Review from charle m. 59 friends 44 reviews New York, NY 9/19/2011 Randolph is my go-to neighborhood bar when I need to meet someone for a drink(s) and I don’t feel like getting all gussied-up or dealing with the crowds at other trendier places. There are a couple of wooden booths, each usually decorated with well-dressed hipsters (an oxymoron, I’m aware) or a seemingly well-meaning business professional or four, and of course your occasional New York douche if it’s a bit later in the evening. This is a dive without being a dive, do don’t come here expecting an assortment of beers on tap. If I remember correctly, which is unlikely, the co-owner/bartender is from Austin. Everything is an obvious extension of this, minus a cheesy burnt orange UT banner. The bartenders are friendly and will pay attention to you and your cocktail if it’s not super busy. They focus on ingredients here, too, but are careful not to refer to themselves as mixologists when asked. If you’re in the area and want something with a relaxed vibe, give this place a go. For what it’s worth, everyone I have brought here has come back again on their own. For what it’s also worth, I almost never bring people here that are not originally from Texas. Was this review …? (3) (2) (1) Review from Andrew F. 0 friends 6 reviews CANAL STREET, NY 10/2/2011 True story: I ordered a round of 5 drinks, the bartender filled 4, leaving the 5th one empty. After I noticed, I showed him and he says – “There’s no way I didn’t fill it. You just chugged it.” I replied that I didn’t, and he said aggressively – so what are you trying to tell me? implying again that I was somehow trying to wrangle a free drink. Classic case of small man syndrome (with a bald man syndrome thrown in on top). Second true story: We had put $10 on the bar to show we were trying to order (we were on the edge of the bar having trouble getting baldy’s attention). We got distracted briefly (5-10s), turned around and it was gone. When we asked the staff about it they said we lost it and it wasn’t their problem. Yeah. Right. Such a bad experience. Whoever owns this place needs to have a look at their staff choices. Feel like one star is too many. Was this review …? Review from Paige H. 52 friends 9 reviews New York, NY 9/17/2011 In a part of town where every bar and its mother has a signature cocktail list, this place manages to truly differentiate itself. Not only are the drinks delicious, they’re painstakingly crafted by expert bartenders who don’t skimp on effort or detail, even when the bar is crowded. An amazing happy hour (half priced on said cocktails) makes for a solid, interesting crowd and lots of truly “happy” people. All in all, it’s a great place to go try some new spirits and relax with friends after a long day of work. Was this review …? Review from Alain D. 0 friends 4 reviews Brooklyn, NY 7/12/2011 Working close by and now that they have street seating, The Randolph if it wasn’t already a place to get amazing cocktails and coffee just got better. Sit out there and enjoy. The Randolph doesn’t thrive off of a specific cocktail, their strong suit is that they simply prepare amazing cocktails across the board and stick to the original recipes. NO Variations. Their coffee program is superb, Both Iced, To GO, and Slow Augmented (the best option if you’re not in a rush) Weekends get packed but the post work cocktail rush is just right. Was this review …? (1) Review from Tom K. 102 friends 333 reviews Forest Hills, NY 5/21/2011 If I knew someone named Randolph Accommodation Broome, I’d imagine him saying such things as “Alcohol is the health of the state” and pontificating while sitting on a bar stool. But this is The Randolph at Accommodation Broome and not some obscure leftist political fantasy pun spun by my mental wanderings. I was in Chinatown and needed to kill some time before dinner. Where to go for a cocktail? Enter The Randolph and a very special feature- happy hour. Not just any happy hour but an epic happy hour that lasts from 8am – 8pm. And a happy hour that applies to cocktails that usually cost $14. I mean, let’s be honest– cocktails can cost a lot so cutting the price in half makes me twice as happy, to save money and drink more. It’s as if economic frugality married alcoholic irresponsibility. And the cocktails aren’t just some run of the mill mixes but rather the offspring of Milk and Honey’s Matty Gee. The interior can best be described as exhibiting the look of gentrified divedom. As in, let’s try and reproduce what a worn, time tested bar looks like but include the creature comforts of wifi and general cleanliness. It’s a small space, maybe a little bit bigger than my apartment and includes a few booths and..a piano. (Just like my place, sans the booths). The ivories were tickled so be warned that you may get to listen to some honky-tonk tunes. Seeing as it’s spring, I decided to try the seasonal castaway cocktail consisting of gin, mint, cucumber, ginger and fresh lemon. I liked the presentation and taste of candied ginger on a toothpick draped atop the glass. The cocktail itself was light and refreshing, the kind of drink that doesn’t really pack a powerful punch so as to make longer lingering at the bar possible. The menu wasn’t that extensive but I’m sure there was something to meet most cocktail tastes. Saving money and drinking more, that is the Randolph’s value proposition. Now all they need is a cute little corporate mascot to say that but in all seriousness, the Randolph is worth trying. Was this review …? (6) (3) (5) Review from maya f. 32 friends 126 reviews New York, NY 7/1/2011 Maybe I wouldn’t find myself here as often, were it not for the proximity of my job, but what a pearl of an after-work bar. Granted, it’s among the spendiest of my manifold options, but it’s the closest spot to get a serious cocktail, and always worth it when I go: delicious drinks made by charming, savvy bartenders in a gorgeous space. If you must get a beer at a place like this, opt for Lion’s Head and try to solve the rebus on the bottlecap: the Randolph is a place where you can geek out while you’re chilling out. Belly up to the bar to schmooze with comely actors and absinthe experts alike, and probably learn a thing or two about the hooch you’re quaffing, or curl up with your crew on a banquette in one of the cozy booths along the wall. Wherever you choose to install yourself, you’ll probably stay for at least one round longer than you intended. As if all that weren’t enough, I had the best bathroom queue vibe of all time on a busy Friday night. A handful of gals and guys waited for the two bathrooms, positively bantering; I (in a characteristic fit of brattiness) was grumbling (to “myself”) about having been on my feet for 10 hours and just wanting to sit down, and the lass ahead of me in line offered to let me go first. (I didn’t accept; how could I? but how classy.) Listed in: , , , Was this review …? (1) Review from JR Y. 0 friends 33 reviews Manhattan, NY 7/19/2011 Really good drinks. They cost about $13 but they are served in a big glass. You only need a few and they are very well made. Id suggest going during non busy hours. It can get pretty crowded in there. Was this review …? Review from Dee Y. 16 friends 48 reviews New York, NY 5/5/2011 Why didn’t I discover you sooner? Individual booths? LOVE! Free wifi? LOVE! Not overcrowded with LES hipsters? LOVE LOVE LOVE! This is now my new favorite “work from home” spot. Was this review …? (2) (2) (1) Review from mabel s. 290 friends 116 reviews Brooklyn, NY 2/3/2011 This places takes mixology to a fresh tasty level …and they have pickle backs. Nuff said. Was this review …? (3) (4) (3) Review from Amy R. 0 friends 11 reviews Westfield, NJ 6/4/2011 $6 for ONE PBR?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! SIX DOLLARS???? “Fresh ingredients” cocktails?! I DON’T CARE ABOUT HOW FRESH MY BOOZE IS. Overpriced Manhattan fufu bar at its finest/worst. Go somewhere else. Was this review …? (2) (1) (1) Review from Mike N. 25 friends 39 reviews Astoria, NY 4/22/2011 This crew makes some pretty tasty cocktails. Not a huge extensive list but nevertheless impressive. I tried the Kentucky Made was a whiskey sour sort of spin. Quite tasty. The main thing about this place is you can actually get great cocktails for Happy Hour for $6 a pop! Seriously how many top cocktail spots have Happy Hour? Cheers to That! Cocktails 4 stars Overall 3.9999 stars Listed in: Was this review …? Review from Jim P. 799 friends 504 reviews Brooklyn, NY 12/31/2010 1 Check-in Here We all have one of those farts in our lives that, when the topic of “modern coffee” comes up, they become almost irate, and shake their proverbial cane in the air, and cry out in their gruff voice. “I don’t like no flavored coffee, I’m just a plain, cream & sugar kinda person..”. Now…, missionary position coffee has its time and place, and lord knows, Starbucks’ Pike place roast is the new normal for me. But I like to stretch my mind sometimes. If you want to mess with that old fuddy duddy, you’re gonna wanna bring them here. They’ll probably get a kick out of the Peanut butter & Bacon sandwich, with Jalapeno jelly. ($3 for a fluffy pre-made half sandwich) I ventured there, and enjoyed it. Maybe the Zucchini and Yam coffee cake? ehh…didn’t thrill me. Or any one of the slow drip, hand crafted specialty coffee’s ($7, served up until 5pm daily, after which the place turns into a booze bar, with equally creative drinks) Maybe the special coffee, “Toasted pecans, Creme, and salt?” Or my weakness today, that was titled, “Summer Road” Consisting of Malted powder and Oxacan chocolate. Strong, but not overpowering. This is a serious process, completed by your barista/bartender. A small table filter, that sits on the bar, with a mug underneath. First pour is of hot water, to clear the filter, and warm the mug. (discard) (see pics) Then the hand crafted ingredients, are processed through the filter, for a slow brewed, but very tasty cup of coffee. Free wireless, and a friendly team of mixoligists, bumps this up to 4+ stars. Cool, understated space with booths, and about a 10 seat bar, and a motorcycle parked inside, would probably make this a cool hang out, after dark, when the booze starts flowing. With drinks titled “Strawberry strong arm”, I’ll need to come back. Was this review …? (3) (3) (3) Review from Stacy T. 167 friends 270 reviews Chapel Hill, NC 6/21/2011 1 Check-in Here Classy and retro, this spot is great for a laid-back and mature happy hour. Their happy hour special is half off cocktails – so $7 for the usual $14 behemoth. They have an extensive and detailed list of cocktails and their bartender should aptly be called a mixologist. He quickly whipped up any request with finesse and skill. My Texas Porch Sipper was elegant yet strong. I liked the muddled blackberries with mint. The addition of honey wrapped all the ingredients together like a blanket. Satisfying and grown-up fruit punch! Was this review …? (2) (2) (4) Review from Christine Y. 140 friends 144 reviews San Jose, CA 1/18/2011 Not wanting to get trampled in the Times Square crowd on New Year’s Eve, my friends and I spent the night at The Randolph bar at Accommodation Broome. It was a cozy little place, themed somewhat like a speakeasy – lowly-lit, fully-stocked bar and plenty of huge booths and tables to sit at, and thankfully, a low-key atmosphere for the night. They have a small menu with only a dozen or so cocktails listed (unfortunately, they happened NOT to be serving any coffee drinks that night…). That said, the mixologists are quite knowledgable and are fully capable of concocting any drink to your liking based on preferred flavors and/or liquors. I was very impressed with how all of our drinks turned out. With the quality of the drinks, the tab can get costly fast. So it’s a nice place to sip on one or two cocktails, sit back, relax and just enjoy good company. Was this review …? (1) Review from Matt F. 11 friends 18 reviews Los Angeles, CA 7/24/2011 One of my favorite bars in NY. Bartenders rule. Shane is the man. Ask for a tequila shot with his signature award winning Sangrita back. Was this review …? (1) Review from Todd G. 0 friends 4 reviews New York, NY 2/7/2011 Bottom line: after you try the Randolph, it may well become your favorite bar in NYC. Oh, and the Randolph serves the single best cocktail in all of New York (The Eastside – off menu, but order it…scarily refreshing!). The Randolph is like Milk & Honey crossed with your local neighborhood bar. It serves up amazing drinks (the founder is from Milk & Honey, and all the bartenders are ridiculously good…this ain’t no amateur hour operation). BUT, unlike so many of the fancy cocktail places, it is not pretentious at all, and tries to create a neighborhoody, casual vibe. Now, keep in mind that this is Nolita, so there aren’t any TVs or pool tables – it’s a bunch of good looking people taking a super casual night off from the more sceney places. Oh, and the cocktails aren’t cheap (think $12-13 per drink). But I’ve been coming 2x per month easily since it opened in 2007ish and always count on the Randolph to serve-up the best booze in the city without all the cheesyness of other high-end cocktail bars. When you go it’ll either be empty (4 people) or packed (60 people), but it’ll be hard to have a bad time in either scenario unless you are a terrible person. Was this review …? Review from Nidhi B. 22 friends 62 reviews New York, NY 5/24/2011 1 Check-in Here I’ve been here a few times now, once for an event and twice meeting friends, and for the happy hour and quality of cocktails, the value of this place is unparalleled. The cocktails are always delicious, and if nothing strikes your fancy off of their short but incredible list of drinks, then tell them what you like and they’ll make it for you. These bartenders take their skills VERY seriously – you’ll definitely end up with something unexpected and yummy. Their cocktails are also half-priced until 8pm, which means you’re paying $7 in NYC for an AMAZING drink. Let me just tell you the recipe for the best weeknight ever – meet a friend here at 6:30pm, get pretty buzzed over a few drinks until their happy hour ends, and then walk (stumble?) 3 short blocks over to Vanessa’s Dumpling House or Prosperity Dumpling for the best and cheapest drunk meal EVER. Thank me later. Was this review …? Review from Anastacia S. 34 friends 164 reviews New York, NY 8/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here If you like real cocktails, not the generic mixed drink, but a truly crafted cocktail, then this is your place! There is no scene here, so if you’re looking for a spot to hit on or be hit on, or to be around tons of people, this is not your place. This is a spot to come and relax after work or on the weekends and just relax trying different concoctions of which you will fall in love with all and leave The Randolph a little inebriated and a lot more relaxed then when you entered! The bartenders make drinks to order so you can just say ‘I like vodka or tequila and something a little sweet’ or whatever your tastes, and they will come up with delicious cocktail after cocktail that fits exactly what you were looking for. There are no crowds, no attitudes, no swarms of horny singles or BnT on a night out in the City, just great cocktails and other patrons looking for exactly the same thing – great drinks and relaxation. I could literally come here every night and probably have something new each time. Love it! Was this review …? (2) Review from jamia w. 14 friends 56 reviews New York, NY 8/29/2010 Being the big dork that I am, I am going to start this review with a tribute to Nabokov. Nolita, light of my life, fire of my loins. My sin, my soul.No-Lee-ta. At the tip of the tongue taking a trip of three steps down the palate to tap, at three, on the teeth.No.Li.Ta. The Randolph is awesome, the drinks fresh, the bartenders charming and dapper, and the crowd, smokin’. I loved it until it became packed late Saturday night. Start your evening off there and then roll out when the hoardes come in. You won’t be sorry. Was this review …? (2) (1) (2) Review from andy t. 246 friends 400 reviews New York, NY 3/22/2010 [3.5 stars] After a dinner with some friends in Chinatown on Saturday night we were looking for a place to get some drinks. Acting on a tip from a friend, I suggested The Randolph which was nearby on Accommodation Broome Street. Having scoped it out on a map earlier just in case, I quickly led our group there. Once past the velvet ropes of this easy-to-miss bar, we walked in and were immediately pleased with the casual vibe and not-too-crowded feel. We grabbed one of the open booths and started sampling the creative cocktails being poured by the two bartenders on hand. I opted for a tequila drink called El Diablo, made with ginger, scallions and garlic…. ….No, wait. That was the frog leg dish we had earlier at Pho Viet Huong. The El Diablo was tequila, ginger, chassis and something else I can’t remember, but I can tell you it was tasty. The general consensus of our group was that The Randolph was pretty cool, and I definitely scored some points for pulling it out of my back pocket. Was this review …? (5) (4) (5) Review from Jyoti H. 56 friends 281 reviews New York, NY 9/9/2010 So I’ve been here once on a weeknight (A wednesday) and once on a Saturday. Saturday’s crowd was much, much different from Wednesdays. The drinks are good and mixology-esque. I had something with bourbon and strawberries. I forgot what my friend had. Wow, was I really that smashed? So my drink was fun and yummy and $14. Pretty standard for NYC I suppose? I didn’t like the ambiance here as much as I did at say Summit Bar, Employees Only, or PDT or something. It was a good place to get drinks with friends on a random weeknight. Though, at $14 a drink, not sure if I’d go for an all out rager here and probably opt for a cheaper, divier, EV bar. Was this review …? Review from Laika W. 27 friends 166 reviews Washington, DC 5/13/2011 1 Check-in Here Great atmosphere and service. Coffee was a little sharp for my taste. Was this review …? Review from Madhu R. 22 friends 211 reviews New York, NY 3/22/2011 Cool place for daytime coffee. They have ‘augmented coffees’ to go that won’t break the bank but have interesting flavors like demeterra syrup, a splash of creme, or malt and high quality chocolate. Like an old soda shop/speakeasy, but with coffee. The bartender is super friendly and the vibe is nice. May have to try it for drinks at night. Was this review …? (1) Review from Jenn G. 4 friends 13 reviews New York, NY 10/24/2010 Delicious coffee cocktails. Why I give it 3 stars instead of 4: 1. First experience in (weekday late afternoon) the bartender was notably rude so I decided to give it a try another time & left. 2. 2nd time I was in w/a friend on a grey Sunday afternoon. I was a little surprised by the very limited menu & it was dead, but it still took forever for us to get our drinks. That said, I imagine they were brewing fresh coffee (although never said so), the service this time around was much, much better & we were both pleasantly surprised by our coffee/Sailor Jerry’s/orange zest concoctions. I didn’t know it was suppose to have a speakeasy vibe till just reading the Yelp reviews, but I did like the dark wood, big booths, & over all low-key vibe. 3. I admit to being a Sailor Jerry’s fan, but the full, non-happy hour price is a little ridiculous for it being Sailor Jerry’s. I know, I know it’s Manhattan, but still. I’ll definitely be going back, but probably only during Happy Hour. Was this review …? Review from joy mariama s. 8 friends 4 reviews Philadelphia, PA 6/8/2011 let me start off my saying that i went here with intention to drink on the day of the would be rapture of 2011. i chose this place because a friend assured me that this place would not be crowed or scenester-y, but have drinks fit for a king! *and* a happy our that leaves you way more than happy. drinks: top notch bar staff: the will bond with you ambiance: chill, like gran-dad’s living room you can play backgammon. lets revisit drinks/barstaff. {which quite frankly is why you should go there} : they are mixologist! f’reals. not only can you get a pickle-back there but…you can get other drinks made to perfection (seriously look at the menu). the kicker is…order a drink off the menu *then* have the awesome bar staff make you a drink that is not on the menu just by gleaning what you like from what you ordered. huzzah! Was this review …? Review from Becca S. 297 friends 300 reviews Brooklyn, NY 6/1/2008 The following is a public service announcement to all aspiring speakeasy owners: YOUR BAR IS NOT A SPEAKEASY IF THERE IS A VELVET ROPE IN FRONT OF THE ENTRANCE. Also, if you wish to have that Prohibition-era vibe, do not play house music. House music did not exist in the 1920s. Furthermore, if you wish to tout your bar as a haven for classic cocktail enthusiasts, it would be appropriate for at least one drink on the menu to contain bourbon. Or rye. Perhaps you’re familiar with whisky? Along those lines, when customers note that the menu is glaringly lacking in “brown liquor” drinks, do not indignantly decry, “That’s not true, we have a drink with Applejack.” YOU KNOW WHAT WE MEAN. And another thing–as the proprietor of a bar in New York City, it is illegal for you to allow patrons to smoke inside the bar. Yes, even fashionistas and hipsters. Finally, it is inappropriate to accost dissatisfied customers as they leave your bar. They have frantically booked a last-minute table at Milk & Honey so they can forget all about you, and do not want to talk to you anymore. Listed in: Was this review …? (15) (20) (10) Review from Izac H. 58 friends 82 reviews New York, NY 4/18/2010 I went to the Randolph for a birthday party the other week and are a little confused with some of the reviews. While definitely not the worst bar I have been to, I would not use words such as speakeasy or lounge to describe it. It is a rather plain and small bar with a handful of booths, adequate bartenders and lack of any real ambience. My cocktails were overly sweet and despite several requests to tone down the sugar they remained so. Maybe I am just taking out the after affects of my weekend excesses and the prospect of another Monday in the office but there a lot of other places that I would prefer to spend $14 a cocktail on. Where is the love? Was this review …? (1) Review from Talia R. 40 friends 363 reviews New York, NY 5/27/2010 I feel like Yelp should move to a rating system where you can put in a weekday versus weekend score. This 4 stars is a weekday drinking review. I will lower to 2 for weekend evenings here. Guess that is not really the fault of the establishment, but I digress. I like the Randolph because it looks to me as if someone just saw a piece of vacant real estate one day & opened a bar – no ambiance, no decoration, save a random motorcycle. It’s as if they could pick up & move out any given time. Cocktails are very tasty & I am okay paying $14 because the shaved ice makes me smile. As do the friendly bartenders. And the picklebacks. Smiles all around! Was this review …? Review from Kathleen R. 318 friends 214 reviews Bronx, NY 5/18/2008 3.5 Calling all cocktail lovers: there’s a new (old) gin joint in town. I never tried the old Randolph, but it seems the reviews for it were mixed at best. But let me tell you, the remixed combination of a sexy, speakeasy-style space, well-made cocktails (courtesy of Milk and Honey vet Matty Gee) and ragtime piano music (played live) do just fine by me. I liked the leather menu, and I liked the choices inside even more (mostly classic cocktails, but they were prepared just right). And I’m not sure if this is how things will stay, but for the official re-opening, you could email the place to make a reservation ahead of time. Anyone who knows me knows that I don’t like to stand long in my stilettos, so I appreciated this convenience. Thanks to Hari for saving a perfect little spot for us — and the pianist for playing my request (“As Time Goes By”). Speaking of this song, the vibe in this bar was very “Casablanca.” Cheers to the Randolph for being classy, in that new old-fashioned way! Listed in: , Was this review …? (4) (2) (3) Review from Sabrina T. 0 friends 9 reviews New York, NY 10/11/2010 I stopped at The Randolph at Accommodation Broome on Saturday afternoon with a girlfriend for some coffee. The place was almost empty, perhaps 3 other costumers, and the odd person coming in to make a to-go order. It was AMAZING! The taste was wonderful and the bartenders were charming! All in all we had a wonderful time sipping our coffee and chatting with the bartenders. They were also very indulgent as I asked dozens of questions, and sat there in amazement watching them create their different concoctions. I plan to be back, and try everything on the menu. Was this review …? Review from Zach M. 43 friends 68 reviews New York, NY 10/7/2007 With a mixed bag of emotions I once again headed out to NoLiTa for a friend’s birthday party, this time to the Randolph. Three friends and I had spent 20 minutes a week prior looking for the bar on a Monday night to no avail. Even last night, people in line were asking me “What bar is this?” It shouldn’t matter. It’s just like everything else in the area but on a less impressive scale. First off, I got there around 12:10 with 3 other friends looking to get inside to our friend’s birthday. The bouncer absolutely refused to let in more than 3 people at a time. This broke up the group, and after a 25 minute wait, the bouncer had IDed us all three times (“I’m too busy! I didn’t get to see them the other times you showed me!”) and then refused to let us get my boss in, even though two of my friends had left the line out of frustration. The hostess seemed even more confused, coming out wide eyed and frantic telling people that it was too crowded to let anyone in. I should’ve heeded her warnings. I don’t know why I assume that any bar with a line up will be bearable inside. Maybe it was because my buzz had died outside. Maybe it was because it was taking close to 10-15 minutes to get a drink. I didn’t enjoy myself. My friend and I finally pushed our way through to the stairwell to get downstairs to our friend’s birthday in the heavily-touted basement. Upon reaching the bottom, my friend responded with “Um, hi, my name’s Jenny and welcome to my parents’ garage.” I’ve seen frathouse basements look nicer. Seriously. They slapped a coat of black paint on bare cement walls and threw together a makeshift bar in the corner with some Christmas lights and wooden IKEA shelving. Totally bush league. And I hope the staff is still working out the kinks in their new business because from what I could tell, they were all overwhelmed, undertrained, and possibly in an altered state. Bonus points, and the only reason that the decently hot girl clientele didn’t earn this place two stars, is because my friend said she heard someone say “I can’t wait to get home and give this place one star on Yelp!” Beat you to it! If you went through the trouble to Yelp this place, it means you value your nights out too much to subject yourself to a lame place like this. Don’t bother. Was this review …? (3) (3) (2) Review from Melody L. 693 friends 316 reviews Dallas, TX 9/12/2008 The Randolph at Accommodation Broome is by far one of my faves in this giddy ‘ol town. This is what happens when you sprinkle some dive bar atmosphere, add a few cups of attractive knowledgeable bartenders, fold in a DJ booth complete with nice jams, and mash more than a hint of sexiness in a blender. Firmly place that finger down on Pulse, dress up in your I’m-at-a-swanky-cool-place-I-look-cool-AND-swanky- this-works outfit, and get ready for a good time. GM. Is. Hawt. Hi there! *Blush* He had some saucy attitude–the kind where you have difficulty deciding whether ya want to punch him in the eye, or give him a smooch. I’m kidding. I would never… or would I? The owners, staff and GM actually all go well above and beyond to make sure peeps have a good time, and they also are uber kewl. You can tell that the bartenders take their shiz seriously because they serve it up nice and chill. “It” being flavorful mixes of cocktails or shots of Jameson if you really like to party. And we do. The space is a bit small when you first walk in, but opens up towards the back. Follow the bar to the right all the way back to find a case of stairs that will lead you to another party room with a bar down below. Fuh-un. I definitely recommend this place if you are looking to impress a first date, or when your ladies need some good eye candy. Tell J I said wazza! Listed in: Was this review …? (3) (2) (2) Review from Ben W. 35 friends 101 reviews Manhattan, NY 9/29/2008 Red, red wine still flowing through my veins as we carouse down the island in a cab, fired up after watching Obama rip McCain a new one during their first debate, we arrive at The Randolph. With instructions to mention the party we were joining, we were quickly whisked indoors. It’s dark and mostly candle-lit inside making the place feel more special than it actually was. We took a booth and made it our home base for the night. It started getting busy on this Friday night, but it was never crowded and I was always able to get a drink relatively fast. What, you don’t have Ketel One? What’s that, just Belvedere? Whatever, just put some soda in it, and keep it open. A few drinks and a some good conversation later I was thrashed; this place pours some damn stiff drinks. Stiff enough for me to tip way too much, which I realized can earn you free drinks and a wink n’ nod from the staff. Our cocktail waitress hated her job, and wasn’t shy about letting everyone know it. If you don’t want to be there, don’t make it so obvious, it’s a major buzz kill. Oh, and don’t try to pawn off someone else’s tab on me just because they were sitting with me either. Ten minutes later our catty server had the audacity to pin me with it again. Screw this, she was getting mad and I was getting drunk, so I told her to just toss it on my bar tab. When I was closing out later on the bill was very low, so they obviously screwed up there. In the end I was stoked on finding a slightly classy bar that remains comfortable and cool on a Friday night. The drinks were stiff enough to override some of the glaring issues about the place, making me land my review right between the one- and five-star reviews. Was this review …? (3) (2) (2) Review from Marie B. 172 friends 189 reviews New York, NY 12/12/2009 For an easy-to-miss bar, this place always has a good crowd. One inside, The Randolph appears to be just like any other bar serving simply-mixed spirits, but its bartenders have tricks up their sleeves. Mixology tricks that is. Just look at the drink menu. If that doesn’t intrigue your taste buds, the bartender will certainly create something for you. (With a smile of course.) I like that they offer this service sans the hassle of ‘secret numbers’ and difficulty to get a reservation. At the Randolph, no reservations are needed, just bring yourself, friends, and have a good time. Was this review …? (2) (3) (2) Review from amy l. 48 friends 59 reviews New York, NY 11/18/2007 I’m always looking for places that scream for an impromptu dance party explosion. The basement feels exactly like the off campus house that your rowdy friends rent for the sole purpose of throwing late night parties after the bars close. For that reason alone, The Randolph at Accommodation Broome gets 5 stars. I’m a huge fan of electronic music and most of my friends are more into hip hop and pop music. The music was a perfect mesh because they played a lot of pop electronic dance music (Bloc Party, Justice, Scissor Sisters and even Stevie Wonder) and I didn’t have to hear any Beyonce, the best (worst) of Black Eyed Peas or Cheap Trick. The bartenders upstairs were quick and really nice. It was my birthday and I was with about 10 girls and 2 guys so that might have helped. They even made me a birthday cake shot. And a jager shot and a handful of vodka sodas, but regardless. I had a fantastic time here. Was this review …? (2) (1) (3) Review from Kevin P. 11 friends 21 reviews New York, NY 4/7/2008 It took us awhile to find the place as it has no markings or numbers what so ever on the outside. Bouncer man was somewhat difficult. Upstairs was typical bar-lounge average. Downstairs is definitely just a frat basement painted black which is fine by me. The randolph seemed ten times better after drowning myself in hoegaardens. One star for decent music and crowd. Two stars for serving hoegaarden on tap. Three stars for being the starting point of the story below: So after the typical drunken depravity, we find ourselves sitting on the steps of the west 4th subway station waiting for the train to take us somewhere to pass out. We’re probably on the 6th or 7th step up from the bottom, and i start to hear what sounds like water being poured on the ground. I look over to see my friend “joe” (yes the same “joe” from new years at roseland ballroom; look it up) and, lo and behold, what do i see? I see Joe sitting there with his man piece firmly gripped between his hands pissing all over himself and down the stairs with a diabolical grin on his face. He was waving his member back and forth like a firefighter trying to put out a fire on the steps below. I couldn’t see from the tears in my eyes and i almost fell into the train tracks i was laughing so hard. Joe was so hammered he demanded to stop at 3 pizza places on the way home ordering slices of pepperoni with pee soaked pants. Thanks randolph! He’s going to kill me one of these days for posting all of this shit on yelp. Oh yeah, watch were you step if you find yourself at west 4th subway station. Was this review …? (1) (4) (3) Review from Fifi L. 24 friends 43 reviews Los Angeles, CA 2/28/2008 The service here is ATROCIOUS. The bartenders take your card, start tabs and then claim you never gave them a card…only to find your card charged 2 days later for insane amounts. The manager TIM is quite possibly the most incompetent person I’ve ever encountered. When I finally got Tim on the phone after calling 6 times a day, 4 days in a row, I got the worst attitude! Instead of taking my address right then and there, he asked me to call back in 5 minutes and leave my address on the machine to send me back my card. When I didn’t get the card back a week later, his response was: “other people pick up the phone, I never got your message.” Are you kidding me?!?!? He was just too lazy to get a pen when he initially spoke to me. Basically they just steal credit cards and charge erroneous amounts, in addition to serving mediocre drinks. Sounds like a stellar evening, no? This place is awful, it’s a waste of money. The only saving grace is the doormen…they should bounce the staff and take over. Was this review …? (2) (2) Review from Joe S. 21 friends 41 reviews Manhattan, NY 3/7/2011 The bartenders here are very friendly and can make a variety of stiff, delicious cocktails. The happy hour is a great deal because you’ll be getting these same drinks for $7 a pop instead of $14. It’s also much more spacious than Oro down the street. No beer on tap so stick to spirits. Was this review …? Review from shelli p. 0 friends 20 reviews New York, NY 12/30/2008 I stopped by the Randolph last week to meet a few friends for a late drink before heading home. The location is kind of relief as it is out of the way of the adult amusement park/frat town the lower east side transforms into on the weekends – but it’s still easy to get to if you are in lower manhattan. It looks and smells like a bar. Nothing special or unique or even aesthetically pleasing about the place. I have heard and got the vibe that this is supposed to be a slightly hidden speakeasy-esque bar. It fails at meeting that standard because it lacks class and whoa, the music was blaring. It just feels like any other bar in this city or Brooklyn where as a place like the Spanish owned and run Speakeasy (in the East Village) feels like a Spanish run speakeasy. When I walked in that whistling Pete Bjorn and John song we all got tired of six months ago was playing. Don’t get me wrong, the music wasn’t bad, just nothing to be excited about. The redeeming factor is that it is also not offensive. I was happy to see that at one AM on a Friday it wasn’t overly crowded and surprise! the crowd wasn’t bridge and tunnel. I made my way downstairs to meet my friends. It’s a basement. It’s a basement with a bar in the corner. Cement. Filled with cigarette smoke (gross). It’s kind of nice being hidden in a basement, but it was anything but comfortable or cozy and completely lacked character. The high point of The Randolph is the bartender who was serving me and my friends. Super amazing, attentive, and friendly. With a personality and a sense of humor. I’ll never make it a point to go back. But if I had friends there who wanted to hang out, I would stop by for a drink. Was this review …? (1) (1) Review from Veronica B. 11 friends 35 reviews Long Island City, NY 10/1/2008 We stumbled upon this place on a Tues, at first didn’t like the music, not soulful enough for me and the vibe was like being in a cafeteria, however once we gave it a chance it was a very comfy laid back atmosphere and friendly, where you can strike up a convo w/friendly people as we did. The bartender(whose name I forgot) takes his drinks very seriously & makes it look like an art. He is quite creative and will personalize a drink for you. You must try the one called heaven. Not usually into mixed cocktails, but this was bananas! Was this review …? (1)
Jan 26
