The Volstead

Made reservations for a group but they don’t serve food on Saturdays? Needless to day, we didn’t stay here long. Drinks were ok, the atmosphere and décor really nice.

This place is Amazing! The cocktails are the best I’ve ever had. The bar staff was friendly, attentive, and very knowledgeable.
Don not miss this place. Try the Kentucky Fields if you are a bourbon fan! Also the Lilac City Collins is refreshing and Delicious!

This is for HH review only. Don’t come here if you are looking for good HH deals — especially when there are so many other places on 2^nd ave. A bottle of beer is $ 7 during HH — $ 1 less than usual. What a great deal… NOT. The best deal would be the 2 cocktails available — the Volstead lemonade and the Midtown Breeze which is $ 8 instead of the usual $ 14. Wine/​prosecco are $ 8 for the house options — which is the same price as the usual and $ 2 cheaper for prosecco. This place is probably good if you don’t mind spending the prices stated above for HH.

I used to come here a lot when it was Light. In fact I met my best friend here on a NYE many many moons ago. So, this location holds a very special place in my heart.
I have ONLY come for drinks, never for food.
The drinks are great. NO complaints at all.
I particularly like the flow of this venue. There is a lot of space, plenty of seating and enough maneuvering space to and from the bar. The flow is great, you really don’t find yourself stuck at any point.
It is below street level so, there can be lack of cell phone service and it can FEEL claustrophobic a little because there are no windows. That is the only bad thing that I could possibly say about this place.
It’s a chill place with a good flow and good vibes!

Had dinner here last Thursday evening and loved it! The entrance is beautiful. You immediately walk down a flight of stairs and there’s a DJ, a bar, and leather seating. My friend and I arrived 10 minutes before happy hour was over and when the bartender alerted us to the specials we ordered immediately. $ 8 for a cocktail!
After sitting at the bar for 30 minutes we were seated.
There was good music and good vibes throughout. A few people were dancing and everyone seemed to be having a good time.
The food was also great! I had the fish tacos and the Mediterranean salad. Please note that the fish tacos are bite size but filling.
Around 9pm the place started to clear out which makes me believe that this is purely a happy hour spot.
There were way more men than women there which is def a + for women.
I will definitely be back!

Drinks were strong, décor is contemporary, and music was good with a great crowd.

We came by around 10:30 on a Saturday night and while the music was blasting, the place was pretty empty. We settled into our reserved table and ordered a round of drinks. We strongly preferred the cheaper champagne by the glass rather than the expensive bottle we ordered (especially since all bottle service comes with sparklers that leave an acrid burnt smell) and when the place began to fill up around midnight, we moved to a new spot.

Sexy and trendy underground spot in the East 50s. I had some wine and lobster sliders (just ok… there was a long hair when they brought the first bunch).
Empty on a Saturday evening at 10:30p… maybe it gets more crowded later?

I like this place! I came here once for an alumni happy hour event and remember it being a classy, nice space. but the appetizers being kind of whatever. Fast forward to last night, where my friend held her birthday party, and wow delicious food and happy hour ambiance takes on another level.
My friend made a rez for dinner/​drinks at 8pm Sat night for a group of 8. Good thing is that this place was empty around that time so we got the place pretty much to ourselves. The bad thing is that they didn’t have the full on regular menu as posted on the site– just the bar menu. Meaning all the apps/​shares/​starters were itty bitty but not really at itty bitty prices. Meh, whatever. I had to order two things to get my full. And there are a few things that are bigger than others:
I got: the mushroom flatbread– delicious. A bit oily but perfect with the strong flavors of mushroom and fontina cheese. Love the flat nature of the toasted bread. This was pretty big but I’m a pig so I ate the entire thing myself. $ 14 I think. I also got a bowl of truffle fries… they didn’t taste truffle-​y but the parm cheese atop was yummy. They were good– standard skinny fries, not too greasy. $ 9. Also got a nice class of Cabarnet Sav for $ 9– it was quite smooth and not too dry.
Apparently this place had good cocktails (their own) but I don’t even recall seeing that separate menu – just some wines and such they were promoting. Lots of my friends, got the prosecco.
Other food people got: crab cake fritters (these were in the bites section– $ 6 for one, and $ 15 for 3 I think), burger sliders, cheese/​fruit plate, truffle mac and cheese (which seemed small but ended up being yummy and heavy), hummus plate. Think that was mostly it.
Our waitress was really nice– though she had to come back around as re-​ask us what we ordered a bit. She lit a giant birthday firecracker candle (kind of dangerous actually) over our table as she passed around (complimentary?) chocolate covered strawberries. This was good– not too cold but the right amount of melty gooey chocolate with fresh fruit. Prices are high but it’s the NY average– $ 10 min for drinks, $ 10 min for an app and upwards to $ 15 – 18.
Once we were done with food, people started trickling in around 10:30ish. There were quite a few other parties that night– at least 1 – 2 others, and even a surprise party… this place has the space for it unlike the bars downtown, esp on the LES. Granted it’s dead in Midtown on the weekends but honestly, I kind of like that we had space to breathe and there was no annoying door policy (esp since we came for food– we didn’t even get carded. That’s the way to do it I think).
People came it and it became a full house– with disco lights, and a DJ spinning really, really, really good music. I love to dance and I heard a bunch of Top 40s now and even way back from the 90s– love the old school tribute.
This is a fun place, and I’d back if I’m looking for fun in the area.

Tend to come here all the time after work when I am located in midtown east. Takes reservations for large parties and always seems to have a table for smaller ones.
Cocktail menu is expansive; cocktails are strong and delicious. Favorites include Strawberry Fields (vodka, strawberries and club soda) and a tequila — cucumber — mint drink. Don’t let the price tag throw you off; a couple of drinks in you’ll definitely feel like you’ve gotten your money’s worth.
Happy hour is another great bonus to this place; snacks are cheap as well as drinks (as long as you stick to the menu). Sliders in particular are good.
It’s dark, lounge-​y but somehow you can fit in wearing jeans or work clothes. Waitresses filter through the space and a coat check is located downstairs near the bathrooms.
Wouldn’t go out of my way to come here on a weekend but a great spot, especially if someone else is footing the bill

Now this is my type of atmosphere. You can be casual dressy, or just dressy. The bar is kinda elegant, yet laid back. The place itself is like a restaurant-​lounge. The drinks were very yummy & strong here.
Went on a weekday and liked the essence of the crowd. I’m game for trying it out on a weekend. Just hope the vibe doesn’t change.

I came here on a date for drinks, so I have am basing my review and rating off that experience.
Upon entering the atmosphere was very «clubbish». When I went there was loud techno playing in one area and it was somewhat crowded, although my date informed me that the atmosphere is usually much more «lounge like» and not as loud. The place was spacious enough to find an area sort of away from the loud music, but not out of the scene.
The service was very attentive and friendly. The drinks were solid. They used good rum and were not stingy with it in my rum and coke. My date had a vodka tonic and was pleased.
Overall, what impressed me the most about this place was the ambiance. It’s very intimate with plenty of cozy corners and dark lighting (without being too dark), and it has an upscale feel with beautiful chandeliers and décor without the pretentiousness. It’s a nice place to take a date or to lounge with some friends. I will return.

Medium sized spot, but it wasn’t very crowded when I came on a Friday night. Took up a long table to hang out with a big group-​our server was very attentive and kept getting us more drinks-​I really liked the blueberry lemonade – yum! Also had the strawberry fields, which was sweet. I love my fruity drinks!
I’d say this is one place with a better selection of drinks. Music was ok.

Passed this place a few times and by the looks of the outside and a lot of people going in on Thursdays and Fridays, thought I would give it a go. The Blueberry Lemonade cocktail listed on the sing outside also looked inviting. On a Tuesday night there is no one checking IDs at the door and not crowded at all. The music was pumping and really all you could hear was the thumping of the bass. And it seemed to be the same beat throughout our stay.
Two sections, one right when you come down the stairs to the right and the more entertaining section down a few more stairs to the left.
Every table was filled and there did not seem to be enough waiters or waitresses to take care of all the customers. It took about ten minutes to get a waitress and another ten minutes for her to serve our drinks. I do recommend the Blueberry Lemonade. Tasty!
The food took about another 20 minutes to serve. The hummus was nice with a few olives thrown in. The corn tamales with chicken were also nice but our calamari looked more like sliders. Why? Because they were sliders. It took another ten minutes to serve the calamari. The only problem now was that we had no utensils, so we asked the bus boy (?) if we could get some.
First, he cleaned the dishes from the table next to us. About five minutes later he came back to wipe the table next to us. Utensils? It took our waitress another 5 minutes on top of that to come over and ask how everything was. Utensils please?
Ai Karumba! Not impressed at all. I am actually hoping to go back and have a better experience, but this time it was dismal.

Given the holiday season, I was resigned to a happy hour limply enlivened by the low calorie (and practically flavorless) buzz of vodka soda. AC, The Volstead’s extremely capable bartender, was unwilling to sacrifice my tastebuds to such an unfortunate fate, and for that, I am eternally grateful… at least, for the rest of the evening :)
Yes, indeedy, he came charging up like a knight in shining armor on a fairy tale unicorn with a magical shaker and some fantastic mixology skills. We started out the evening with the «tickled pink», with the sugar substituted by equal. Fake sugar is a friend to my figure, people!
The Ticked Pink is a fantastic concoction of mint and berries and bubbly and hard sexy liquor… I think vodka? It was served chilled in a martini glass and delicious! Did I mention that it’s only $ 6 during happy hour (until 8pm)??? Touchdown! My friend was also a big fan of the Tickled Pink!
AC suggested that I follow that up with the Pomegranate Mojito (after all, it WAS mojito Monday) and I was eager to comply. He did not steer me wrong. At $ 6, it was a bargain for a superbly well crafted and delicious cocktail.
On other trips, I have been delighted by the amazing Sliced Steak and Creamed Spinach small plate (believe you me, it’s not so small) ($ 18) and tickled by the Mac and Cheese Pops ($ 10), but AC just might make me a regular at The Volstead. Outstanding!!!
PARTING THOUGHT: I can’t believe I never knew about this happy hour! What a fantastic deal!

This review is based on a 3 visits.
Pro: Had my 29^th here last year, it was a fun time for the most part. music sounded really muffled though. They let you reserve a section for free. no bottles needed, free entrance…2 stars just for that.
Con: Place gets SO PACKED! Not sure why they let so many ppl in here. you can hardly walk!
Also– tried to book a company holiday cocktail party here for about 30 ppl a couple days ago from 4 – 6 (when place is empty and NOT making money). The boss really ONLY wanted drinks no food. She was helpful at 1^st but then i told her no food just open bar she got snotty… guess that was too cheap for them cuz she told me they have a food and drink minimum for Dec. of over 2k which is bull to me, It would of come to $ 1500 alone with just drinks. You would think they would of welcomed the business not turn it away. HELLLOOO!
Last time i refer this place to anyone or company for parties.

The Volstead is THE place for after work because it’s oh-​so-​conveniently located 1 block away from my office. I call this type of place «corporate card chic» because I will only come here and enjoy myself if its on someone’s corporate card! When i’m here with work contacts, I have a lot of fun becuase it’s expensive and paid for. When I come here with my own wallet, I sit in the corner, drink diet cokes, and watch Yankees games on the tv. I’ve ended up here 2 Fridays in a row for birthday parties… both times have been PACKED and difficult to get drinks at the bar. Like I said earlier, I like it much better here when I’m on a corporate card… waitstaff FLOCK to you if you have a AMEX corp card here! Not so with my Chase Freedom card at 11pm on a Friday night.
The good: the DJs here are pretty good and play a lot of old school music which I like a lot.
The bad: Im a bit claustraphobic and the fact that this place is underground with zero windows kind of FREAKS ME OUT!
Additional bad: My coworker once sent back a bottle of wine b/​c she didn’t like it… our waitress freaked on her and made her give a detailed explanation of why she didn’t like the wine. Then stink eyed us the whole night. This is WITH a corporate card. Not cool.
But of course, I will continue to come here for the simple reason that it’s the best option in Midtown East for after work drinks.

came here on a saturday night for a friend’s birthday. We got there around 10pm, the place already had a good amount of people in there.
The drinks here are not cheap, from 9 dollars for a beer to 13 to 14 dollars for a cocktails.
The place quickly filled up after 11:30, and became super super packed by 12:30am. packed to the point that it was even impossible to dance or even walk.
The music was good however, with a good mix of top 40s, and hip hop/​pop.
Crowd was a good mix of all races, but mostly white.
Would come here again for a event.

I started them at 5 stars. It was saturday night.
I took a star off because I had to wait in a line and it was cold and the place was packed. I took another star off because the place was so packed that I could hardly move around.
I gave a star back because they charged no cover. I contemplated taking a star off because the drinks were extremely expensive but decided not to because the fact is, they charged no cover and drinks at many clubs are similarly priced.
The music was pretty decent. The waitress worked the room as getting to the bar was difficult. The staff was cool and the bouncers were chill. I departed shortly after 1 to attend another party. It had cleared out some. Sometimes going out is what you make it. If you and/​or your company are wack, the place isn’t gonna save you. Save yourself.

My coworkers and I came here for free lunch. Very classy and sleek looking as it doubles as a lounge at night.
Starters:
Crab cake pops-​delicious and crispy
Crispy herb calamari-​excellent, they fried slices of lemons with the calamari which might sound strange but it’s pleasing to my taste buds
Buffalo pops-​great
Main dishes:
Seared Nori Tuna Salad-​I didn’t think Volstead could do Asian but the tuna was fresh, it came with summer rolls and was very tasty
Burger and Fries-​So huge, my co worker couldn’t finish it
Crab Cake sliders and salad-​yummy, enough to take home for leftovers
My coworker loved the iced tea which she said was brewed perfectly. We all got hot tea at the end which I advise you all to try. They have an extensive selection.
The waitress was a doll, helpful and lovely but the only drag was seeing a mouse in the corner which they told us we would gotten our meal on the house, but since it already was we didn’t care.
I would come back if I was around the area.