TLDR
Iconic NYC speakeasy w/ exclusive cocktails & legit dining. Reservations for dining room only, bar is walk-in.
Reddit Sentiment for EMPLOYEE'S ONLY(based on 17 Reddit opinions)
Instagram Posts References
Employees Only is recognized as a legendary NYC speakeasy, highlighting its iconic status and exclusive, hidden bar experience.
Details
Employees Only is a legendary NYC speakeasy known for its iconic status and exclusive cocktail bar experience [1]. While the dining room accepts reservations, walk-in service for cocktails and snacks is limited to the bar. Be aware that diners with reservations are expected to order full entrees, even if they have already ordered drinks and appetizers [2], [3].
Food Overview
While recognized for its cocktails and speakeasy ambiance [1], there's a notable caveat for diners: reservations in the dining room necessitate ordering entrees, even if drinks and appetizers have already been consumed [2], [3]. This expectation has led to some patrons feeling pressured to order food, even when their intention was primarily for drinks and snacks at the bar [4].
Caveats
Reservations are exclusively for the dining room; the bar operates on a walk-in basis for cocktails and snacks. Patrons with dining reservations are expected to order full entrees, a policy that some visitors have found inconvenient [2], [3], [4].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About EMPLOYEE'S ONLY
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Most Iconicessential Nyc Bars Not Best Or Most
"Employees Only is mentioned as an iconic establishment."
PositiveFrom post: Most Iconicessential Nyc Bars Not Best Or Most
"Employees Only is mentioned as an iconic establishment."
PositiveFrom post: Help Me Find The Perfect Westgreenwich Village
"Employees Only was suggested as a fun and special dining option."
PositiveFrom post: Nycs Best Espresso Martini
"This user agreed with the negative sentiment about Employees Only, mentioning they have only had bad experiences there."
NegativeFrom post: Nycs Best Espresso Martini
"Further elaboration on the dislike for Employees Only's environment, citing it as often too crowded and poorly laid out for the volume of patrons."
NegativeFrom post: Nycs Best Espresso Martini
"Despite disliking the environment, space, and vibe, the user acknowledged that Employees Only serves a really good espresso martini."
NeutralFrom post: Good Bar Around Westgreenwich Village For A
"Employees Only is mentioned with a positive reaction ('fire')."
PositiveFrom post: Rough And Ready Spots
"Slurp ramp in the Meatpacking district is recommended."
PositiveFrom post: Good Food After Midnight Chelseanohosohovillage
"This user confirmed that the name EO is indeed a nod to where food service employees go after a shift."
PositiveFrom post: Good Food After Midnight Chelseanohosohovillage
"This user inquired if the food at EO is pretty solid, noting they would be arriving after midnight on a Sunday."
NeutralFrom post: Good Food After Midnight Chelseanohosohovillage
"EO is suggested as a late-night dining option. The name is confirmed to be a nod to where food service employees go after a shift."
PositiveFrom post: Best Cocktail Bars That Dont Require Rez
"Employees only is recommended."
PositiveFrom post: Dinner Only Reservations At Cocktail Bars
"This commenter warns against booking a reservation for a dining-only slot at Employees Only if the intention is not to dine. They state the establishment fully expects patrons with reservations to have a meal and prioritize customers who will spend more."
NegativeFrom post: Dinner Only Reservations At Cocktail Bars
"This user confirmed that at Employees Only, they were required to order entrees despite already ordering multiple drinks and a few appetizers."
NegativeFrom post: Dinner Only Reservations At Cocktail Bars
"The commenter visited Employees Only with a reservation and felt pressured to order food, though they acknowledge this might have been self-imposed. They did order multiple drinks and some appetizers."
NeutralFrom post: Dinner Only Reservations At Cocktail Bars
"The commenter notes that for Employees Only, only the dining room takes reservations. If seated there, dining is expected. Cocktail-only or snack service is available only at the bar on a walk-in basis."
Neutral