| Venue name: | Kingston Hall | Contact: |
|---|---|
| Address: |
149 Second Ave New York 10003 |
Cross street: | between 9th and 10th Sts, second floor |
| Opening hours: | Mon–Thu 4pm–2am, Fri 4pm–4am, Sat 1pm–4am, Sun 1pm–2am |
| Transport: | Subway: L to Third Ave, 6 to Astor Pl |
| Price: | Average drink: $7. AmEx, MC, V |
| Do you own this business? |
Average User Rating
2.8 / 5
Rating Breakdown
- 5 star:0
- 4 star:1
- 3 star:4
- 2 star:0
- 1 star:1
Is there a reason they decided to give this bar a Jamaican theme? I have no idea, and honestly could not care less. The vaguely "Caribbean" decor is juxtaposed by a pool table and bartenders that probably couldn't identify Jamaica on a map. But then again, I don't come here to be "transported on an exhilarating journey to a tropical destination".
I come here because the vibe is right and the drinks are cheap. As with the other Church Group establishments (Shoolbred's and *RIP* NInth Ward), happy hour means 2 for 1 everything, which is becoming more and more rare these days. Especially in such a great neighborhood downtown, where there are plenty of nearby options to hit up when you feel like wandering.
A typical weekday will see Kingston Hall flocked with NYU kids, but somehow it never seems to reach "Hair of the Dog" overcrowded status. And the bartenders, despite their assumed geographical ineptness, are very attentive and keep things moving smoothly and efficiently. The net net is, Kingston Hall is a solid after work option, and one of the few places you can order a ginger beer.
This bar is so cute. I just went for the first time after a show at nearby Webster Hall. The bar is pretty small and narrow, but the space is very creative. There's a balcony up a short flight of stairs that overlooks the main street, a main bar room with a pool table in back (naturally overwhelmed with lots of bros who don't want women to play), highlighted by a beautiful stained glass window, and a back room with tables and chairs. The beer list is pretty simple, but the cocktail list is more adventurous. The signature cocktail is the drunken coconut, which is actually served in a coconut, so of course it's awesome. Wasn't a huge fan of the other bargoers, but the bartenders were nice.
Easy East Village bar that isn't too bro-y or college-y but not great service. Tables in the back by the pool table and even further back for larger groups but overall, pretty standard. I'd be down to go back when its less busy to play pool and chill but the night wasn't anything special.
A great spot for a cold wintry night out in East Village. If their decor was intended to transport you to a tropical Jamaican beach, they failed miserably. But the dark wood and fireplace does give off a cozy vibe. Like everywhere else in East Village on a weekend night, it can get pretty crowded, but since it’s a decently spacious venue, you and your friends can usually find a table farther back. I’ve never eaten here, but I am curious about their Caribbean offerings. The beer selection is solid. I’ve enjoyed this bar most when visiting in off-peak hours (weeknights for a casual drink with friends), but it does provide a nice relief from the bro-heavy atmosphere at 13th Step, just downstairs.
Yes, the décor is pretty cheesy, but there's always plenty of room to hang out by the pool table in the back, and you get a token for a free beer before 8pm (and they're nice enough to give it to you at 8:01, too).
I've lived in NYC for a long time and never been treated this way by a bar/restaurant. I'd been here once before, had a great time with a group just before Thanksgiving. A couple of us decided to come back for some happy hour and fireplace action on a wintery Friday night. After returning from dinner (otto's tacos--delicious!), my friends and I were enjoying our beers on the stools by the back fireplace for a while, when (approximately 2 hours after we'd sat down) we were informed that we had to move because the area was reserved and the party was asking us to move (3 girls, having a quiet conversation on stools by the fireplace in a corner of the bar). Instead of a) informing us upon our initial arrival that the area had been reserved or b) offering us seats or complimentary drinks at the bar or c) just apologizing for the inconvenience, we were kicked out of our seats and asked to leave. The incredible rudeness by the bartender and manager was shocking. I would never come back here, or it's affiliates (Shoolbred's) again. I strongly encourage you not to go to this bar.
