Play Bar & Den

The front café/​bar (?) closed at 6 p.m. when I got there on a Tuesday night. Seemed odd. The back area with the bookshelves was open for an event I was attending. It was fine – but doesn’t hold very many people, and it’s hard to see the speaker through book shelves. My glass of red wine cost $ 11 something. I won’t be going back just because there are better places with better prices. I have to admit, I didn’t go upstairs though, so maybe that’s where the action is?

I’ll admitt I like this place mostly because the bartender Mina is really cute. BUT she also infuses all her own alcohol. ans I’d you make conversation with hee, as her to partake in a shot or two, she may give you a card which entitles you to a free drink anytime it’s presented, when she’s there. The place has a sensual vibe, but then again why wouldn’t it since its tied in with the Museum of Sex. A great place for a date, or a night out with your girlfriends.

I used to come here all the time and was obsessed with the craft cocktail menu, food and ambiance. And now the bartender is rude, there’s no menu anymore, and all the ambiance is gone. Really sad. A gem is gone.

I have been to this bar twice, and left disappointed both times. The ambiance is OK, but the service is horrible. While the waitress was very attentive, the drinks took so long to arrive that I ended up going to the bar to order on my own.
The bar was full, although not that large. The bartender on staff took 15 minutes to ask for my drink order. «A glass of wine and an Old Fashioned please.» He rolled his eyes at me, explaining that an Old Fashioned was going to take a while for him to make. Another 15 minutes later I had the two drinks in hand.
My co-​workers were denied martinis and other cocktails, because they were told these were too complicated to make and would take too long. What kind of a bar is this?!
There are so many nice bars in this city. I see no reason to go back here.

What happened to the actual drink menu? Also, when forced to order something that’s just favors, you’d think the server would explain what is in the drink when he brings it to the table. Was much better last year when it opened.

Cool place with really cool ambiance and great beer selection. Like REALLY GREAT beer selection.
The games were fun and most of them didn’t have that long of a line except the popular games like Pac-​Man, etc.
If you come in on a weekend, don’t expect to be able to sit down. There are bar stools and a few tables, but the place was so crowded it was hard to walk through, and there were definitely no tables to sit at.
We lucked out and got 2 spots at the bar after stalking people who looked like they were going to leave for a while (unfortunately right near the bathroom) and were glad to sit after standing and playing the awesome vintage games.
Definitely come check it out, especially if you are a fan of old school games.

I was not impressed with this bar/​lounge, and especially put off by the mixologist’s attitude. Having been to the bar at the Museum of Sex previously, I mistakenly assumed the tickets I purchased to a touring comedy show were at the same venue.
However, we arrived to find that the show was at this adjacent bar instead, which was not an issue, ostensibly. We decided to grab some seats and wait for the show to start. Seated, we were not approached or addressed by any bartenders/​waitstaff, and there were no menus in sight, other than the one posted on the main entry door into the bar. Thinking they may be shortstaffed, we approached the bar to order, looking for a menu, and finally asking for one.
The mixologist was very gruff and offputting, appearing visibly annoyed to serve us, and particularly frustrated to discuss anything other than a custom beverage blend, based on flavor preferences, rather than a menu of potential options. When we asked for one of the drinks listed on the menu posted at the door, we were told they «don’t do that» and to ignore the posted menu. We opted for beer instead, after specifically asking what beer was available — based on the attitude of the bartender, we were in no mood to try any custom cocktails at that point.
The comedy show was great, but we left as soon as it was over, and that was more than enough time in this bar. We had plenty other great experiences in other bars during our recent visit, and enjoyed some speciality cocktails and a more inviting atmosphere at many other locations elsewhere.

Very cool atmosphere and the bartender at the bar was very helpful and friendly! They have infused spirits, my favorite was the espresso infused whiskey and the strawberry/​mint vodka that were recommended.

Best bar experience so far! Two of my best friends came here after work and loved the atmosphere. Mina was our bartender and was so fun, accomodating, and happy. She makes great infused drinks that are out of this world. This is my new spot!

Odd place with a weird, definitional layout. It’s not a café, coffee shop or lounge — so what is it?
There isn’t a great drink or pastry selection, and I also found it an uncomfortable spot just to sit, catchup or study in. May be worn going to for a quick coffee catchup but I don’t recommend it for studying or lounging around.

This sexy café in front and den in back is attached to the Museum of Sex.
The library with books that might surprise you when opened. The interior with sultry lighting lends itself for a great date place and yes that is what I did. I met my date for a casual drink. The cozy ambiance and red lights encouraged you to get a bit closer. If the date is going well of course. Or the selection of cocktails/​drinks to put you in the mood if it isn’t so and I’ve had many of those when in need of spirits to help. There also food if you desire so for those that really are enjoying their company.

I met a girlfriend here for drinks one post-​work evening and we were pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere. Most happy-​hour places are full of shirted dude-​bros looking to hit on ladies, but this place was a quiet loungey area with friendly staff and good music not playing at full blast. It’s nice to find a place that can be trendy and hip without feeling like they need to play Top 40 at 150 decibels.
We opted to share a burger and the Belgian fries, the latter of which come with flavourful dipping sauces. Both dishes and two glasses of wine were reasonably priced, though the drinks menu is priced a bit steeply for the area.
Will definitely consider returning for the chill atmosphere and great food.

I was really surprised at how much I liked this place. I figured, it’s attached to the museum of sex, it’s a museum gimmick, not a place that would stand on it’s own. I was picturing something small with a small sampling of cocktails with suggestive names.
They have lots of cocktails. Carefully crafted cocktails. And wine, beer, even sake and mead. Also a full food menu, and most importantly, a raw bar.
I ordered the Koravazon Milk Punch (hibiscus tea infused Pisco with vanilla, cinnamon, ginger and lime– yes please!). It tasted like Christmas, and is not at all creamy like one would think from the name. I also had some Beach Blonde oysters which were delicious, but I hated their cocktails sauce. I know it’s a small gripe, but they combined the traditional cocktail sauce with the vinegar that is sometimes offered. No thanks.
The ambiance is lovely. Dark, intimate, leather couches, books lining the shelves. Friendly bartenders. The drinks are pricey, at least $ 14 a pop, but I might just be back anyway.

Let’s get the worst out of the way: once in awhile, the music at Play can be decidedly UN-​sexy — close your eyes, and you’ll think you’re at Applebee’s. Other days, the music’s divine.
Snazzy cocktails. Their Cherry Oh Baby — no lie with that name — packs a wallop, and is worth its weight in liquid gold. You won’t need many to get to your happy (–er?) place.
Play Bar is connected to Museum of Sex. Last I checked, they’re not open Sunday or Monday evenings, so call ahead to be safe.

I went because a friend invited me to see a friend of friend’s last day working there. Did not know it turned out to be the Executive Chef.
You walk in, it’s has a very dark ambiance. In the front, there is a short bar where five/​six people can be seated. In the middle there are a few sections of couches divided by bookshelves. Music are not very loud so you can talk to your friend without spraining your voice. Toward the end there is another bar area where you can seat another five/​six people.
Since it is associated with the museum of sex, it’s menu has very suggestive names.
I tried their chicken wings. Very lightly breaded with salt sprinkle all over. I enjoy it but it can be on the salty side. They also have some other very fusion spiced snacks which not meant for the faint of hearts.
I usually do one drink but the Chef was treating so I did more than I ever did.
One of the shot is called Jungle Bird, but a friend misheard of as Jungle Juice…
Overall, I had a great time and the staff are gorgeous looking woman and are very friendly. Look, but no touch… =P

Why haven’t the cocktail lovers of New York discovered this place yet? Is it because it’s attached to the Museum of Sex and therefore considered too touristy? People just don’t know about it?
We came maybe around 11 on a Saturday night. There were definitely other groups there, but it was by no means packed. We were able to get one of the little lounging areas right away.
Its name is kind of awkward (the word «play» in the context of adults always skeeves me out a little). But mostly, Play Bar is blatant about the sex thing, in a playful, but not tacky, way. Sexy reading materials… but they’re books! On shelves! Like a library! So it’s kinda like that. Still, there are people that you should not bring here. I could think of a few:
–Someone on a first date, unless it’s going really well, you dog ;)
–Your supervisor, depending on the nature of your relationship
–Mitch McConnell seems like he probably would probably not be comfortable here
–Kirk Cameron
I really wanted to try their popcorn as it sounds amazing, but the kitchen had already closed, so I decided to try a popcorny drink instead. The Drive-​in Saturday (Popcorn butter washed Buffalo Trace White Dog (that’s a whiskey), pharmacy cola syrup, salt rim) was totally different and delicious. It actually did taste like popcorn-​butter whiskey. My boyfriend tried the Miller’s Crossing (Jalapeño lowland tequila, highland tequila, Suze, celery bitters, IPA, lime, salted cucumber), which I loved instantly and intensely.
The «permanent collection» of drinks was divided up into three pages, labeled Demure, Curious, and Kinky. I guess the idea is that the drinks get more experimental as you move along the Demure-​Kinky scale. Both of the aforementioned drinks were from the kinky page. For our second and last drinks, we both happened to pick something from the curious section.
I had the Korovazon Milk Punch (Hibiscus tea-​infused pisco, Tahitian vanilla, cinnamon bark, ginger, lime). The drink was good but very strong on the ginger, and otherwise I could only taste the vanilla. I can’t remember the name of my boyfriend’s second drink, but I actually kinda hated it. I suppose you must select carefully.
Play Bar is definitely ambitious with its drink menu, which I appreciated. Much as I love a nicely-​made cocktail at any of our city’s fine establishments, they can all start to taste the same after awhile. But I would venture that there’s no other place in New York that offers a drink made with confit-​washed cognac.
One last note, almost an afterthought: our waitress was perfectly nice but I believe she was either really drunk or high and she had absolutely no idea about the menu.

We had two Sexy Kiss Aphrodisiac cocktails waiting for us after touring the Museum of Sex (Groupon deal). The bartender finished off our cocktails with a spray of rose water, cool! I thought it was refreshing.
We sipped our drinks in the café section of the bar and stepped into the lounge to use the restroom. Both areas were relaxed, and the décor is playful and chic.
I want to come back here, eventually.

Play is a pretty sweet cocktail lounge. for some reason, it strikes me as looking like the type of bar you might see in a late 80s or early 90s film. the fact that they were playing quite a bit of new wave and synth music added to that atmosphere. a good change of pace from the fairly cookiecutter bar scene that’s slowly taking over…
there’s a coffee shop connected to it up front, but the lounge area (which has bookshelves that separate little alcoves for privacy, as well as larger booths) was what we checked out. note that you can order from either place’s menu no matter where you sit, which is great. there’s some food on hand, but we didn’t check it out. prices are alright, and the service is friendly (but could’ve been faster on a Friday night — the place was fairly empty).
the comfortable seating, an extensive volume of liquor and craft beer, and unique vibe mean I’ll probably check it out again.

Stumbled upon this… café/​den/​lounge/​bar/​whatever amazing place yesterday and I’m surprised it only has 1 review! The front is a café and the back is a lounge, and it’s connected to the Museum of Sex.
We went straight to the lounge, which was spacious with booths big enough for small private groups and bar seats for intimate conversations.
They serve up some really good appetizers — I wish they had a full restaurant!
We got:
FOOD:
1) Concentrated Popcorn brown butter, cheddar
2) Yuba Chips with nori, togarashi
3) Scallops with Sweet Aromatics vanilla poached potatoes, Earl Grey tea, lemon
4) Rabbit Focaccia rabbit leg, almond gazpacho, grapes
AMAZING. The combination of all the flavors definitely flirted/f*cked (that was what they called them on the menu) with my tongue. GET the scallops and rabbit.
DRINKS:
From demure to kinky, they play with a variety of ingredients to mix cocktails that are unheard of. You choose how wild you want your drinks to be.
Fun place.

Had drinks at Play Bar last month due to Brittany G.‘s inside scoop, and what an experience! I have never been inside the Museum of Sex, only the gift shop… but this new bar now attaches to the back of the museum. You don’t need to pay admission to enter — you can go straight to the coffee shop or bar.
Play deserves 5 stars for the shear uniqueness factor of their drink menu, décor, and entertainment. The drinks not only have clever tongue in cheek names, but also obscure ingredients. My first one tasted like buttered popcorn! We ordered food but only the oysters came out because their kitchen closed — which the waitress failed to tell us. The «octopus fun-​dip» on the menu looked particularly interesting!
The vibe was very «sexy-​library». The Friday night we went was pretty empty except for a few tables. They have waitress service or you can sit at the bar and order a drink. There are tons of bookshelves (with vintage Playboys) separating lounge seating in the front. The drinks and food were expensive but definitely recommend going for the experience — and before it gets too crowded!