The Confession Box
“Happy hour til 7 on weekdays- not sure about weekends.”
“We have 4 days left on our trip and hope to return for round 2 :)”
“The inside is really really nice and HUGE, two bars, one right when you walk in, one in the back, tables for eating in the back and then an outdoor patio that will be perfect for warm summer evenings.”
The Confession Box
Takes Reservations: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Happy Hour: Yes
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
5 reviews
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The Confession Box is an interesting new addition to the Upper East Side. It's a quirky place that is still trying to figure itself out; as such there are a few things you need to know.
The cool:
*The back yard is killer; it'll be a sweet spot to hang in cooler weather
*The front doors open to let a nice breeze into the front bar
*The little table they set up on the sidewalk when the front door is open
*They have a second bar in the back, so if you're chilling in the back yard you don't have walk upfront for another round
*Seems like they have live music from time to time
*The view from Doc Watson's*
The not so cool:
*The fireplace is a painting… I don't get it
*The back bar is kind of depressing when the place is empty
The shitty:
*Old dudes vaping at the bar
*The owners not caring about the aforementioned old dudes vaping at the bar
*Those same old dudes with their lady friends crowding the bar, and acting like teenagers
*The word vape
I know it's not necessarily the bars fault, I mean it is located smack in the middle of "older people wanting to be cool central", but I just couldn't get behind the crowd in here. The bartender was a familiar face from Maxwell's (uptown location) which was interesting; she was profusely sorry that the card reader was out (we were rewarded with happy hour prices for our troubles..4$ domestic draughts, not awful). If you're in the neighborhood, it's a decent enough spot to drop by and have a beer in, but I wouldn't recommend coming out of your way to check it out.
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*I accidentally walked in here first, noticed the backyard and tried to go down to it via a nonexistent staircase. As I walked out embarrassed, I thought to myself "whatever bar that is sure has a nice outdoor space"
Juuuuuuust opened. The inside is really really nice and HUGE, two bars, one right when you walk in, one in the back, tables for eating in the back and then an outdoor patio that will be perfect for warm summer evenings. The crowd is mid-20s-30s, seems definitely like a locals type place. But it's not sticky on the ground like most local bars.
We came and got a drink in the back, they have a few beers on draft, wine, and said they're in the process of getting their liquor license. We looked at the menu, looks varied, steak, salad, pasta etc.
The ambiance is super casual trendy, the service was really sweet and fast. Of course.. the highlight was the live music, some Irish? guy on a guitar who didn't even blink when we requested gansta rap (no judgement)…out of no where the guy sings every word to drop it like its hot without a problem. Almost didn't want to let the secret out, but will be back sooon!
Recently opened, this bar is a long, narrow space that lies just off the beaten path on 78th. There are two bars (one just as you walk in with another large one in the back) as well as a lovely outdoor space that is very relaxing. The front can open completely to allow for a nice breeze on a cooler evening (it was 90 that evening, I'd have liked the AC pumping instead). At the time we were there, they were only serving wine and beer (no liquor license yet). They had a happy hour that included 4$ bud lights which was a fine deal. Once it was no longer happy hour, the other beers jumped to 8$. We did not have any food but someone near us got the nachos which looked and smelled good. The one problem I had was with a large group of seemingly drunk 40-50 yos which included a man who was vaping inside. It smelled god awful so after about 25 minutes we decided to leave. I just wish he had been directed to the outdoor area instead.
Other than that, the service was decent at the bar until it started to get more crowded. We had already decided to leave at that point so it did not affect us much. I heard they have a live band that comes to play so maybe I'll return to see them when the city starts to cool off.
Great little spot that opened a few months ago. The best part is the small outdoor space, in my opinion. Currently only has wine & beer but I thought the selection was sufficient. I believe they are in the process of getting al liquor license.
There are two bars, one small bar in front & a slightly larger bar in the back with tables throughout. The front windows/doors open & the outside patio fits approx. 15 people. The menu is currently limited so we didn't stay for dinner but the food coming out all looked delicious although it was definitely standard bar fare. The décor was very rustic and the best part, in my opinion, was the service. The bartenders and servers were all very friendly. This is a great hidden gem!
Happy hour til 7 on weekdays- not sure about weekends.
Great new cozy addition to the neighborhood – nice comfortable feeling bar/ restaurant with outside seating and a warm ambiance and charm great for conversation- and confessions- with friends or a date.
Confessions. I have been here twice and joked with friends both times "you have to share a secret or confession.." How can you not at a place called the confession box? I uncovered totally unexpected and interesting adolescent and young adult secrets from friends here – the box brings it out I guess – great fun.
Atmosphere. Cozy and warm. Photos do not do justice to the atmosphere. There is a single table outside in front and also an outside seating area in the back. Inside there are Plenty of comfortable stools and tables including my favorite one by a decorative fireplace. Also a bar in back.
There is one wall contrasting the warm cozy brick and wood tables – with colorful graffiti/ street art on it. Curious and noting it did not blend with the rest of the decor the bartender shared that a well known graffiti artist who's friends w the owner painted the art, and as to the rationale not fitting the atmosphere and cozy feel of the decor, said they don't believe in following rules. Good response from a worker at the "confession box." Like it.
Service. Service was more attentive at the bar in back but a bit slow at the table – we needed to go get our server to order, but she was friendly and food came out in a reasonable time.
Food. The shepards pie was excellent. I am extremely particular with this dish and prefer more vegetables but still it was great.
Drinks. The red wine I had both times was very good.
Note: They are waiting for their license so currently only have wine and beer.
Entertainment. They have and continue to develop entertainment several days a week including Sunday brunch entertainment which I would like to see.
Recommend as a great place to meet a friend or a date, and as an excuse to share secrets.