The Belfry
“When she initially suggested coming here for pickle backs, I turned my nose up at the idea.”
“party less…lose weight..ect"
We just had our first 2013 non-alcoholic Happy Hour AKA coffee/tea.”
“With the five dollar picklebacks, $5 shot + beers, trivia night and great looking bartenders, how can you go wrong?”
The Belfry
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Accepts Bitcoin: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Happy Hour: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range Moderate
8 reviews
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Am I the only person who doesn't' like pickle juice? I still had a fun time though
We did lots of whiskey shots + pickle backs, I did the whisky and skipped the pickle juice.
Pros: its clean and fun!
I'm almost embarrassed to write this review, because I'm all about picklebacks yet failed to get one here. Shame on me. Seriously. I feel ashamed. And shame isn't a pleasant feeling, people. In any case, thankfully the Belfry has far more to offer than these oh-so-delightful specialty shots. Good cocktails, even better beer and fantastic ambiance–especially for this part of the "East Village".
For some reason, I was expecting the Belfry to be incredibly rowdy. Saturday night, right off the L line, nice weather, etc. etc. Not that I knew anything about the Belfry prior to going–this assumption was based on exactly zero facts. I suppose I've just been to enough bars in this area that don't attract my favorite type of people. Call me a judgy mcjudgster, I don't really care. Everyone has their own crowd preference. That's why cliques exist. Anyway, I digress. My point: the Belfry is actually down to earth, boasts a gorgeous interior, and is full of friendly people. The bouncers on this particular night were also quite cheery, which is notable considering "cheery" is not an adjective I'd typically use to describe bouncer-dom.
The Belfry is good for just about anything, though I wouldn't recommend it for a date. Too loud. Romantic encounters might need to be limited to mingling. Come here with a couple girlfriends and stand near the bar or come here with a larger party and snag one of many tables for a chill night out. I'd actually go with the latter if I got a do-over–the space for mingling is quite narrow and not really conducive to any sort of natural flow. But we made do. Given the good vibes, no real potential for a subway-at-rush-hour-claustrophobia/rage altercation.
You might be wondering why I have yet to cover the drinks. Remember that shame I mentioned? It's already hard to admit my pickleback failure once…and now I'm doing it again. I do love me some self-deprecating humor. Anyway. I had one beer and one cocktail during my visit. I'd say the cocktail menu as a whole is a bit above average but won't blow any mixology enthusiasts away. I had a whiskey-based specialty cocktail which could've been great, but the ratios were off. Way too sweet. Should've stuck with beer.
And about that beer–fabulous selection on tap. Mostly domestic with a few international highlights (Belgium, Germany, the usual suspects). They also make a point to serve local beer, which I always appreciate, given that New York boasts a pretty impressive number of good breweries. It comes as no surprise, then, that I went with a super yummy SingleCut beer. You can't go wrong when you buy right. Wait…something tells me I stole that slogan. Oh well.
Very cute place to have drinks and catch up with friends. DECOR is awesome and service is ok. We had to look and call our server many times.
Their food menu is definitely for pickle lovers, which I'm not. They only have about 6-7 items on the menu, but no fries! I was craving fries and they didnt even have that.
This is a good place to chill if you're waiting for dinner reservations, such as Ippudo. Its nearby and quick enough to walk back when your table is ready!
I love the rustic hipster vibe that comes with this bar. However with that in mind, it was be extremely busy when it is later in the night, BUT I love the beer options and the CHEAP picklebacks they have at the bar. This bar is one of the bars in NYC that offer Abita Purple Haze, which is MY favorite beer. You should give it a try if you like light and comes with a SLIGHTLY sweet aftertaste.
The only complaint is that it can get EXTREMELY loud where having a conversation is super hard. Then you'll just have a couple picklebacks to start the night and go somewhere else!
Occasion: after work gathering with my sorority sisters.
PRO TIPS: 1. It gets PACKED, space is limited so be prepared to talk close and move out of the way, often. 2. Wait time to order drinks is long, try to order 2 at once. 3. Tables are in the back but fill up FAST- get back there. 4. Live music happens at the front so beware if you are sitting at the front tables — you will be IN the music.
This place has a tone of a date bar- dimly lit, candles, woodsy, ferngully, like interior. Great seasonal cocktails and pleasant staff. My only drawback is the craziness that is after work drinks…. Sometimes you cannot move because of the limited space, but if you don't mind a tight squeeze you will love this place.
** the Cleanse drink is a great refreshing summer drink!
Like everyone else said, $5 picklebacks! Other drinks are standard. It can get loud and the bar is narrow, so don't come here if you're looking to talk.
Stands out for the picklebacks and nothing else i believe. I mean the picklebacks, which come in 4-5 varieties, are solid if you're into that kind of thing. If not the options include a good selection of beer and some standard cocktails.
Belfry , you won my heart.
I loved anything pickled, and anything with alcohol, so when you have the best of both worlds with yummy pickleback shots, how could you complain?
The vibe of this place is very southern and classy. I saw lots of large groups come together just to chat and chill. From dim lighting, mason jars, funky art and quotes, a huge long wooden bar, and sofas on both walls, you really could lounge here for a while. I think this place is good for an intimate date or to catch up with friends. The crowd here is generally mid 20's and older.
Also it doesn't hurt that the bartenders were really cute and they were so friendly. They danced and laughed with us, and served our shots quick. They were also really skilled, there really is a science to this, the perfect ratio of good bourbon and pickle juice. They are super generous on alcohol here, my jack and coke was STRONG, but thats how i like it ;]
The booze itself is really good quality, and the shots are only 5 – 8 bucks at most, depending on whether or not you want it spicy.
The menu also had a good priced selection on wine, fancy cocktails, and good whiskey selections, especially their house bourbon.
Happy hour from 6-8 is also a big plus , especially on draft beers. Again I saw a great selection.
Of course you can have some pickle jars with your pickle juice, or spicy cold cuts and various peppers to compliment your drink.
I also enjoyed seeing their live band playing banjo, blue grass and country music, I even heard a yiddish song too lol. There is also good seating right by them so you can see them upclose and personal.
Oh and a clean bathroom is a major plus, that is rare to find at bars these days.
Overall, come here when your happy, sad or looking to get drunk. You won't regret it.