The Laurels Cafe and Bar

Located in New York, New York

Address: 231 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, United States

Phone: +1 646-398-9002

Rating: 4.7

Services

Outdoor seating
Kerbside pickup
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Live performances
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Food
Food at bar
Happy-hour drinks
Spirits
Wine
Seating
Toilets
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Groups
Accepts reservations
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments

Photos

Latest NYC Bar Directory

Comments

Review 1 (2024-11-02 - Rating: 5)
My husband I had a fantastic brunch. I ordered the happy wifey spicy lifey for the cocktail and it did not disappoint. We had their Thai Spicy Chicken Wings and Short Rib Hash for the brunch and they were better than we expected. The atmosphere was relaxing and chill and we’re already planning to come back again next weekend. The staff were all nice! Thank you!

Review 2 (2024-07-20 - Rating: 5)
Ate here from a Groupon coupon that provided 2 entrees and 2 cocktails. I got the EV nightshade which was really sweet and delicious with Thai wings. Service was nice, we got there around 11 ish and I was surprised that the restaurant was empty on a Friday morning!! I’m including pictures and I would rate this spot 10/10 and would recommend to other people

Review 3 (2024-11-17 - Rating: 5)
I enjoyed my meal and margarita a lot more than expected. I look forward to going back. The service is pretty good as well.

Review 4 (2024-12-17 - Rating: 5)
Food- 10/10 (please try to the short rib poutineDrinks- 10/10(Guinness drinkers make sure you stop by)Music- 10/10( one of the best locations in the city for some Irish Trad sessions)Whole staff are very friendly and the work environment is clearly healthy, and Kevin is an absolute legend

Review 5 (2024-08-06 - Rating: 4)
Went to this spot for a work happy hour. The reservation process was extremely easy and the owner was so accommodating since most people were coming from work, we were going to not arrive all together at the same time and they were willing to adjust. The food and drinks were good! Happy hour pricing was honestly great! there were 6 of us total and got multiple drinks and the bill was quite reasonable. The place itself was small but the decor and ambiance were nice. They also had trivia night during the time we were there which was fun! Our group ended up winning first place and got a $75 gift card for our next visit.

Review 6 (2023-06-06 - Rating: 5)
I’m so excited this new place has popped up in the east village! First of all, the setting is so pretty and romantic. The food is so fresh and flavorful, and the cocktails are to die for. 10/10 recommend The Laurels Club drink… so yummy. The service and people are lovely. Will be going back for date night and with friends!

Review 7 (2024-12-06 - Rating: 5)
The Laurels is my go-to spot in New York. Every time I go I get such a warm welcome and warm food. It’s the perfect spot to feel right at home in a big city. The Irish American drinks are a close second to the Irish American bartenders ;)

Review 8 (2023-06-25 - Rating: 5)
Stopped in for brunch on Sunday. We had the grilled chicken sandwich and smoked bacon, egg and cheese. Both sandwiches were declious but the show stopper was the potatos which were out of this world crispy and flavourful! Cool new place with a friendly and relaxed vibe.

Review 9 (2023-10-08 - Rating: 5)
Great new brunch spot.Conveniently located on 14th and 2av.Bottomless brunch was soooo good, we had 5 different flavored mimosas. Brunch entrees were affordable and tasty. JJ the bartender was friendly, knowledgeable and ensured we had a great visit. Stop by and enjoy all this new spot has to offer.

Review 10 (2024-06-11 - Rating: 5)
This place is great!! Their drinks are good all round, including draft beers, and good cocktails. The waiters are very friendly and the decoration is always pretty and fun. The food is surprisingly excellent. One of the best features of coming to this place. I recommend the burger and the curry chicken/fries. The best app is the crispy shrimp!

Review 11 (2024-08-26 - Rating: 5)
Best Poutine in the city hands down the braised short rib melts in your mouth, staff is great and love this neighborhood place

Review 12 (2023-06-05 - Rating: 5)
Had an amazing time here last night with my friends. Drinks were tasty and the food was great while it lasted. A new craft and cocktail bar in the lower east side you need to checkout. JJ and Kevin took great care of us. Would highly recommend and I’ll be definitely back.

Review 13 (2023-06-01 - Rating: 5)
I stumbled upon this place cause my sister is having surgery near by, I didn’t even realize they had just opened until I sat down and ordered. I got two drinks and the hummus plate, everything was really fantastic. The hummus plate was gooorgeous, I ended up snapping a picture. Very tasty and fresh. The za’aatar pita was 🔥My sister will be in recovery for a couple days so I’ll def be back during my visit to NY. Highly recommend. Great food, really nice inside, wonderful bartender! 10/10

Review 14 (2023-09-28 - Rating: 5)
Great new (and much needed) neighborhood bar with reasonable prices on drinks and food. Not a huge food selection but something for everyone and most importantly it’s good. Chill atmosphere and friendly staff. Will be back. SHOW YOUR STUYTOWN CARD FOR DISCOUNT!’

Review 15 (2024-10-02 - Rating: 5)
Great spot in East Village, lucky to live down the block. Date night, trivia, football, and you will enjoy. Food is great, bar/wait staff is even better.

Review 16 (2023-06-09 - Rating: 5)
Such a good spot for after work happy hour. Their food was also a huge step up from normal bar food - definitely going back!

Review 17 (2024-11-10 - Rating: 5)
Good casual brunch spot

Review 18 (2024-07-26 - Rating: 5)
I came here for music bingo. It was fun. The Irish bartender is a character.

Review 19 (2024-05-08 - Rating: 5)
I hosted my engagement party here. Let me tell you - I wish I could get engaged again just to be able to host another one here.The level of service and hospitality we experienced was uncanny. We felt like a part of the family.On top of that. The food was DELICIOUS and the drinks did not stop flowing.I would recommend The Laurels to anyone looking to host an event or just grab a bite in the city.

Review 20 (2024-05-10 - Rating: 5)
First time i visited this place, the food so good, I recommend ask for crispy shrimp, I will come back definitely for the chicken skewers again. Also the staff was very kind.

Review 21 (2024-05-18 - Rating: 5)
I’m a native New Yorker living on the west coast now (aka missing New York), and when I visit home The Laurels is now my official first stop to satisfy those been-away-too-long blues. It’s just quintessential NYC. It has everything you’d want from a classic Irish pub, but it’s so much more than that too: outstanding cocktails, a whole cafe menu, excellent food (try the fried shrimp they’re suspiciously good), and a classy, spacious, open-air atmosphere that feels sunny and somehow nostalgic even if you’ve never been there. You’d also be hard-pressed to find more genuinely good-natured (and genuinely Irish) management: walking in there feels friendly and welcoming. If you haven’t stopped in yet… well, get after it. It’s the kind of place you want to be a regular. Sláinte 🍻🍹🍸.

Review 22 (2024-08-17 - Rating: 5)
Great Saturday Morning brunch cafe with delicious food, light breakfast cocktails, and perfect morning ambiance!

Review 23 (2024-11-05 - Rating: 5)
Nice Brunch at this local place in the East Village. Friendly Service. Tasty dishes

Review 24 (2024-05-20 - Rating: 5)
Have come here 2x now: 1x for brunch and 1x for Happy Hour. Both times vibe was awesome and drinks were great.French toast was BOMB, shrimp and grits was good but could use some poached eggs, sliders on point.

Review 25 (2023-12-24 - Rating: 5)
What an unexpected hidden gem for Christmas Eve! We found this place on pulsd. $39 for 2 entrees and 2 cocktails. We werent very hungry, so we just got appetizers instead of entrees. The tuna tar tar and Thai chicken wings.The wings were the best I ever had. So flavorful and crispy !The tuna was fresh and delicious also. Albeit could use a better presentation. Kevin the bartender owner was a super nice host. Talked to is the whole time. I hope locals will come out and keep this business going. The cocktails were also amazing. Espresso martini was on point and so was our other cucumber drink I cant remember the name of. LolAll the best for 2024 Kevin and the laurels team!

Review 26 (2024-08-01 - Rating: 5)
Great food, decent happy hour prices, friendly staff —they lowered the music volume when we asked :)

Review 27 (2023-09-08 - Rating: 5)
I found this place through the app Pulsd where 2 people get 1 entree each and bottomless drinks for $39! I believe you can also find the same deal on Groupon. Reservations were easy to make by dming their instagram or through Resy. It wasnt pretty crowded on Saturday noon so we got to sit where we like. The inside of the restaurant was cute and had ample seating.I went with their eggs benedict and potatoes and thought it was great! I liked how they didnt drown it in hollandaise sauce similar to what other places do. The spicy sriracha hollandaise wasnt too spicy and added a kick of flavor. Although I do with the portions were a little bigger, even by adding a bit more potatoes.The bottomless mimosas were strong to me! After 4 drinks I started feeling happy. With the pulsd deal I believe you can either choose between mimosas, peach bellinis, and bloody marys. Service was attentive and made sure our glasses were kept full.Bonus: they have super clean and restrooms and theres also a nice park 1 block down in case you need to recover lol

Review 28 (2023-12-25 - Rating: 5)
A local spot that everyone should check out. Kevin is the owner and was very welcoming to my boyfriend and I. Listen to me...GET THE WINGS!! The Sriracha sauce and crispness are perfect. Living in Dallas we love our Sriracha! Pleasant atmosphere and would definitely come back!

Review 29 (2024-08-14 - Rating: 5)
Fantastic food and great drinks. Service on point, shame the location is a bit noisy.

Review 30 (2024-06-09 - Rating: 4)
The service was great, everyone was really friendly and the ambience was great! The drinks were not great though and ownership would be best served revamping the drink menu

Review 31 (2024-11-26 - Rating: 5)
Great night again at the Laurels. My husband can’t get away from their delicious burgers and orders them every time. I enjoy trying their new additions. Their flatbreads are delicious!

Review 32 (2023-07-16 - Rating: 5)
Great Service, fun atmosphere....very good food. Would recommend highly for lunch, brunch or dinner.

Review 33 (2023-11-13 - Rating: 5)
Best day in New York with bottomless mimosas. JJ was the absolute best host, by far the best service we had all weekend on our visit. This will be a go to stop on my next visit!

Review 34 (2023-09-15 - Rating: 5)
Got the ahi tuna tartar and the kale salad, along with a couple cocktails. Very nice vibe, tasty food, unique drinks, and lovely open facade to this amazing fall weather. Welcome to the neighborhood, Laurels!

Review 35 (2023-10-22 - Rating: 4)
We went here for brunch and had a burger and Mediterranean Grilled Chicken sandwich.The burger was a little spartan and I wasnt keen on the flame grilled pattie, it just tasted burnt to me, but do understand some people like that. The grilled chicken sandwich was pleasant and the fries that came with the dish were nice and crispy too.It was nice and quiet since it was past 2pm when we arrived at the restaurant and the server was nice and very efficient.

Review 36 (2024-04-08 - Rating: 5)
Seriously great!Everything is impressive, they’ve put together an amazing staff - food is great. Happy every time I go!

Review 37 (2024-05-24 - Rating: 5)
Absolutely amazing place! Everybody here is so nice. Drinks are fantastic. I can highly recommend it!

Review 38 (2023-07-10 - Rating: 5)
Excellent new bar to grab drinks at after work. Really good vibe and solid bar food. Location on the corner of 2nd and 14th is sick, but you do have to walk almost a whole block if youre taking the L.

Review 39 (2024-10-21 - Rating: 5)
Joined the Sunday session to play some irish music with a fantastic line up of welcoming musicians and staff. With a wide variety of thirst quenching beverages and also a delicious menu of food.Thanks to all there. We will be back

Review 40 (2023-10-17 - Rating: 5)
Excellent drinks and service, great looking bar inside as well 👏🏼

Review 41 (2023-06-06 - Rating: 5)
Such a great local find. Quick service, perfect location and very likeable staff. A must visit!

Review 42 (2024-03-23 - Rating: 4)
Overall rating: 4.2Okay spot in union square / ev. I went to watch the Super Bowl and it was a chill spot. I got the spinach and artichoke dip and it was not good. It was very healthy and there was little cheese 😭😭 I was hoping to veg out but alas I mostly just ate spinach.My friends got the fries and said they were good. I’m not sure if I would come here again, but it looks like it’s popular for brunch. Seems like a better place for 20s than 30s, but that’s just my opinion.

Review 43 (2024-11-18 - Rating: 5)
Lovely pub. Very good food

Review 44 (2023-06-12 - Rating: 5)
Fantastic food and drinks! It has great seating, and its on the corner. You cant go wrong 👌

Review 45 (2024-03-23 - Rating: 5)
Food, drinks, service, atmosphere 10/10. Best Irish bar we’ve been to in NYC

Review 46 (2024-09-23 - Rating: 4)
I have been here two times already and really like the brunch and the margaritas. My wife did as well, and my friend. Not to mention, the food is scrumptious.

Review 47 (2023-07-17 - Rating: 5)
Love this place! All the food is great but Def recommend to get the short rib hash if you go for brunch and the kale caesar...Great new place overall

Review 48 (2024-05-09 - Rating: 5)
Kevin and team are awesome - it’s such a great place to catch a game, play trivia or just hang out. Couldnt recommend this place enough

Review 49 (2023-07-20 - Rating: 5)
Found this place on the way home from work. Atmosphere was great food was excellent drinks were solid. Highly recommended.

Review 50 (2023-11-14 - Rating: 5)
Just walking around looking for a nice bar, and came across this one with the advertising of hot apple cider on a cold night. Ended up ordering “the laurels club” drink and it was amazing, tasted like a jolly rancher flavor (like watermelon or strawberry?) will definitely be bringing people back here

Review 51 (2023-08-27 - Rating: 5)
Food was fantastic!Live music on a Thursday too.Had a great time and so did my mom who was visiting.

Review 52 (2024-05-15 - Rating: 5)
Cool bar in a different part of town from the main tourist attractions. Friendly staff.

Review 53 (2024-06-07 - Rating: 5)
Great vibe, staff, food, and cocktails. I find this spot becoming more and more frequent in my places to go with friends. The owners are super nice too. Good date spot too! They outdoor seating is a major plus on a nice day. Highly recommend this place.

Review 54 (2023-07-11 - Rating: 5)
Overjoyed to find a new restaurant near work. The Laurels is located two blocks east of Union Square along 14th Street and 2nd Avenue.The service was great, my burger was delicious, and the atmosphere was friendly and inviting.Ill be returning for another lunch soon.

Review 55 (2023-08-27 - Rating: 5)
Great cocktails and vibe with incredibly welcoming owners and staff. Will definitely be back soon.

Review 56 (2024-04-26 - Rating: 5)
Went for some late night drinks. Cute spot with yummy drinks and great service!

Review 57 (2023-06-13 - Rating: 5)
Great experience, I had brunch here on Saturday morning and it was amazing. I definitely will be back again

Review 58 (2024-06-17 - Rating: 5)
Great bar. Good prices and service..

Review 59 (2024-05-09 - Rating: 5)
The Laurels is an incredibly welcoming and cozy neighborhood spot that offers something for everyone at anytime of day, week, or year! The menu is creative and tasty. The staff are friendly and service impeccable. The indoor/ outdoor dining options present the perfect space for catching a game or a brunch or happy hour with friends on a warm day. 10/10 recommend. Cheers! 🥂

Review 60 (2023-06-28 - Rating: 5)
Love this bar, love the service, and the burger was great! The atmosphere is very enjoyable!

Review 61 (2023-06-08 - Rating: 5)
Great bar/restaurant, great vibes and food. Awesome staff. Highly recommend.

Review 62 (2024-05-13 - Rating: 5)
Great bar!! Really love the vibe of this place. The drinks are thoughtful and delicious, food is great, and hospitality was 10/10. Ill be back here for sure.

Review 63 (2024-05-20 - Rating: 5)
Really great vibe. Drinks were good. Service and DJ were great!

Review 64 (2024-06-06 - Rating: 5)
Excellent food and friendly staff would definatly recommend!

Review 65 (2024-07-19 - Rating: 5)
Dont miss it if your in lower Manhattan.

Review 66 (2024-04-08 - Rating: 5)
OHanlons loss was The Laurels gain. Place filled up quickly, but made for the atmosphere. Friendly service too.

Review 67 (2023-11-11 - Rating: 5)
I went pretty early in the evening, so I cant speak to the full atmosphere. But the drinks - The Laurel, in particular - are excellent. Our bartender was attentive (and attractive) and quickly followed up on any request. The steak frites was so good that I finished the plate before I realized it. Definitely a cool and affordable spot to check out.

Review 68 (2024-04-14 - Rating: 5)
Tasty cocktails and brilliant atmosphere here every time I visit! Service is always excellent from the team and it’s a great location in the village.

Review 69 (2024-05-09 - Rating: 5)
They have Spritz popsicles so clearly they know what they are doing.

Review 70 (2023-08-05 - Rating: 5)
I was here with my wife two weeks ago and met the owner Kevin. He and his staff were excellent! We came in for a quick bite and a few drinks. The food was great too! We shared the Green Chickpea Hummus and Thai Chicken Wings. Both were great, nice size portions and really fresh ingredients. The chef no doubt takes pride in his/her menu. Look forward to coming back for more and getting more of a taste of their eclectic menu...there really is something for everyone! The bartenders were great too...yes, buybacks do exist here...treat them well and they will treat you well!

Review 71 (2024-02-04 - Rating: 5)
This was a great place to eat Jj is the owner and he actually waited on us which was really dope the customer service was great he was very patient with me when I was asking question then you had beautiful summer came around and ask how good the food was the service all around was a 10/10

Review 72 (2023-12-06 - Rating: 5)
Such a cute place with christmas decor up! The bartender is incredibly nice and friendly

Review 73 (2024-06-07 - Rating: 5)
Love ya bye bye

Review 74 (2023-07-19 - Rating: 5)
Went here with friends last night out of curiosity. This replacement for crusty old Bait and Hook is a huge upgrade to the neighborhood. The food is really good and happy hour prices cant be beat. The tempura long beans are habit forming, Im afraid. So well be back.

Review 75 (2023-06-05 - Rating: 5)
Great new spot! The Mini Laurels and Thai chicken wings were amazing apps, and the cocktails very fresh and tasty. The bar has a great vibe and the owner is very welcoming. Can’t wait to bring all my friends here!

Review 76 (2023-11-10 - Rating: 5)
Great athmosphere, nice situation and kind people

Review 77 (2023-06-07 - Rating: 5)
New bar! What a location! Totally recommend! They have such a huge variety of drinks- EV Nightshade, Pisco Smash and The Laurel’s Club all delicious. The food is great! Amazed, A must go!

Review 78 (2023-07-14 - Rating: 5)
Gorgeous new bar in the East village! The Aperol Spritz was so good, shout out Alanna! The bottomless brunch is great value

Review 79 (2023-08-05 - Rating: 5)
My husband and I came by for brunch and were not disappointed. I got the veggie frittata which was so tasty and my husband got the steak and eggs which he was raving about. The service was also incredible. I was drinking my bloody mary, and cracked my bamboo straw. I had just started to sadly tell my husband what had happened and the server was there with a new straw before I had even finished my sentence. Definitely check these guys out!

Review 80 (2023-06-04 - Rating: 5)
New place !! Great food. We stopped in this week. Very impressive . Can’t wait to go back for cocktails soon. 5 stars for me

Review 81 (2023-06-08 - Rating: 5)
This is a new bar that opened a couple weeks ago. The food is phenomenal! The short rib poutine is amazing! Food is reasonably priced, specialty drink menu is great!

Review 82 (2023-07-09 - Rating: 5)
Amazing spot! So happy they just opened. Will always patron!

Review 83 (2023-07-14 - Rating: 5)
Its definitely a spot to grab dinner or late snack. Food is delicious and drinks superb

Review 84 (2023-06-05 - Rating: 5)
Very cute new bar with excellent drinks and service! Had a great time hanging with friends and manager JJ was very nice and accommodating to our group.