch my chair with some other? It's on the verge of collapsing.. and her response? "Go ahead [some endearing and charming word] Go for it!!" Wish I remembered what she said! Â I told her I was waiting for someone who will show up later and she said "sure, just let me know or do one of these [crazy arm motions in the air] to let me know when you're ready" such a sweetheart =) Â I then asked what's in the cauldron that's in front of me on the bar.. They're brewing cider!!!!!!! How awesome is that!
When I asked what does she recommend as a light beer on draft, she gave me a taste test of a beer (what would be the equivalent to 2 shots in a whiskey glass) before I ordered it. I think she may be my favorite barmaid so far!!! Non-threatening, very sweet, very personable, definitely built rapport with some of her returning customers (non creepers but really just came by to say hi when they ordered a drink), and friendly. Great customer service missy!! =)
The crowed varies from whatever my age is to an older crowd.. I guess because of the ambiance and the name "the Whiskey Ward". Nonetheless, this bar has some pretty cool seatings with beer barrels as tables and pool tables in the back! A go to place that's low-key and spacious enough for a small group coming in for happy hour. Cheers!
I wish I was a whiskey aficionado, but at least I feel like an aficionado in training when I'm at the Whiskey Ward.
Whether you know whiskey, wish you knew whiskey, or grimaced after a shot of bottom-shelf crap in undergrad; the whiskey flights are the way to go: 3 1oz samples of any of the liquid delights in the Ward. Â
Flight #1: Direct Flight from Sobriety to Buzzville: 1.) Bookers 6year (126.7 proof...mucho proof) 2.) Michters 10year, 3.) Angel's Envy
Flight #2: Buzzville to Slur-Speech Station: 1.) George T. Stagg 141 Proof (Jury doesn't deliberate when that much proof is involved), 2.) Stranahan's 3.) E.H. Taylor
I was there with a bunch of friends celebrating the last night out with one friend departing for the West coast. Â As we polished off our flights and enjoyed the really good selection on the jukebox, the bartenders were more than helpful in maintaining our buzz. Â I even pulled out the "What do you suggest?" question, which tends to piss off some bartenders, but these guys were quick with several suggestions of their favorite whiskeys as well as some shot/beer combinations they offered. Â No smugness here, just a friendly atmosphere and good people.
The Whiskey Ward treated me well, almost TOO well...to the point where I almost missed my actual REAL flight the next morning.
- the music was all over the place and was too loud to comfortably have a conversation without yelling at the top of your lungs
- drinks prices were comparable for the area
- I like pool as much as the next person, but on a saturday night, the establishment is way to small and crowded to play a decent game
- was overjoyed when I stumbled upon the juke. . but of course it wasn't on
I think I was an old man in another lifetime because I love whiskey, especially with a good cigar. Unfortunately, there is no smoking in NYC (and I'm also not really a smoker), but the whiskey here was plentiful, affordable, and damn smooth. I opted for a flight of Bourbons, the Four Roses being my favorite. My friend got the Glenlivet 16 year, which was truly a solid drink. Another friend got a flight and asked for Maker's Mark, in which the bartender said, "man, you can get that at a store" and suggested a better find at the same price point. Â Now THAT'S a good bartender.
We ended the night with some beers - the Allagash White is always a favorite, plus it's served in a mason jar - very classy, guys. It did get kind of loud and crowded as the night wore on, so I would suggest coming earlier (or in the wee hours of the morning) if you want to be able to hear your friends talking. All in all, great bar!!
My friend: "God Dana, why do you always have to take us to some hipster bar?"
Me: "Be quiet and drink your $4 IPA."
That's right: an IPA (or any of the other commendable draft beer selections) will only set you back $4 during happy hour. Â Happy hour goes until 8pm, so there is plenty of time to imbibe at a bargain. Â The whiskey list is incredible - whether you are in the mood for rye or a single malt, you have plenty of choices.
The bar itself is a fairly laid-back place with a friendly bartender, no-fuss clientele, and a pool table. Â Although there are big screen televisions for watching whatever sporting event is broadcasted, The Whiskey Ward is far from a sports bar. Â And it's not quite a dive either - it's way too well-maintained for that category. Â And the shelled peanuts? Â They're kind of addictive. Â Especially when you're three beers in.
Be sure to follow them on Twitter (@WhiskeyWard) in order to be up-to-date on all of the daily specials!
I really dug this place. Â As a scotch snob, I was happy to see a selection that went beyond oban, talisker, lagavulin, and MacAllen. Â In fact, when I saw a Glenfarclas bottle I got a tad giddy. Â 17 years, not bad, and a good price on the dram to boot!
I was also surprised to see a bottle of Corryvreckan that didn't appear on the menu. Â All of you islay lovers may want to keep that in mind as you saunter in.
That being said, I thought the selection was a bit limited for a placed called whisky ward.
I really dug the dark local kind of vibe I got here. Â Lots of wood with cool down to earth bartenders and fun patrons.
The only thing I'd really like to see (and, yeah, I know no one asked me) is a slightly wider array of scotches with a few older offerings. Â I'm totally willing to pay for a 21-30 year old if it's offered up in such an awesome setting, and I know I'm not the only one.
I had pre-dinner drinks here last Thursday night, and I really liked Whiskey Ward. It's definitely the kind of bar where you say, "Ohhhh yeah, I've been here before, but like a few years ago." Meaning nothing too memorable, but it's good, and comfortable, and never disappoints. A little towards divey, but not dirty.
The bartender was awesome. He carded me (I'm 28) and said I looked young, then didn't give me a weird look for ordering my girly Stoli Blueberry drink in a Whiskey bar, then memorized my drink for subsequent refills. And for $7 for a Stoli drink (usually it's $8-9), the value is great. They also have pool and whiskey flights (3 tastes for x dollars, you get the idea). The crowd was really nice too, and people moved out of my way when I said excuse me and had to pass through. Excellent.
By far my favorite place to play pool!
I have recently become obsessed with playing pool and am always scoping out new places to play and this is my favorite.
Dave is the coolest!
The regulars are fun:)
I think I am one now though...whoops:)
Oh and you can never go wrong with a place named after Whiskey!
Whiskey. If it's in the name, it's gotta be good here.
And potentially dangerous.
Came here for my good friend's bday, so I was with cool people. It was a Saturday, so it was slightly packed, however, we had a nice spot at the front near the door and bar.
The music was nice and loud--lot's of rock, classic and current... AC/DC, Rolling Stones, The Strokes... etc.
And rockers love the whiskey. As do I.
I remember my 1st three drinks... all different bourbons on the rocks (bartender's suggestions)... and not much after. I know it was a good time... and I was definitely doing the whiskey shuffle on my way home.
To sum it all up...
WHISKEY + ROCK & ROLL + THE WHISKEY WARD = GOOD TIMES.
Oh, Whiskey Ward. How happy I am that you are in my neighborhood, quietly shining like a beacon of hope amidst the hipster squalor that surrounds you.
No matter the night or the mood or occasion, you never manage to disappoint.
Your drinks are well-priced and expertly crafted. I speak mainly of your dark and stormy, whiskey ginger, and mulled cider, of course.
Your tunes are delightful and never too loud.
Your peanuts are perfect and given free of charge.
Your pool table is a pleasant way to pass the time.
However, and I know this is actually no fault of your own, you lose one star for the douchebags who cheat when playing pool against a girl in a bar. Because, really, who cheats in bar pool? Against a girl?
Thank you, Whiskey Ward, for always being there when I need you.
I LOVE this bar. It's pretty much my home away from home.
The whiskey selection is astonishing. The staff are friendly and helpful, you always seem to get good people in here, and the music is always great.
I've been here time and again and it never disappoints me. It's a good thing I don't live around here or I'd spend every last penny in this place.
Also, FREE PEANUTS. Some other bars (cough 169, cough) have the nerve to charge for salty snacks.
Also, their special drinks are wonderful. LES Sweet Tea w/Bourbon is excellent and they do great spiced hot drinks in the wintertime.
Also, this is a Mets bar which makes me happy, even though the Mets make me oh so sad.
This is the nicest dive bar I've ever spent time in. As the name implies, there is a whole lot of whiskey. In addition to the obvious they serve up some very decent beer on tap and a pool table that is almost always occupied.
It's a good place to watch a game, grab a casual beer or have a real conversation about Japanese versus Irish whiskey.
Be sure to check their twitter for some sweet special deals. Last time we scored an ounce pour of Red Breast with a 1/2 pint for $5. Then multiply that by three and you have a typical evening at Whiskey Ward.
¡MAYDAY!
Three scotches, two cocktails, one (?) beer, and I fear we may have a problem on our hands.
Blame the upscale dive ambiance and banging liquor flights; blame the feel-good neighborhoodsy happy vibe; blame the nonchalant jukebox and pool table. There's just -something- about The Whiskey Ward that makes you want to do the drinkin' while someone else does the thinkin'.
Sometimes all you want in life is to gather together 8-10 of your favorite internet friends to sit around and drink a ton of fancy whiskey. Â When those times arise, you'd do well to first contact Sandee at the Whiskey Ward, who will help you put together a spectacular tasting set for you and your friends that you met on the internet.
The Whiskey Ward is an unassuming spot on the LES that you'd maybe mistake for any other divey pool bar if it weren't for its killer selection of whiskeys. Â Their menu boasts dozens of single-malt scotches, high-end bourbons and Irish Whiskeys, most priced at under $10 a pour, which, if you've spent any time drinking fancy booze in the neighborhood, you know is a steal. Â What's more, it's possible to create a tasting flight so as to taste several fancy whiskeys at once, allowing you to compare and contrast. Â Who doesn't love a little C&C?
Sandee gave us specially-made cards filled with fun facts about each of the whiskeys we were trying, and, on the WAY outside chance that later parts of the evening became a little hazy, space for taking notes. Â Our gang's favorites included Woodford Master's Collection, Pappy Van Winkle 12 and 20 years, and of course the Grand Puba of them all, George T Stagg. Â In a nutshell, bourbon porn.
By the end of the night, we were warm and giddy (but not falling-on-the-floor giddy), pleased that not only were we all newly-minted whiskey snobs, but newly-minted real life friends as well!
Let's put it this way. Â They have George T. Stagg, the greatest bourbon I've ever tasted. Â Two-hundred dollar bottle George T. Stagg for only 12 bucks for a healthy pour. Â The rest of the bar . . .probably exists. Â The other bourbons are impressive.
But they've got fucking GEORGE T. STAGG. Â DO YOU KNOW HOW HARD IT IS TO FIND THAT?
Harder than true love.
I went on a Friday night with an old Whiskey-drinking friend of mine.
We got in early enough that finding a seat at the bar wasn't too impossible.
The staff seemed a little aloof. Two female bartenders, neither of which put off a very friendly vibe, served up the cocktails. The whiskey selection is wonderful. If you're a big fan, like I am, this is a great place to come and try a large variety and find out what you might like to order somewhere else or get next time.
My friend and I stayed for three rounds of three different Bourbons. Despite the NY times calling the Old Pappy Van Winkle's 20 Year, their favorite Bourbon, the 12 year that we tried was pretty dry and harsh. That's just a side note and doesn't have anything to do with Whiskey Ward perse.....
The atmosphere became progressively louder as we were there. (I agree with other reviewers...the decibel level was bordering on uncomfortable. Keep the music, dial it down a notch.) Â The place became crowded and full of twenty and thirty somethings out for a Friday night. The DJ supplied happy ear-juice for all assembled by playing an outstanding set that included Seattle by P.I.L., PDA by Interpol, Why Can't I Be You by the Cure, and many more along that vein.
After a few hours, we were sauced and had to get pizza. But the atmosphere is nice, it's a decent sized place, the DJ was great, and the drinks were moderately priced considering we were drinking exclusively top shelf bourbons.
And the staff wasn't bad at all. They just weren't anything to write home about. We were neutral on the staff.
Everything else seemed pretty cool.
One of my favorite bars. Â The first time I was there some yuppie scum-bag dudes were getting all cutesy with the lovely bartender and they were all "Oh, hey, let us buy you a shot" Â
In an impossibly soft and friendly voice she said "What're you guys shooting?"
  "Oh-ho..... baby, we'll have what *you're* having"
 "Well, baby, I shoot Old Crow"
  The lame-o yups couldn't hang with that and had to have Jager or something, but I know I was in love.  Shauna RULES.
  I have spent many, many drunken evenings and afternoons eating peanuts and throwing shells on the floor, tasting one kick-ass bourbon or whiskey after another and generally carousing and getting rowdy.  Try the sangria in the nice weather and home-made grog (mulled wine) in the nasty weather. Â
 Great juke, nice and dark inside.
Unless you're a pro, the best time to play pool is after 3 drinks. You stop over thinking the angles, your arms loosen up, and you tend to jab the person behind you because you forget to look before you bend down and shoot... that last one sounded dirty. Remember, it's about 3 drink's that'll do it (ha, I said "do it") but more than 6 will probably lead to singing into your cue without abandon (or any regard for others' eardrums/sanity) to the juke playing Cheap Trick and Guns N Roses.
Oh yeah, the nice selection of whiskey's not bad either.
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