Bar Centrale

Stopped in for drinks before a show. Very easy walk to most theaters. Place is very nice inside. Decor is tasteful, not flashy. Small bar area and booths. A few tables. Entrance is unmarked. Just walk up the steps and enter. Martini/Manhattan style drinks were served with a carafe on ice and a second small glass. See picture. Cool! We didn’t eat there so can’t comment. Friendly service. Prices are not too high. Usual bar prices, $16-$18 or so for cocktails.

On this crowded theater district street hides this little gem. A discreet brownstone door leads you into a dark and classy pre or better yet post theater bar. Go in. This place feels like it is here just for you! Wonderfully professional service from everyone inside. Terrific bartender and delicious and classy cocktails. Regulars and out of owners blend together and all treated with value. The food was top notch and absolutely delicious. I will be back as this bar rose to the ranks of my favorites!

Update: The bartender's name was Julianne, not Juliette. I have made the correction. I went here on a Saturday evening at 9:30. I was supposed to meet some friends at 10:00 a few blocks away, and I had looked up 'speakeasies' in the Times Square area and this came up. It was the closest to the other venue and looked nice from the pics. As I approached the area where the entrance was supposed to be, I admit I was a little confused about how to get in; no signs, no bell, no knob. I (awkwardly) tried knocking and some people came out. I thought they were a family leaving their home, but they didn't seem disturbed by my presence, so I proceeded to push the door open. The waiting area is very small with a few seats. I was greeted by a very polite young lady with short blonde hair and she offered me a seat at the bar being that I was alone. The front four seats were available and I sat on the center right stool. They have hooks under the bar top where I hung my jacket. The bartender was a lovely young brunette named Julianne. She made me a fine Old Fashioned with Maker's Mark. She was very friendly and engaging. I took the opportunity to look around. The place is very simple and modern without being pretentious. Light grey brick walls, black window frames and blinds, and some soft amber lighting. Before the bar, which is right across from the waiting area, there are some tables with seats scattered aside. To the right of the bar is a strip of booths before a mirror and a bathroom to the left of it. Nice single bathroom as well. I went into this place dressed in a tactical black jacket with patches on it, a black hoodie, black cargo pants, rain boots, and a keffiyeh wrapped around my head and a shemagh around my neck, and I was treated with the utmost respect. To be fair, I may dress a particular way, but I know my manners. I only mention this because I've read some reviews about people being shunned or treated rudely based on this or that factor, as well as being turned away when there's space. I only had a cocktail and a beer and stayed about 30 minutes, but my experience here was very good as far as service and appearance. It's a nice hidden place good a for a conversation over drinks and perhaps a meal. Can't comment of the food, though. Maybe next time I'll get her earlier and have a bite as well. I had a nice little time by myself at Bar Centrale.