Down & Out

This place in reality is just okay. It's kind of underwhelming.The space is okay. It's a bit try hard but the colour palette is well done. They also have Jazz Wednesdays which is nice. I found the drinks deeply underwhelming. Service was slow despite it being a quiet night. But I've bartended hungover so girl go off lol.I agree with Jacqueline C. the dirty martini was very lacking. I've been here three times. And they have all been very meh. I will try again probably one last time. There is passion there -- but it's just not there yet.

We came to Down & Out for a nightcap last weekend because I'm always looking for new mixology havens. There are always fun cocktail bars popping up in the East Village and this spot appeared to have an exciting menu that's upscale but approachable. Overall, we thought that the drinks were solid and good in theory but perhaps lacking a bit on specs or execution. I don't regret coming here and it's entirely possible it was an off night. We came here at around 10:30/11 on a Saturday. It was only about a third full which surprised me, but maybe it's not that well known. I also know that its a seafood spot (we didn't get any food) so perhaps folks were all done with their oysters etcetera and had moved onto other things. In any case, we got two seats at the bar which is always my preference. I got the Sharp Knives(Isolation Proof Mushroom Gin, Sherry, Chili, Sweet Vermouth, Allspice) while my partner got the Cloudless Sky in Winter (Vodka, Amontillado Sherry, Fig, Thyme, Lemon). We both liked them okay. I'm always intrigued by mushrooms in cocktails (I recently had an awesome one at Superbueno not too far from here) and I love savory gin drinks, so it seemed like the best option. I was expecting something bolder and I'm wondering if it was a bit watered down when it got to me, but I could tell that the flavors were in there somehwere. My partner liked his drink but it was quite sweet -- sweeter than one would expect just looking at the ingredients -- but he still enjoyed it.Overall, an uneven experience, but there is definitely potential here.

- excellent up and coming bar in the neighborhood- staff were very courteous and fast to refill with waters, check on our orders, and offer service- the highball was not a traditional highball - had some unique cask strength whiskey and tasted super strong - was hoping for more fizzOverall, pretty good drinks. Jazz night during the week and a burlesque show. Up and coming bar in the neighborhood!

Delicious and innovative seasonal cocktails and oysters? Check! Knowledgeable staff and great service? Check! A cozy inviting atmosphere that makes you wanna stick around for two more rounds? Check! This little East Village gem has everything you could want for a fun and relaxing night out as the weather turns cooler. There are hundreds of whiskeys to try and no two cocktails even come close to repeating each other. Absolutely something for every palate.

This is one of those places that I'm scared to tell you how amazing it is because you're going to ruin it for me! The owner was such a gentleman and was a perfectionist and sharing what cocktails and wine we should try. The oysters were amazing and I dare to say the oyster roasted dish was the best damn broth I've ever had!!!!5 stars but please don't come here and ruin it for me.

Came by for a cocktail Friday night and unfortunately didn't have a great experience. Our experience started off fine - we ordered the Mugfaker and Illicit Tea. Took a bit to get our drinks as they were busy, but once we got our drinks, we enjoyed both! Not even a few sips into our drinks, suddenly water was spilled all over my lap and phone. The bartender apologized and said he accidentally knocked over his water glass and gave us the rag to clean it up. It wasn't a big deal because it was water, but he should have either comped the drink or given us a drink on the house. I get it, mistakes happen, but it could've been a lot worse if my phone had water damage or if it had been something other than water.

Only a happy hour review. Was pretty quiet and chill. Super nice staff and good service. ALL the oysters are 1.50 4-7. Beer selection lacked. Wine and cocktails seems to be the go. Would return to try more food

Really just a review of the martini since that's all that we had: We didn't love the dirty martinis we got - the brine was very salty for some reason but outside of the salt was lacking flavor (we're definitely a martini snobs though so others may still like it!). I wish we tried the oysters but despite sitting at the bar we couldn't get anyone's attention in time before our next reservation.

Beautiful and delicious cocktails and great array of seafood. The whiteish salad was a stand out but the oysters, crab claws and shrimp Cocktail were all wonderful. Happy hour is definitely worth checking out but plan on staying.

This place is such a gem, I almost hesitate to review it so it doesn't get overrun. Food is spectacular across the board. Great rotating selection of raw oysters (including some local options), the pan roast and crab cake sandwich are so crave-able. And I haven't had a drink here that wasn't spot-on. All the bartenders are chill, nice, and knowledgeable. Great happy hour, live music certain nights.