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EEL BAR

Updated

Phone: (917) 318-9172

Address: 252 BROOME STREET 10002

TLDR

Basque-inspired LES gem blending a moody, wood-paneled atmosphere with innovative seafood, inventive tapas, and an exceptional vermouth list.

Reddit Sentiment for EEL BAR(based on 28 Reddit opinions)

82% Positive18% Neutral

Tags

basque 5seafood 3american 2seafood 9eel 4mussels 4View All

Neighborhoods

Lower East Side

Instagram Posts References

Eel Bar offers Fried Mussels, a creative and flavorful seafood bar snack option.

Featured Articles

Dedicated reviews and comprehensive features focusing directly on this restaurant.

The 35 best restaurants in NYC right now
positive

Eel Bar, a sister restaurant to Hart's, The Fly, and Cervo's, offers pintxos and fried mussels in a cool, basement-like setting on the Lower East Side.

Morgan Carter, Amber Sutherland-NamakoAug 6, 2025
Read More →
Infatuation

Other Article Mentions

Lists, round-ups, and guides where this restaurant is mentioned alongside others.

Mentioned In
The Best Restaurants in the Lower East Side

From the team behind Cervo's, Eel Bar offers a sexy atmosphere and a tapas menu featuring creative small plates like potato salad with roe and fried mussels.

InfatuationMay 11, 2026
Mentioned In
The 31 Best Restaurants On The Lower East Side
positive

Eel Bar, from the team behind Cervo's, offers a Basque-inspired menu with generous amounts of olive oil and aioli, perfect for groups looking to enjoy martinis and shareable plates.

Bryan KimApr 21, 2026
Read More →
Infatuation
Mentioned In
Canal Street’s Open Streets Program Faces Uncertain Future
lean negative

Eel Bar, another establishment co-owned by Nialls Fallon, faces the same challenges as Cervo's due to the potential reduction in the Canal Street Open Streets program's operating days.

Grub StreetDate unknown
Read More →
Grubstreet

Details

Eel Bar is a Basque and Southern France-inspired destination in the Lower East Side that charms diners with its tavern-like aesthetic and vibrant atmosphere [1]. Created by the team behind beloved local spots like Cervo's, the menu features inventive tapas, seafood, and a highly regarded selection of vermouths and wines [2], [3], [4]. Guests often praise its sexy, buzzing vibe, making it a standout choice for both group gatherings and intimate bar-side dinners [3], [4].

Food Overview

The cuisine is heavily influenced by Basque and French traditions, focusing on high-quality seafood, pintxos, and tapas [1], [2]. Highlights include fried mussels, the unique 'stinky burger', and a celebrated Basque cheesecake, though some diners note limited options for vegetarians [3], [4], [5], [6].

Highlights / Recommended

"Highly recommended items include the fried mussels, the 'stinky burger', and the ruby red shrimp on risotto [3], [4], [5]. Diners also frequently commend the Basque cheesecake and the potato salad [5], [6]."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • fried mussels(3)
  • burger(3)
  • orange wine(2)

Customer Sentiment

Overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with diners frequently praising the hip, energetic ambiance and the high-quality, innovative food menu [3], [4]. While the experience is widely seen as a delight, some visitors have noted that the space can become quite noisy during peak hours [5].

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About EEL BAR

This post highlights the restaurant as a go-to spot for those seeking a hip, younger, and buzzy atmosphere in the Lower East Side.
The commenter specifically identifies the "stinky burger" as a standout menu item at this location.
A useful thread for those comparing the restaurant to other seafood-focused spots, noting its heavy Basque influence.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: After Being Turned Away At Cervos For Drinksapps

"Identified as a sister restaurant to Cervo's and a logical alternative if you enjoy that style, though noted as more cramped."

Positive
Aug 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: 1st Time Tourist Only Concerned With Making The

"Described as fantastic, though noted for having limited vegetarian options."

Positive
Aug 4, 2026View Comment →

From post: Seafood Restaurant Recommendations That Are Must

"Listed as one of four distinct seafood styles in the city."

Positive
Jul 30, 2026View Comment →

From post: Whats Your Favorite Shrimp Dish That Youve Had In

"The user recommends the ruby red shrimp on risotto."

Positive
Jul 18, 2026View Comment →

From post: Need Dinner Rec Similar To Lei Wine Bar The Four

"Described as a delight, but can get noisy."

Positive
Jun 30, 2026View Comment →

From post: New York Best Seafood Eats Looking For 2 Days

"Listed as a recommended seafood spot."

Neutral
Jun 29, 2026View Comment →

From post: Which Places Make The Gooiest Basque Cheesecake

"This user lists Eel Bar as one of the best Basque cheesecakes, alongside La Vara and Nudibranch."

Positive
Jun 22, 2026View Comment →

From post: Where Can I Find Good Seafood Preferably Seafood

"Eel Bar is listed as a seafood recommendation."

Positive
Jun 12, 2026View Comment →

From post: Bars With A Good Vermouth List Other Than Bar

"This user mentioned Eel Bar as a place with a good vermouth selection."

Positive
Jun 8, 2026View Comment →

From post: Looking For Some Great Potato Or Macaroni Salad

"The author, typically not a fan of mayo-based potato salad, mentioned enjoying Eel Bar's version as part of their banchan."

Positive
May 30, 2026View Comment →

From post: Where Would You Go In The Les If It Was Your

"This place is recommended for a hip, younger, and buzzy vibe."

Positive
May 20, 2026View Comment →

From post: Romantic Nyc Dinner Recommendations That Arent

"The original poster thanked the commenter for the recommendation."

Positive
May 19, 2026View Comment →

From post: Romantic Nyc Dinner Recommendations That Arent

"Eel Bar was recommended as a dining option."

Neutral
May 19, 2026View Comment →

From post: Last Visit Before 1st Baby Lower Manhattan Or

"Eel Bar is recommended as a dining option in the LES/Lower Manhattan area."

Positive
May 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: Best Seafood Dinner Experience In Manhattan With

"Eel Bar was listed as a potential seafood restaurant option."

Positive
May 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Boro Brine

"This restaurant was recommended as a place worth checking out."

Neutral
May 7, 2026View Comment →

From post: Spots Where Bar Seated Meal Is Great

"Eel Bar is mentioned as a place with great bar side dinners."

Positive
May 3, 2026View Comment →

From post: A Couple Recommendations Please

"Eel Bar was recommended for Basque food."

Positive
Apr 12, 2026View Comment →

From post: Lower East Side Dinner Before Attaboy

"The commenter enjoys Eel Bar, specifically mentioning a fondness for their "stinky burger.""

Positive
Apr 1, 2026View Comment →

From post: Seeking Dirty Martini Recs

"Eel Bar was recommended as a place to get a dirty martini."

Positive
Mar 19, 2026View Comment →

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