The Auction House

Photo of The Auction House

Located in New York, New York

Address: 300 E 89th St, New York, NY 10128, United States

Phone: +1 212-427-4458

Rating: 4.1

Services

  • Dine-in
  • Delivery
  • Takeaway
  • Fast service
  • Great cocktails
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Spirits
  • Wine
  • Toilets
  • Casual
  • Cosy
  • Trendy
  • Groups
  • Accepts reservations
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards

Categories

  • Bar

Photos

Latest NYC Bar Directory

Comments

  • Review 1 (2024-12-16 - Rating: 5)

    Weve hosted our annual holiday staff party here the last two years and its always fantastic. Megan is a pleasure to work with and Adam is the best behind the bar. Highly recommend for any group events or a casual night out.

  • Review 2 (2024-03-10 - Rating: 5)

    If you’re looking for the type of place that your upper east side basic bros don’t like this is it. If you want the opportunity to finally escape sorority girls and frat guys this is for you. For a moment, you believe you’re in a cooler neighborhood in this bar. Thank you for bringing an artsy cozy bar to the culture desert of the upper east side. Loved my cocktails, and they were strong too! The ambiance is excellent, they really commit to the theme. Great service too!

  • Review 3 (2022-01-11 - Rating: 5)

    Love, love, love! My husband and I have been coming here for years; we enjoy the ambience, the bartenders, and the drinks. A truly lovely hidden space on the Upper East Side. We recently (pre-Omicron) had our first small private event here in the front room - Megan couldnt have been more helpful in the planning. She made the whole process stress-free and was flexible to meet our needs. The bartender working the event was great - all of our guests loved him and the venue! Would highly recommend.

  • Review 4 (2024-03-16 - Rating: 5)

    I hosted my birthday party at the Auction House and everyone was wonderful!! Megan, the coordinator, was extremely communicative, organized and friendly. Paul and John, the bartenders, were a joy to work with. They were very attentive, helpful, and brought a fun energy to the event.A lot of my friends hadn’t been here before and really found it to be such a gem. The space was perfect for the masquerade theme, the prices of the drinks are reasonable, and they let me make a specialty cocktail for the night! It was such an iconic night and experience, I couldn’t have done it without this place!I can’t wait to come back and try out their new drink menu and make more memories.

  • Review 5 (2024-04-05 - Rating: 4)

    Great ambiance and atmosphere, but drinks really left what to be desired. Flavorless and watery. Worth stopping in if youre in the area and need a cozy, non-sports bar.

  • Review 6 (2025-01-02 - Rating: 5)

    Absolutely my favorite hidden gem in nyc. Intimate space, amazing ambiance. Sassy bartender.

  • Review 7 (2022-03-13 - Rating: 5)

    Such a lovely bar with a beautiful ambiance and vibe. Service was slow but the poor bartender seemed to be the only person working a shift on a busy Saturday.

  • Review 8 (2024-09-30 - Rating: 5)

    My favorite salacious hidden gem in the UES. I love that its 25+

  • Review 9 (2018-01-30 - Rating: 4)

    This is where my husband and I had our very first date. Its a great date spot. Drinks are ok, but its really the atmosphere that makes this place. Red velvet curtains cover the doors and windows so youre kind of contained within two rooms. Theres no name outside so you wouldnt even know it was a bar if you walk past without knowing its there. Has the feel of a prohibition bar. Can have some nice intimate conversations there, you feel like you have your own space. Never crowded.

  • Review 10 (2022-08-12 - Rating: 5)

    Great experience! Awesome music and ambiance. The staff was nothing but fantastic. Great decor and highly recommend to check out for a drink. Definitely an upper east side hidden gem!

  • Review 11 (2024-05-12 - Rating: 5)

    I went there for drinks with a colleague. Upon discovery, I was a bit jarred by the name. I told my friend, What in the 1800s is this? But overall, it was a vibe.

  • Review 12 (2019-10-20 - Rating: 4)

    I liked the intimate vibe. The decor is very similar to another bar in the LES. I went on a date during a weeknight and there wasn’t a lot of people there. There were mainly couples—probably on a date as well. The ambience is nice and there was a mix of people from late 20s to 40s. I tried their version of Moscow mule. Drinks are about average $14 and it was good. I’d come back again. It’s definitely a good find in this area.

  • Review 13 (2024-09-06 - Rating: 5)

    I loved Paul! Had a great time a few months back with the bartender Paul! He was super chill and so very helpful when I wanted to try a Martini for the first time!He was so cool and ever since then, I know how I like my martinis and its all thanks to Paul and how cool he was when I was there!Special shoutout to Adam who is also super awesome!!Yall should check this place out!

  • Review 14 (2019-01-09 - Rating: 5)

    Simply, my favorite bar I have ever been to in my life. The atmosphere was incredibly intriguing and jumped out of the pages of a novel. The bartender was incredibly friendly and welcoming. We went out of our way to go to this bar and would do it again and again.

  • Review 15 (2013-12-01 - Rating: 4)

    Friday night review: The decor seems carefully chosen and arranged, vintage velvet couches, dark mahogany, Oriental rugs, chandeliers, exposed brick, etc. So it looks amazing. But the Friday music selection belies the decor and ruins the entire experience: Loud and pop90s rock. Too loud for a conversation. Pedestrian beer selection. Obviously capitulating to the yuppie crowd, I asked the bouncer who told me weeknights were better. We shall see.

  • Review 16 (2019-07-09 - Rating: 5)

    This place is getting far too much shade. This is truly a gem of the upper east side, with beautiful decor, and a lovely secret. Fine, do not get a cocktail, but they have UFO on draft and the atmosphere is cozy and amazing. Stop giving one star because you didnt like the daquiri you ordered. Do people get how reviews work? This place cannot in any world be worthy of one star.

  • Review 17 (2014-08-11 - Rating: 4)

    Red velvet couches, nude paintings and soft lighting make the dark atmosphere dominant here. It looks like you entered Count Dracula quarters. I loved that! Great Drink offers are great. Premium and imported beers on tap (loved OHaras stout) and bottled, good wine list and house cocktails which all sound yummy! Tried The Nasty Rascal and wasnt disappointed. Spicy heaven. Crowd is diverse. No college kids, which can be great sometimes. Music selection is great and music volume is just right for talking. Music is mixed, which means they probably create their own playlists oppose to streaming services which youll find in many bars nowadays. Staff was OK, but the bartender didnt really try to earn his tip.

  • Review 18 (2023-04-30 - Rating: 5)

    Coolest bar in NYC according to me.

  • Review 19 (2011-11-21 - Rating: 4)

    Another unmarked NYC lounge... this one was pretty cool though. It seriously felt more like you were a guest in someones nice, extravagant home than a pretentious NYC lounge. The interior was well-decorated, with a nice faux fireplace adding a nice touch to the atmosphere.There were several groups there celebrating various occasions. We got there a little after 10pm, so Im guessing it would be a good spot for a gathering of sorts if you even got there a little earlier.Bartenders were nice. Drinks were typical NYC prices. Music was good and the seating was comfortable. Not bad. Not bad at all!

  • Review 20 (2017-04-07 - Rating: 5)

    Great decor, tasty drinks (I had the Girl Friday), and good location. The decor made it feel like we were having a party while house sitting for a rich, eccentric aunt, and I mean that in the best way possible.

  • Review 21 (2018-12-02 - Rating: 5)

    The Auction House is awesome. This prohibition era speak easy bar is the perfect watering hole to catch up with friends, pick up a hot date or show clients you appreciate them . The way its setup you have a Narnia moment because youre immediately transplanted to another world upon entering. Ask for a bartender named Raphael hes the best.

  • Review 22 (2017-08-20 - Rating: 4)

    Friendly neighborhood bar. Reasonably priced drinks, cool decor, and good crowd. Romantically dimly lit spot offers old-fashioned style decor with a split level inside.

  • Review 23 (2019-10-22 - Rating: 4)

    Great place for a date or a girls night out!

  • Review 24 (2016-09-01 - Rating: 4)

    Fantastic ambiance. It looks like a scene out of the movie Interview with the vampire :). It is a good date night spot. But be advised, they serve bad wine.

  • Review 25 (2018-08-05 - Rating: 4)

    The drinks arent very good as compared to most speakeasy type places, but its got a great atmosphere for a romantic drink or two

  • Review 26 (2024-09-22 - Rating: 5)

    Great vive

  • Review 27 (2022-01-09 - Rating: 5)

    What a find, a year walking past and finally bit the bullet. Really cool space, covid safe and friendly staff. Excellent cocktails

  • Review 28 (2021-09-18 - Rating: 5)

    Great place, perfect drinks, chili atmosphere!

  • Review 29 (2017-11-02 - Rating: 4)

    This place is great. The design is absolutely amazing, good prices and good vibe.Its worth coming here at least once a month to enjoy the unique atmosphere.

  • Review 30 (2017-02-10 - Rating: 5)

    Unique hidden gem where lots of locals mingle. Open since the 90s, this Victorian-decor laced coctail bar is a must for both locals and visitors alike

  • Review 31 (2019-08-31 - Rating: 5)

    UES speakeasy, a great date night spot

  • Review 32 (2016-06-26 - Rating: 5)

    I really like the ambience. It was my friends birthday, so we had a table and couches booked. Its a classy speakeasy.

  • Review 33 (2024-04-01 - Rating: 5)

    My local place, nice atmosphereI liked very relaxing

  • Review 34 (2024-06-17 - Rating: 5)

    Amazing bar for cocktails and conversation! Quiet, chill and refined.

  • Review 35 (2023-11-23 - Rating: 5)

    Amazing place with a great food and serviceJohn is the best bartender in UES!

  • Review 36 (2023-03-25 - Rating: 5)

    Great meet-up spot! Love the interior and couches!

  • Review 37 (2023-12-02 - Rating: 5)

    Excellent drinks, and also importantly amazing playlist!

  • Review 38 (2022-11-02 - Rating: 5)

    Great vibe..cool place..good cocktails..good for a date, quiet enough to talk

  • Review 39 (2016-12-31 - Rating: 5)

    Excellent place very romantic very sexy

  • Review 40 (2023-12-26 - Rating: 5)

    No food, just drinks. But the place is charming

  • Review 41 (2018-11-09 - Rating: 5)

    Lovely quaint Victorian looking bar on the UES. Also have a sentimental reason to love it (I met my husband here 💚)

  • Review 42 (2023-06-01 - Rating: 5)

    Really cool hidden gem in UES. Don’t walk to fast or you’ll miss it!

  • Review 43 (2017-06-13 - Rating: 5)

    Very intimate ambiance. We absolutely enjoyed our time here, and cannot wait to return.

  • Review 44 (2015-12-31 - Rating: 5)

    One of the coolest bars in UES, perfect for a cocktail after dinner and hanging out with friends.

  • Review 45 (2019-11-10 - Rating: 5)

    Great place with lots of space 2 separate bars. Really nice.

  • Review 46 (2017-08-14 - Rating: 5)

    Great location with a good selection of drinks at good prices served in an intimate setting.

  • Review 47 (2024-03-09 - Rating: 4)

    Incredible decor and ambiance. Unfortunately, the cocktails were remarkably flavorless and watery but switching to beer solved the problem.

  • Review 48 (2022-01-22 - Rating: 4)

    Awesome atmosphere. Wish the drinks matched!

  • Review 49 (2020-03-04 - Rating: 4)

    Beer choice is a little lacking, but the interior is very eclectic

  • Review 50 (2023-01-16 - Rating: 4)

    Whilst the ambiance is perfectly lovely (minus the glaring television) It would be nice to see a more delicate and refined cocktail menu, with more high quality flavor profiles. I enjoy this space. The biggest drawback however is allowing people to watch sports in such a historic venue. If you are going to have a television, at least keep it to turner classics or something along those lines. Play the twilight zone or something along those lines! Just my hot take. Will be back though! Again. The television just kind of killed it. It’s poisonous if you’re looking for a specific vibe.

  • Review 51 (2016-09-28 - Rating: 5)

    Phenomenal place. Phenomenal Bartenders. Adam and Raph are the best!

  • Review 52 (2018-12-04 - Rating: 4)

    Cool vibes with decent cocktails at reasonable prices.

  • Review 53 (2019-03-24 - Rating: 5)

    Amazing setting and design. Must-go spot whenever Im in town.

  • Review 54 (2022-03-24 - Rating: 4)

    Place has a great vibe - I imagine it is better in the summer when it’s nice and warm outside in the tents. I had a jalapeño margarita and it was really good! Only con I’d say is that there was only one bartender so it was really slow for them to take our order. Other than that it was really really good 😄

  • Review 55 (2017-01-12 - Rating: 5)

    Very laid back and dark

  • Review 56 (2021-11-09 - Rating: 5)

    Unique interior scene with superb mixed drinks.

  • Review 57 (2022-12-04 - Rating: 5)

    I’ve been coming to this spot for years. It has a spooky, goth vibe and basic drinks. Ask for a lemon drop martini.

  • Review 58 (2022-05-21 - Rating: 4)

    Love the ambience and art. Alas, no real history behind the place or the art though.Perfect for a date night but not for its cocktails, which were meh.Note : its cash-only.

  • Review 59 (2022-12-15 - Rating: 5)

    Liam is the freakin BESTHE PAYS ATTENTION AND TAKES CARE Of EVERYONE … we love Liam .. this is a historically beautiful bar… give Liam props

  • Review 60 (2019-05-13 - Rating: 5)

    We went to The Auction House after hosting a friends elopement party. We brought 10-15 people there and we could not have asked for a more perfect post party ambiance and set up. The Auction House had reserved space for us ahead of time, and was incredibly accommodating and helpful. The cocktails are delicious and we were all able to continue the fun, while also being able to hear one another and feel comfortable in the beautiful luxe couches. We highly recommend The Auction House - whether for a date, a special occasion, or a casual cocktail.

  • Review 61 (2022-11-24 - Rating: 5)

    One if the best spots on the UES!Vampire bar vibes

  • Review 62 (2017-05-05 - Rating: 5)

    Auction House is an absolute gem in the Upper East Side. Its impeccably decorated and beautifully lit with extremely high ceilings and chairs that you would find in an old Victorian mansion. The cocktails are delicious, and the bartenders are pretty friendly. Most of the time, its not too crowded, so you can find seating pretty easily. Sometimes, the second room gets booked for private parties which restricts the available seating. I highly recommend checking it out!

  • Review 63 (2021-03-09 - Rating: 4)

    The drinks are pricey but the ambiance is deliciously spooky. If you missed being in a bar during the pandemic this one will not disappoint. I felt safe drinking here as guests were well spaced and hand sanitizer was available.

  • Review 64 (2017-03-02 - Rating: 4)

    The dark, quiet, laid back ambiance of the place is what people come here for. The prices are also surprising not high at all, more like normal bar prices and not speakeasy prices.The drinks themselves were hit-and-miss though. I ordered 3 cocktails and one of them was universally reviled by everyone I went with.

  • Review 65 (2016-05-04 - Rating: 4)

    Cool divey spot. Decent cocktails.

  • Review 66 (2021-06-09 - Rating: 5)

    Great place, but it may have gone out of business? Google maps said it opens at 5pm and at 7pm the front door was chained up. I hope it is not closed permanently.

  • Review 67 (2014-02-09 - Rating: 5)

    Good service at good price. The place is really nice and cozy.

  • Review 68 (2017-03-15 - Rating: 5)

    One of the most classic spots in the UES. Auction House has been open since 93, and never strayed from its intimate feel or romantic interior.If you come here during the week, expect a quiet and intimate atmosphere for yourself and your date. The walls are decorated in a 1500s feel with red valor and historic paintings.This is the best intimate date night spot in Upper Manhattan.

  • Review 69 (2021-09-05 - Rating: 4)

    If youd like to find an upper east local place with a unique bar experience, this can be one of the prominent choices for you.

  • Review 70 (2015-12-02 - Rating: 5)

    The auction house is a gem in the upper east side. It is a speakeasy style bar with couches and provocative paintings on the walls. It is definitely a place to go on a date. Its dimly lit and quiet which lets you have conversations with the person you are with.

  • Review 71 (2016-05-29 - Rating: 5)

    The decore and ambience inside reminds me of the movie, Interview with a Vampire. Its definitely a unique spot with decently priced and tasty cocktails. The seating is comfy, plush chairs and sofas. Very cool little lounge!

  • Review 72 (2013-09-15 - Rating: 5)

    Though I havent been to many bars in the Upper East Side, I can already tell this will be one of my favorites. First you have this really slick, dim lighting and cool ambiance with aged but classic chairs and nice seating with some great music (none of that head-bobbing electronic or mind-numbing rap in this place). Then you have all the drinks you can choose from including some solid brews and some nice Hefeweizers, and youre grabbing it at ridiculously cheap prices ($6?!) Finally, its great service, easy to talk to friends, and you dont feel jostled or crammed into a tiny area. Its a great place to bring a date and though there was no formal dress code, it seemed like the patrons were a classier bunch. Definitely a cool place to go with close friends or a date.

  • Review 73 (2019-11-17 - Rating: 5)

    Cozy bar with a good selection of drinks

  • Review 74 (2018-11-09 - Rating: 4)

    Very cool place. Awesome charm. Taking off a star as there was only 1 bartender between the 2 bars

  • Review 75 (2014-03-11 - Rating: 4)

    Worth a 20 minute subway ride.When I used to be an UES dweller this was easily my favorite bar. The decor is very unique, reminds me a bit of Interview with a Vampire, and I personally liked it a lot. The music is on at just the right level so you dont need to yell when having a conversation. There arent many places to sit so this is ideal for a small group or date. The drinks are better than average even though the service can be a little slow if they dont have enough people behind the bar. They limit entry to 23 and up some days so that helps keep the kiddos out.

  • Review 76 (2018-12-27 - Rating: 4)

    Dark and cozy cocktail bar. Large armchairs and rustic feel. Great place for a date.

  • Review 77 (2019-11-05 - Rating: 5)

    One of my favorite spots when I am in town.

  • Review 78 (2019-10-16 - Rating: 5)

    Went on a date here! And then came back the following week...nice ambience! Good drinks!!

  • Review 79 (2014-03-12 - Rating: 4)

    Looks like a Victorian bordello, but the velvet couches make this place unique. Good spot to come and have a conversation, take a date, talk shop, have a relaxed evening with friends, etc. 24 and over I believe, theyre very anti-frat bar.

  • Review 80 (2016-10-22 - Rating: 5)

    Great atmosphere: cozy, low key, quiet enough to have a conversation but still with good music. Good drinks.

  • Review 81 (2018-02-26 - Rating: 5)

    Cool place. I would totally go back.

  • Review 82 (2019-02-25 - Rating: 4)

    Nice vibe. Poorly made cocktails.

  • Review 83 (2018-12-30 - Rating: 5)

    Fun intimate setting. Not a rowdy crowd which is nice

  • Review 84 (2017-03-18 - Rating: 5)

    Great hidden bar in the upper east side

  • Review 85 (2015-05-17 - Rating: 5)

    Drinks are good the place is chill nd unique, bartenders are cool. Worth checking it out you wont regret it.

  • Review 86 (2019-11-18 - Rating: 4)

    Nice and cozy, good place for conversation. Prices reasonable.

  • Review 87 (2019-08-21 - Rating: 5)

    Amazing vibe, great prices! Try to get there before 8pm for sitting room!

  • Review 88 (2013-11-04 - Rating: 5)

    Kind of a speak easy place, merge with my grand mothers house, the place a is very elegant and relax to grab a beer or a gin and tonic with friends or a date

  • Review 89 (2020-12-05 - Rating: 5)

    This is a hidden gem. Very cozy and relaxing environment, service was great!

  • Review 90 (2019-06-02 - Rating: 5)

    I am in love with dimly-lit bars with red walls and a Victorian vibe. If I could live here, I would✨

  • Review 91 (2016-05-22 - Rating: 5)

    Perfect spot for a relaxed drink . Decent prices and friendly staff . Will head back there next time Im in the area

  • Review 92 (2015-01-13 - Rating: 4)

    Great atmosphere, on point service, and cozy environment. Could add a little snack menu to accompany booze!

  • Review 93 (2013-08-13 - Rating: 5)

    A very nice hidden gem of the upper east side. A bit on the expensive side, but the atmosphere is worth it.

  • Review 94 (2016-07-10 - Rating: 4)

    Upper east side lounge good for intimate conversations

  • Review 95 (2016-08-21 - Rating: 5)

    Love this place very different and service is great!

  • Review 96 (2017-04-06 - Rating: 5)

    Just a cool place to relax and the drinks are great

  • Review 97 (2018-11-23 - Rating: 5)

    Ambiance is perfect, great bar tenders!

  • Review 98 (2017-12-24 - Rating: 5)

    Enjoying our evening. Merry Christmas

  • Review 99 (2018-09-10 - Rating: 5)

    Such a fantastic place to go!

  • Review 100 (2015-11-15 - Rating: 5)

    Great atmosphere for a date here.

  • Review 101 (2021-05-04 - Rating: 5)

    Beautiful ambiance, cool bartender

  • Review 102 (2020-09-28 - Rating: 5)

    Great vibes and good service

  • Review 103 (2017-01-08 - Rating: 4)

    Nice speak easy type bar

  • Review 104 (2019-05-22 - Rating: 5)

    Gorgeous and elegant bar

  • Review 105 (2019-03-11 - Rating: 5)

    Fantastic place to go dine...

  • Review 106 (2017-02-06 - Rating: 5)

    Really romantic and quaint place

  • Review 107 (2012-09-22 - Rating: 5)

    Dark. Fun. I just plain dig it

  • Review 108 (2023-03-25 - Rating: 5)

    Good cocktails 👍

  • Review 109 (2016-12-20 - Rating: 5)

    Great bar food

  • Review 110 (2016-09-06 - Rating: 5)

    Great gem

  • Review 111 (2018-11-11 - Rating: 4)

    Laid back with a hip vibe.

  • Review 112 (2021-03-05 - Rating: 5)

    Miss you!

  • Review 113 (2018-09-09 - Rating: 5)

    Great Service and Staff

  • Review 114 (2019-01-20 - Rating: 5)

    Decadence at its finest!

  • Review 115 (2017-01-29 - Rating: 5)

    Cool!

  • Review 116 (2019-02-24 - Rating: 4)

    Great cozy place

  • Review 117 (2017-01-29 - Rating: 5)

    Great ambiance.

  • Review 118 (2019-12-18 - Rating: 5)

    Truly unique!

  • Review 119 (2019-07-06 - Rating: 5)

    Nice ambiance

  • Review 120 (2017-09-16 - Rating: 5)

    Cute place.

  • Review 121 (2017-02-19 - Rating: 5)

    Hidden gem

  • Review 122 (2018-12-30 - Rating: 4)

    Unexpected

  • Review 123 (2025-01-06 - Rating: 5)

    If youre looking for a sophisticated, cozy, dark library vibe, auction house is for you. Perfect for a girls night out or a date. The drinks are good and strong. Its unmarked entrance makes for a discreet yet edgy cocktail bar experience.

  • Review 124 (2022-11-20 - Rating: 4)

    Very cute bar. Very good atmosphere, a bit hidden in the street.

  • Review 125 (2020-01-23 - Rating: 5)

    A restaurant with an atmosphere known only to localsI love it :)!

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