Caledonia Bar
“It was nice to drink mulled wine and scotch instead of the usual bud light found everywhere uptown.”
“This friendly pub on the UES is a great place to stop in any day of the week.”
“this is a bar on the upper east side that has it's heart in Scotland and it's mind in the gutter.”
Caledonia Bar
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Happy Hour: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
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Nice quiet bar on the UES. I see a lot of dates here.
They have an excellent selection of whiskies, I think most are a little pricey, but it's NY.
Good quiet atmosphere.
They have some light snacks on the menu but have never seen anyone eat them.
They do have surprisingly good beers available.
Nice little hidden spot.
Love the sword over the bar.
Caledonia is a wonderful, wonderful find on the UES! Thank goodness for Yelp, or we would have never made the discovery… and if my friend hadn't been looking so closely, we would have walked right by this bar without a second glance.
This place is small and intimate, with the majority of the seating being around the bar. There are a few sofas and such in the front and back, but most patrons seemed to want a spot at the bar.
When we got there around 8:30PM, the bar was relatively empty, and surprisingly quiet, which we liked. For ya'll couples, this is definitely a nice place to go on a date if you don't want to yell at your companion over loud music and rowdy, drunk folks. Seriously, the patrons at this bar are some of the chillest that I've run into around town. No messes. No vulgarity. Just people getting together for a drink or two
The bartenders have sweet accents and a good sense of humor. (With those house rules, I don't know how anyone without a good sense of humor could work here!) They seemed to be quite chummy with the regulars as well, which is always a nice interaction to see at these neighborhood bars. If they are reading this, I want them to know that my friend and I hope to be these said regulars in the near future.
The cocktails are delicious, and are very reasonably priced! I got the Penicillin and my friend got the Bramble, but a few sips in, we decided to switch because she's a bigger whiskey fan and I'm a huge fan of anything fruity and sour.
We have deemed Caledonia 'our bar', and we can't wait to be back soon!!
What a gem. Appropriately enough, we walked in here after a training run and picking up our Scotland Run registration tchotchkes from the Road Runners office nearby. I knew I liked this place right away: an older crowd with just enough seat at the bar to accommodate a line of regulars, and a small reservable (and reserved) couch area in the back for an intimate evening, perhaps.
The bartender (who was from Liverpool, not Scotland, FYI) was extremely nice and laid-back. There was good music on the box (though curiously, it was a very 20-30something Indie playlist for what was essentially a crowd of late 30-40somethings). The taps had the expected Bellhaven ale, but also a very delicious Innis and Gunn oak-aged beer, as well as a Belhaven IPA. There were also a few good American craft beers and more traditional pub favorites.
If this place were closer, I would park myself there on a regular basis, but alas the Upper East Siders will get to enjoy it in my stead. Drink a pint for me!
Upon stepping into this little pub, you will quickly realize Caledonia is a haven for whisky lovers on the UES. They hand you their BIBLE of whisky and sitting at the bar, the shelves are full of single malts that will make your heart jump a beat.
This cozy, narrow pub, is great for a relaxed catch up with a friend. There is a couch towards the back but seating mainly seems to be at the bar itself. The bartender is friendly and we enjoyed having a banter with him.
Having a dram at 5pm seemed too early, especially on an empty stomach, so I went with their winter warmer – hot chocolate with whiskey. This was perfect for a cold day and they are generous with their pour of the whiskey. Given that it's a Scottish pub, I had to try their hard cider, which was lovely and much better than their other choice, the Magners.
A quality pub when you want to get away from the bro-fest that invades most UES bars and enjoy a dram or three. I'll be back!
Spectacular collection of single malt whisky served by a bartender from Scotland with good knowledge of his craft, reasonable prices, cozy and small. What's to not like? And the bartender was eager to chat up various malts and offer his opinion. This place is a must destination for a serious single malt aficionado. Doubt it can hold 25 customers but only offering up that information so you know what it's like. Probably not the place to bring 10 people for happy hour as it's mostly bar seating.
Best: didn't ask how we wanted it. People that know want it neat. Your pour is served with a side of water. No ice for me, thank you. If you want it, you ice fans can dilute your rare serving which some kind of chlorinated gunk that came from who knows where. I get it, but asking for ice is a crapshoot anywhere.
Good selection of craft beers as well including Scottish barrels on tap.
Every city should have a few of these.
A true gem on the upper east side! I went there because my friend is a regular, else I probably would have missed this bar all together. My buddy knows the bartender, who was very friendly, and recommended a "beginner scotch" for me. They have a very extensive array of scotches. They also have a solid list of cocktails that are very well done and some good craft beers.
The bar is narrow but comfortable. it's on the nicer side, yet not stuffy or pretentious. I'd feel comfortable coming directly from work still in work clothes, or later in jeans and a t-shirt.
Cute little Scottish pub. Very small! I live very close and stop in from time to time. Bartenders are always friendly and knowledgable. Lots of different scotch (obviously!!), so if thats your thing, def check it out!
Cozy spot that I hit up with friends based on Yelp reviews. I think the 4+ star rating may be a little high as this place had a mediocre selection of beers. The space is cool and I will definitely go back if in the area, but it isn't a can't miss unless it is your local watering hole. If you can grab a space at the bar or in the back on the couch, I can see extended hours of drinking here.