TLDR
Old-school, no-frills tavern fare featuring one of the city's most talked-about pub burgers. Perfect for late-night eats if you can beat the long wait.
Instagram Posts References
Lion's Bar is a reliable spot for old-school indulgent bites and is praised for its lack of pretension. The creators recommend ordering a freezing cold martini or Negroni and waiting for one of the best bar meals in NYC. While their pastas are noted as underrated, the true draw is the Tavern Burger, which is described as perfectly cooked, juicy, flavorful, and simply made. They also highlight the perfect mozzarella sticks and loaded baked potato.
The post highlights the long wait times at The Lions Bar, noting a 45-minute wait after initially being told to expect an hour. While the burger is described as a "puck style tavern burger" and the "thing," it was considered dry and not the highlight. The cucumber salad, however, was praised as "fantastic." Ultimately, the reviewer felt the wait for the burger was not worth it, deeming the experience "overrated."
The reviewer highlights The Lions bar in the East Village, Manhattan, for its exceptional burger and also mentions a delicious tuna melt. The burger is praised for its juiciness and perfect size, even if it appears undercooked. The establishment is popular, with potential wait times of up to 3 hours, suggesting a strong demand for its offerings. The reviewer recommends visiting with only two people to increase the chances of securing a table.
The Lions Bar & Grill serves a classic Caesar Salad that is highly regarded for its perfect balance of creamy dressing, crisp romaine lettuce, and generous parmesan cheese.
Details
Known for its no-frills, old-school atmosphere, this East Village spot has become a go-to destination for those seeking indulgent American bar fare [4]. The kitchen maintains late-night hours, serving patrons well into the night [3]. While the food is widely celebrated, the establishment's popularity often results in significant wait times for a table [2], [4].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on classic American bar food, with the Tavern Burger being the standout item [2], [4]. While the burger receives high praise for its juiciness and flavor [2], [4], some diners have found it dry or inconsistent [4]. Other highly recommended items include the creamy Caesar Salad, fresh cucumber salad, mozzarella sticks, and loaded baked potato [1], [4].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About THE LIONS
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Minetta Tavern In Greenwich Village July 2026 For
"Mentioned as a recommended spot for pub-style burgers."
NeutralFrom post: Minetta Tavern In Greenwich Village July 2026 For
"Warns about the potential for long waits and a younger crowd that might make dining less enjoyable."
NegativeFrom post: Minetta Tavern In Greenwich Village July 2026 For
"Recommends this spot for a thick pub burger, noting the price is decent."
PositiveFrom post: One Fancy Burger
"This commenter claims The Lions has the best burger in the city, likening it to Red Hook Tavern's, and it's relatively easy to get into on a weekday."
PositiveFrom post: Is There Any Bar In This City That Actually Has
"The Lions Bar & Grill in the East Village has its kitchen open until midnight or 1 AM, depending on the day, and is recommended for its burger."
Positive