On the Rocks image

On the Rocks

Bar

Tiny, dimly lit watering hole boasting an extensive selection of whiskeys & bottled beers. People often mention whiskey, selection, bartenders, knowledgeable, bartender, whisky, great, drink, drinks, experience,


Address

696 10th Ave, New York, NY 10019

Contact

(212) 247-2055

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (406 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 5 PM to 4 AM
  • Thursday: 5 PM to 4 AM
  • Friday: 5 PM to 4 AM
  • Saturday: 5 PM to 4 AM
  • Sunday: (Easter), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 5 PM to 4 AM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: whiskey (38) selection (18) bartenders (14) knowledgeable (14) bartender (12) whisky (12) great (10) drink (9) drinks (8) experience (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Swathi C. 2 years ago on Google • 270 reviews
    As someone completely new to the world of whiskey, this was a nice place to experiment whiskeys in a flight. The bartenders are incredibly knowledgeable and personable. Space is very small, and it gets quite busy during weekends, so perhaps try visiting early or on a weekday.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Hugo P. 1 year ago on Google
    My wife and I came here to enjoy a few drinks as the bar had great reviews but upon entering we were given the impression by the bartender that we were an inconvenience to him. His attitude was almost enough for us to walk out but we decided to stay for one drink. We starting researching other bars in the area while still there. We finished our drinks, which we couldn't even enjoy, and left. Maybe we just went on the wrong day with the wrong bartender but definitely not going back.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 David O. 8 months ago on Google
    Bartender was extremely rude, condescending, unhelpful, and very unwelcoming to some other guests that came in. They have a great selection but would highly recommend avoiding this, there are much better whisky bars in NYC, with MUCH nicer staff. We were excited to visit this bar, but the bartenders attitude quickly ruined the excitement. It was almost impressive how rude the bartender was, it takes serious skill or a complete lack of social awareness to pull that off. Updated in response to the owner: the bartender is a darker skin-toned, heavy-set, younger gentleman. Just look at the other reviews, he’s a bit of a liability.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Roberto Monsalves S. 7 months ago on Google
    I went to this place a couple of months ago, the bartender treated me in a derogatory way for not having an accent and being a foreigner, in addition to overcharging me for a whiskey, before requesting it, I asked him about the price, he told me 16 usd approx, when He gave me the bill, 40 dollars was charged to my credit card, when I asked him about the extra charge, he told me "Welcome to the United States".. A generous way of serving tourists. If you want to drink a Manhattan in Manhattan, this is definitely not the place.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Matthew 2 months ago on Google • 108 reviews New
    Drinks starts at $25 (straight or mixed) and it's low shelf. $25 old fashioned with buffalo trace and it wasn't anything special. Seems like they subsidize the high end stuff by charging obscene prices and based on how much high-end whiskey the two bartenders were drinking while we were there, it's no surprise why.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Francis R. 7 months ago on Google • 322 reviews
    A world-class whisky bar, easily the best whisky bar in NY. Several hundred whiskies, and the selection changes regularly. Lots of new and interesting options, not just the standard malts you can find at any bar. The thing that sets On the Rocks apart is the service, which is on a different level than anywhere I’ve been. They have no whisky list, you chat with the bartenders about what you like, and they’ll let you try before you buy. No need to be an expert, they can work with all ranges of whisky experience levels. I’ve never been to a whisky bar with staff this knowledgeable and helpful, and it makes a huge difference!

  • 5/5 Gotham N. 4 months ago on Google • 281 reviews
    Very cool whiskey bar. Cool vibe, small and cozy. An immense selection of different whiskies from all around the world. Simple pricing. most are the same price, only a few older ones are a few $ more.

  • 1/5 Jake L. 2 months ago on Google • 22 reviews New
    I’d give 0 stars if I could. For a bar that touts its whiskey selection, they literally turn people off whiskey. Saw patrons coming in asking politely for a X type of whiskey. Bartender was incredibly pompous and responded with such a terrible attitude. Will never be back. A single shot of the low shelf whiskey (eg jim bean) is $25+. Do not come unless you want to waste your money and your evening.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ashish N. 2 years ago on Google
    Pros: This is one of the best whiskey/scotch bars in all of Manhattan with an extremely diverse offering of bottles that are normally hard to find - such as the Macallan 30 Year Single Malt. Bartenders are super knowledgeable and passionate. Cons: Unfortunately, seating is extremely limited and can have a crowd of old, drunk men which is a turnoff for the atmosphere.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Food L. 5 months ago on Google
    Bar is ok. Weird there’s no menus with set prices. But ok, That’s their choice and they say it uppfront. We were really excited to go cause we all love whisky, but the bartender was so rude it was shocking. Thing is, with no menus you need to ask the bartender for recommendations, who seems he doesn’t like being disturbed. He will get angry if you don’t like what he randomly picked for you. I have never seen anyone act in such a condescending manner to random people. Simply put he’s a giant Ahole for no reason. Maybe he doesn’t like his job. First we thought it was just to us, but then realized that’s his thing, especially to the non Americans. It’s not cool. We left after one drink never to return. Pity.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steve M. 1 year ago on Google
    If you have ANY interest in whisky/whiskeys, you are going to love this niche nook. It's not cheap and it's not a sellout to other drinks like beer or hard sodas. Like many businesses, costs have gone up, but a good whisky was never going to be cheap anyway. The gents behind the bar will be your guides (I don't even recall if they had a written menu)... Just tell them what interests you (and your budget maybe) and they will take you through the story and beauty of each unique flavor. They do flights too if you'd like a smaller pour and more variety. I'm so glad my friend found and introduced me to this fabulous and fairly tiny place.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Grant B. 2 years ago on Google
    Great selection of bourbon at decent prices (~$20/pour) for decently rare bourbons. They also have a vast selection of “unicorn” bottles if that is your desire. What made the experience worth it was definitely the service and knowledge of our bartender. The cocktails were excellent and made it a great pre-play drink.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Jeff K. 1 month ago on Google • 25 reviews New
    Very tiny whiskey bar. Most bartenders in places like this engage with the customers and discuss various whiskeys to find something new and interesting. These guys could have cared less. Will not be back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Josh M. 1 year ago on Google • 16 reviews
    This unassuming whiskey bar has a no-nonsense, knowledgeable, and friendly attitude towards whiskey that make it an absolute pleasure for whiskey lovers. The staff are knowledgeable, the choices of whiskey are in the hundreds, and the atmosphere is friendly and enjoyable. My personal recommendation is to go in and simply ask for the bartender's input on what to drink because they'll definitely point you in the right direction and introduce you to something new. Overall, top notch location, would become a regular if I lived in NYC.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer P. 1 year ago on Google
    Great selection. Knowledgeable bartenders. Solid pours. Fair prices generally. Strongly suggest.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ankush K. 9 months ago on Google
    Amazing place for drinks. A vast collection of whiskies and very knowledgeable bartenders. Top shelf is worldclass and their recommendations are spot on. One can bring own snacks. Good place to hangout after the office with friends.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jimmy L. 1 year ago on Google
    The selection is amazing and the service is second to none. There’s no menu, as they are constantly getting things in. The magic of this place is the bartenders: Patrick and Lamar. They know everything, about every bottle. They are your guide. You know how it’s said, ‘when you go to a library/bookstore, it’s the book NEXT to the book you came for (the one you didn’t even know existed) that you leave with,’? SAME but with whiskey here. They make a great whiskey cocktail (sour, Manhattan, Boulevardier, old fashioned) but this isn’t a cocktail bar. The prices reflect the selection and level of service. A special night out is guaranteed
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anthony F. 1 year ago on Google
    A real whisky enthusiast's bar with a fantastic selection. Lots of Scotch labels that you won't find at other so-called whisky bars. Staff was friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable without being snobbish or pretentious.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jocelyn L. 3 weeks ago on Google • 63 reviews New
    I do not like whiskey, however, with that being said I found this to be a pleasant experience. I came with some friends who were whiskey drinkers and they also had a good time. We all did a 3 tasting flight. The bartender seemed very knowledgeable. He took the time to speak with us individually to understand what we like, our flavor profiles, and our overall preferences. Then he would step away to take inventory of what he had on the shelf to curate a tasting flight for us. Granted, if you know exactly what you want, you do not have to go through this process, but I found it to be exciting. The bottles are also set up in front of you so you know exactly what you're drinking. This is not a place where you come to take shots, but you sit, taste, enjoy your alcohol and the company around you. While I wouldn't go back by myself, I may take a friend who does like whiskey. They have a huge selection to pick from. Also if you're not into drinking straight whiskey, they will make mixed drinks with whiskey. They do not serve food so be sure to eat before hand or make a reservation elsewhere for after like we did.

  • 5/5 Natalie Charle E. 10 months ago on Google • 30 reviews
    If you love bourbon and are wanting to try something new in a cool, very New York bar…head here. My boyfriend and I went here on our first date over 4 years ago - and obviously it went well. Haha. We decided to go back a couple weeks ago and had a couple of drinks before a show and the bartender was Very knowledgeable, the cocktails were delicious and the vibe was as romantic as ever. Can’t wait to go back again.

  • 5/5 Nathan B. 2 months ago on Google • 19 reviews New
    Amazing whiskey and bourbon drinks. Patrick knew his stuff and pointed us to the correct bourbon and whiskeys based on our taste and experience. As a native Kentuckian, I was impressed. Highly recommend if you’re seeking a whiskey-based drink!

  • 5/5 Morgan C. 1 month ago on Google • 5 reviews New
    The whiskey selection, the bartenders, and the atmosphere is superb. Couldn’t ask for a better place to drink as a woman who loves whiskey.

  • 1/5 Timothy Hyungjoo K. 9 months ago on Google
    Great selection and nice interior design, but the bartender was the one issue that made me never return to this place again. Update re: response from the owner: Thanks for the response. I would have provided the specifics if I expected you to address the issue. I can't see the issue being addressed unless you change your bartending staff. It was not operational issue but an issue personal to that bartender - his general unwelcoming interaction and lack of transparency with pricing. If helpful, I can provide the specific date and time along with my receipt from the night so that you can check your staffing rotation - but I'm sure you are not considering and I wouldn't push further based on my experience.

  • 5/5 Chris A. 1 year ago on Google
    A must do experience for any authentic Bourbon, whiskey, Rye, Etc. drinker. Very knowledgeable staff.

  • 4/5 Cindy W. 1 year ago on Google
    This place offers a great selection of whiskeys. I enjoyed the spin on my old fashioned, but my bf’s tasting flight was a bit of a sticker shock!

  • 5/5 Nathan H. 5 months ago on Google
    Lamar & Patrick are the best. The most intelligent and wildly more knowledgeable than anyone I’ve ever met about whiskey—and I know like every single one in city for better or worse.

  • 5/5 Cooper B. 6 months ago on Google
    Bartender is a no nonsense true New Yorker. Some people find this rude, but the truth is, this just isn’t the bar for them. If you’re a person who appreciates directness and great service/drinks… come here. No bulls*it.

  • 5/5 J F. 10 months ago on Google
    Best whiskey bar in the city. There is no menu but with hundreds on bottles covering the range of price points, producers and styles, their bartenders (who have a very particular set of skills) will pick the perfect dram for you. It's a great place to experiment and enjoy great whiskey. They have a few cocktails and no beer so it's really a dedicated whiskey bar done to perfection.

  • 5/5 T J S. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome place in the midtown west area to get whiskey, bourbon, scotch, or rye. They have a huge selection and knowledge staff that will help you try something new or something you're comfortable with.

  • 4/5 Mike Y. 1 year ago on Google
    Unparalleled whiskey selection and awesome, incredibly knowledgeable, bartenders. If you like whisky you need to come here. Update: The selection is still amazing and the new bartenders are as amazing as the originals, but the venue has become dirty (it really needs a deep cleaning).

  • 5/5 Clerin F. 1 year ago on Google
    Stumbled on this place while searching for a place to try some tasting. Excellent collection with over 400 bottles! Very knowledgeable bar tender too! Definitely coming back

  • 5/5 Arthur V. 1 year ago on Google
    Great Setting. If you love whiskey either beginner or advanced you must come here. Patrick is incredibly knowledgeable and willing to teach. They also recommend based on a conversation and not pre-meditated. Great great experience. Will be a regular

  • 5/5 Anthony S. 1 year ago on Google
    Patrick blew us away with his expertise and was still very humble about it. He was a great guy to talk to about whiskey and even though I'm sure he has the same sort of conversations every night, he was enthusiastic about teaching me and my friends about various whiskey vocabulary and helping us explore new things. He also made the best Manhattan I've ever had or likely will ever have, that is until we visit again. The whiskey selection was, and this probably goes without saying, incredible. You could go there every night for a year to grab a drink and never have the same drink twice. I had some of the best whiskey I've ever drank the night I went and I didn't even come close to approaching the top shelf. Prices are also pretty reasonable considering how rare some of the bottles are. If you're in NYC and even think you even *might* like whiskey, I definitely recommend a visit.

  • 1/5 Carissa L. 2 months ago on Google • 1 review New
    If there were negative stars, I would give those. This place is absolutely terrible, and I'm not even talking about the outrageous prices for terrible whiskey. Two of the bartenders (males), are the most arrogant, mean, condescending jerks I have ever experienced. I went there with a few of my girlfriends and instantly both bartenders were talking down to us and making snide remarks. I'm not sure if they are also owners or managers, but either way, they should not be allowed to work there.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍


Call (212) 247-2055 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery

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