William Barnacle Tavern

Reviews

• Jacqui M.

  star star star star star 28 June 2026

  Great experience thanks to bartender Dean on a recent rainy afternoon. Dean was welcoming and informative - let us know about the neighborhood, history of the bar, and the museum of the American mobster (attached to the bar). Great rainy day vibe and Dean took the time to create a cocktail I requested that he was not familiar with. We were also pleased with the wine selection and impressed by the absinthe collection! A real gem.

• Alyx V.

  star star star star star 22 June 2026

  If you are a history buff or interested in the 1920s prohibition era (I am both), this place is sure to enchant you. Stepping into William Barnacle Tavern honestly feels like taking a step into an alternate universe where time just stopped. It's an unassuming place, but that is part of its charm. The ambiance is my favorite part, hands down. Everything from the pictures on the walls to the traditional absinthe fountains create the scene. A little haunting almost; a little old-world-glamorous under some vintage grunge. The actual history of the bar is just as interesting, be sure to read about it while you're there.
  
  The drinks and service are also great. I've had the absinthe cider and the hot rum, and also a strawberry crepe once, and all were recommendable (though I especially liked the hot rum). Their selection of absinthe is also extensive and clearly their passion, so this is your place if you're looking for the green fairy. The people who work here are very friendly and happy to answer any questions you might have about their drinks.
  
  This place is incredibly unique and especially good at what they do. If you're in NYC and looking for something out of the ordinary, this is it :) Enjoy!

• Heather R.

  star star star star_border star_border 18 June 2026

  This is one of those hidden gems in NYC that has such a history that you want to love for the character and for what it was, but it's been neglected of some love for awhile making it more of a dive, but is that a bad thing? I actually love dive bars.
  
  They serve Absinthe in its original form with the lighting of the sugar, with the water and they actually have an entire set up and the bartender will serve it traditionally to you as it was back in the 1800's.
  
  The bar itself is like a shotgun, with the bar on the left, the Feltman's hotdog shop in the first part when you walk in, then the theater and actors and actresses are running about as they prepare for the next show all dressed in period clothes appropriate for that era.
  
  It's definitely got some spirits lingering about, as I was in the bathroom alone and felt like someone was with me the entire time...
  
  If history is your thing, this is a great place to check out.

• Maddy K.

  star star star star star 7 June 2026

  Such a cool experience! First time trying absinthe and the bartender was so kind and informative. If you're wondering if you'd like absinthe just ask yourself if you like black licorice. The anise flavor is strong but I loved it!

• Jess W.

  star star star star star_border 2 June 2026

  This place is super dirty and gritty.  I mean, I literally had some sticky substance stuck to my sleeve after I put my elbows on the table.  But it's clearly a dive, so it wasn't unexpected. Lots of history here though, so worth a visit.
  
  The bartender was really nice; I think she said she was from Scotland?  And the absinthe was interesting. It was cool to see it being made in the traditional manner, but I didn't really care for absinthe.
  
  There's also Feltman's, a little hot dog spot operating out of a tiny room in the bar. Apparently, Nathan of Nathan's Famous stole the recipe from Feltman's. It was a pretty good dog.