This location is permanently closed.
The Whiskey Ward image

The Whiskey Ward

Bar

No-frills tavern with big list of scotch, whiskey & bourbon plus free peanuts to soak up the drinks. People often mention whiskey, great, bartender, night,


Address

121 Essex St, New York, NY 10002

Website

www.thewhiskeyward.com

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (387 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

Permanently closed.

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: whiskey (13) great (8) bartender (7) night (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Casey B. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a very hidden bar that I just stumbled upon but I'm glad I found it. The variety of whiskeys that is available is incredible. If you aren't familiar with whiskey, you can order a flight and have the bartender surprise you. If you're not really a fan of whiskey, don't worry...they make other great drinks. I went during happy hour and had a margarita and it was A++. They don't have a kitchen with is fine but they have a partnership with a neighboring restaurant that you can order from and deliver to. But you're also able to bring food from anywhere else so you can fully customize your experience there. I went on a Friday and the bartender that I had was such a nice guy with great knowledge of his craft (which is a huge bonus). I will definitely be going there again. Highly recommend it!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tim C. 1 year ago on Google
    Wandered in on a late afternoon just yesterday. The owner Sandy was behind the bar and recommended a flight. I'm very glad she did. She is very knowledgeable and engaging if you want to talk scotch. Wish I lived closer. Great place!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vickie B. 1 year ago on Google • 65 reviews
    Wanna enjoy and have a choice to over 100 types of whiskey and the best Bartenders/mixologist, you gotta go here.🔥🔥🔥. Joe and Kenny was excellent in picking whiskey based on your your preference of Irish, Scotch, Bourbon, etc, domestic or international. Flights are the best and for those who don't drink whiskey, the Ward do offer, rum, vodka, tequila and specialty drinks. 👍👍👍open after 5pm and closes late.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nick F. 5 months ago on Google • 1262 reviews
    I went to this whiskey bar late on a Friday night. The place boasts a huge whiskey selection but I had just wanted to get an Old Fashioned. They handed it to me in a glass and I got to chill with some quiet music. The place is close to the subway, but the crowd was a bit sparse.

  • 5/5 Tapan K. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is rare find in NYC..the owner is friendly and even opened the place up early for my cousin and I. Asked a few basic questions on the whiskeys that I liked and introduced me to a bunch of whiskeys that I never tried or heard of and they were spot on..the place has old school charm..they have a huge selection to choose from
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kaël S. 1 year ago on Google
    For someone that comes and goes to NYC Whiskey Ward has been one of the places that years in and out have been a reliquary of great moments and good vibes. There selection is extensive and diverse. Whiskey lovers are never dissatisfied or disappointed to spend moments there. If you go, you'll enjoy greats vibes, excellent service, and bliss. Cheers
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 lara R. 5 months ago on Google • 362 reviews
    We had dinner around the corner at a Filipino restaurant. We search where has a pool table. And this place came up. We popped in for a drink. The owner was really welcoming and fun. We played pool. This place has a lot of good woman energy. If you want a bar where woman are welcome come here. Good music and fun times
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rob V. 1 year ago on Google • 141 reviews
    One of my new favorite bars. Such a chill and cozy bar with a bartender. You don’t need to like whiskey to love being here. I like whiskey and this bar is a must go for any whiskey lover from bourbon and rye to scotch and Irish whiskey.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anand P. 10 months ago on Google • 89 reviews
    A twenty plus years old bar. Liked the diverse and extensive collection of 500 plus whisky bottles . They have everything from single malts to irish to japanese to bourbons and ryes. Casual welcoming atmosphere. Good to unwind and relax while one explores whiskies . What I like about this place is that they also do 1 ounce pours , which helps to taste more whiskies
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Caitlin M. 1 year ago on Google • 14 reviews
    My friends and I had so much fun here! Went for a scotch tasting before an upcoming trip to Scotland…the four of us sat at the bar and the bartender, Sarah, was so so helpful/knowledgeable! She helped us taste a range of scotches from all over Scotland, as well as a bourbon and Irish Whiskey (to learn a little more about the difference between the three). And she worked within our desire to keep things pretty economical. She also recommended delicious cocktails…the Bourbon hunter and the one with lime and ginger were delicious, the first smooth/heavy, the second refreshing and light. Also the vibe is super chill/not pretentious. Sarah, thanks for a wonderful evening! We will be back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Derek T. 7 months ago on Google • 11 reviews
    It seems this place might be closing mid September 2023. Sad as I always enjoyed this place Update: It's not closed as of 10/2023.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Callum W. 1 year ago on Google
    Best bar for me in NY by far. Servers gas great expertise about bourbon. They were attentive and considerate. Bourbon selection and prices better than I have seen elsewhere.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rahul Manju G. 7 months ago on Google • 99 reviews
    Fantastic spot for any whiskey lovers! Just stumbled upon this spot as we were coming back from a restaurant in this area and this place was amazing! The bartender was super friendly and helped me decide what cocktail I should get. My wife was pregnant at the time so he fixed her up some delicious mocktails. The whiskey selection is off the charts to be honest. I’m surprised I hadn’t heard much of this place - I wish they had a stronger marketing team (or maybe they like keeping things on the DL). The place never got too crowded which was awesome because you could easily hear the people at your table. They also have a pool table in the back for those looking to play. Will definitely be coming back here for a boys night! Highly recommend!

  • 5/5 M R. 1 year ago on Google • 60 reviews
    Relaxing, grown folks vibe in there. Met with my bf there before going to a show in the area afterward. Very chill, masculine vibe there, and 2 female bartenders that assist you with picks. Just be honest about what you like, and they will find it for you. I said I liked spicy,sweet, rye types and got some picks that were amazing! Also, they have 1 pool table in there, which was a cool addition as well. Would come again!!

  • 5/5 liz m. 1 year ago on Google
    This place has everything - yes beer and wine and cocktails as well. Super clean, comfortable and staff was knowledgeable. Lots of customer interaction like we were all friends. Prices very reasonable

  • 5/5 Kate W. 1 year ago on Google
    The staff makes the bar. Last night Sara(h) made us feel so at home. What a lovely way to try Pappy Van Winkle, sip local gin, and feel at home in a bustling city. Worth the trip, staff is top notch.

  • 5/5 Saul C. 1 year ago on Google
    My wife and I walked by the bar and decided to stay for the night. The area is nice and spacious. The environment was chill and welcoming. The night we went there was a regular was playing his soul mix playlist on the speakers and it just added to the aroma of the bar. The bartender was very nice. After a few drinks I asked them what they recommend and they mentioned their alcoholic tea lemonade, I think it had bourbon. I went with it and it was amazing. Just perfect! My wife and I had a great night, it wasn't packed at that moment so we were able to really enjoy the space, drinks, and each other.

  • 5/5 vez z. 5 months ago on Google
    Had a great time at a recent visit for a nightcap with some friends. Great vibe & service. Reasonably priced delicious drinks. Will was our bartender, great guy

  • 5/5 jerry i. 6 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    great experience here!! our band Brain Candy have been going here for a while , bar tenders are top notch and Billie was a blessing. owner was super nice , this is our fav tavern , thank you mz s


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Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Happy hour drinks
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Outside food allowed
  • Service options
    • ✗ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery

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