American Whiskey
“And if you only really learn one thing from this review, I hope it involves those two magical words: tater tots.”
“This is a nice looking bar that's hidden close enough to penn station but far enough from the commute rush.”
“I'd say it's an excellent place to bring clients or meet up before going to MSG for a concert.”
American Whiskey
Takes Reservations: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Happy Hour: Yes
Coat Check: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
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I feel like this place is more of a 3.5 than a 3, but seeing as I'm in the area all the time and American Whiskey never crosses my mind to revisit, there's definitely nothing special going on here to bump it up a notch.
The first time I came here, it was definitely a new place, and you could tell. Very clean, but also kind of looked like the whole interior had come out of a how-to-be-a-hipster magazine article. I was actually kind of charmed by it, because it was a comfortable and clean bar in an area that doesn't have a lot of those. But, the beer selection was pretty uninspired (they have some of the big-name crafts…think Magic Hat and Ithaca), but nothing that I'd never tried before. That probably shouldn't be too surprising to me…they call themselves American Whiskey, so they probably cater more to the whiskey crowd. I did see what looked like an excellent whiskey selection behind the bar, but as a non-whiskey drinker (I like my liquors clear, please), I can't really judge it.
Prices are definitely pretty steep, but again, pretty consistent with the neighborhood. Every time I've visited, it's easy to find a seat, but I can imagine it getting decently crowded after an event at MSG or when there's a game on TV. I'd certainly give this place a few more shots if I ever remember, but the fact that it never seems to stick in my mind puts it solidly at an average, 3-star territory for me.
Been here twice now, both times at random trying to find a decent and uncrowded bar in the area. Two story sports bar with odd decorations yet spacious interior.
First time I was here, got a whiskey flight ($24). Four 1/2oz whiskeys that greatly vary in taste and strength (I personally like the honey flavored one). Second time I was here was upstairs to watch the Ranger game. Got the marinated olives and cheese curds ($5) and shared the tater tot poutine ($14). Great value in olives and curds – served in a small jar with bread wedges to the side. The tots are delicious – well fried, though could have used more gravy.
Pretty chill both times I've been there, especially upstairs. Wouldn't mind trying their regular meals as well.
Finding solid bars by Penn Station is always a challenge. When I met my friend at American Whiskey I was pleasantly shocked to see how great American Whiskey was!
Obviously this bar caters more to whiskey fans, but the waitress and I got along great and she kept my vodka soda's rolling all night.
This will definitely be one of my go-to spots the next time I need a spot by Penn Station.
Two words: Poutine Tots. Zomg. So good. Cheesy and drizzled with gravy these tots are definitely something Napoleon wouldn't have given up. The atmosphere is sports bar / busy restaurant downstairs but you get some separation upstairs. The duck sliders were good and the whiskey menu is on point. Great watering hole close to Penn Station.
they really didnt have anything we wanted. none of the beers we asked for, the poutine was cold and bad. like i asked for ketchup and ate the tots with that. blah. and then the venison burgers were well cooked but had no flavor. i miss boston.
Bummer.
I came in with a friend who's a fellow whiskey enthusiast. No bar in NYC seems to have Red Stag, so I was optimistic that a place with "whiskey" included in the name would have it. Nope. They have 250 others, though.
The ambiance is really rustic & fun – lots of animal heads & dim lighting really do give it the cabin feeling. It's also a huge bar with plenty of space for all. Again, I had high hopes, but, bummer.
We started off with some cocktails. I ordered the "Swipe Right" and it was tasty. My friend ordered the "Whimm's Cup" and, although strong, his response was, "It kinda tastes like a burp."
Our bartender was very sweet but moved super slow. It was the middle of the day so perhaps she was saving her energy for a busier time to come. I had ordered my food (wings) before my friend ordered 3 sliders, & somehow she misunderstood that we were sharing the sliders? I had to remind her of the wings & the response was, "Ok, I'll put them on rush order."
….. take your time ……
The wings finally arrived & they were pretty tasty – they had a hint of bacon? A surprise, but, yum nonetheless. My friend picked a variety of sliders: Homer Ford (fried chicken), Adobo Chicken (jalapeno) & beef. I had a bite of each and the Homer Ford was most definitely my favorite. I wish that would've been a full sandwich option.
Again, the food was tasty & the drinks were just fine. But, $90 for two people to enjoy casual light bites & two rounds of drinks? Not worth the mediocre experience we were given.
Sorry, American Whiskey. Probably won't be back. 🙁
Wanted to just relax at the bar before heading to a concert at MSG. Unfortunately (good for them!) this place was slammed by 5pm and we had to stand at the end of the bar while we hung out. We ordered a flight of whiskey, wine, and 2 appetizers. Everything was delicious. The food was amazing! We were literally moaning with every bite. We got the Lamb Lollipops and the Tator Tot Poutine. Soooo good!!! I definitely plan on coming back before the next event I go to at MSG!
First time I came here was a good time. I Came here to meet with two of my guys friends because we all love whiskey and some sliders and everything was to the T. Although their prices are a bit pricey, it was worth it in the end.
If come here to meet with someone to talk about businesss.Don't do it here because it's a bit loud, but I managed. It says they have WiFi, but the area that I was in didn't have great reception to their WiFi even with the password the server gave to me. So just careful if you plan on needing WiFi. Other than that everything was good as far as service. I didn't really eat dinner here since I stayed for about an hour.