Lion's Head Tavern Introduce
In the heart of New York City, where every block tells a story, a great neighborhood bar is more than just a place to grab a drink—it’s a community hub. Lion's Head Tavern, located on Amsterdam Avenue, embodies this spirit perfectly. As a sports bar, bar & grill, and classic pub all rolled into one, it offers a welcoming and versatile experience for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking to catch the big game, unwind after a long day at work, or simply enjoy some great food and company, Lion's Head Tavern provides a casual and cozy atmosphere that feels both trendy and familiar. It’s a place where you can relax, meet up with friends, or even enjoy some solo dining in a friendly setting.
The tavern's reputation is built on its vibrant atmosphere, excellent food, and a fantastic selection of drinks. From juicy burgers and crispy fried chicken to a variety of beers and handcrafted cocktails, the menu is designed to satisfy every craving. It’s a spot where the friendly staff makes you feel right at home, and the lively crowd creates a fun and energetic environment. Known for its fast service and engaging events like trivia night, Lion's Head Tavern is more than just a place to eat and drink—it's an integral part of the local scene. It stands as a testament to the classic New York City pub, a place where memories are made and good times are always on tap.
Lion's Head Tavern is conveniently situated at 995 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025. This prime location in a bustling New York City neighborhood makes it easily accessible for anyone in the area. The surrounding area is well-served by public transportation, making it simple for patrons to get to the tavern without a car. For those with mobility needs, the venue is committed to inclusivity, featuring a wheelchair-accessible restroom. This ensures that all guests can enjoy their time comfortably and without any issues. The tavern's location on Amsterdam Avenue places it in a lively and dynamic part of the city, surrounded by other local businesses and residential areas, making it a perfect spot for both a planned night out or a spontaneous stop.
The establishment's layout and amenities are designed to provide a comfortable and welcoming experience for everyone. The presence of a gender-neutral restroom also contributes to its inclusive and modern atmosphere, which aligns with the diverse and accepting nature of the surrounding community. The availability of outdoor seating is another major draw, allowing patrons to enjoy their food and drinks while soaking in the vibrant city energy. This blend of easy access and thoughtful amenities makes Lion's Head Tavern a popular and hassle-free destination for anyone looking for a great time on the Upper West Side.
Lion's Head Tavern provides a comprehensive range of services to cater to all types of dining and social preferences. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or planning a full evening out, their offerings are designed for convenience and enjoyment.
Outdoor Seating: Enjoy your food and drinks al fresco with the tavern's outdoor seating option. This is perfect for a pleasant evening or a sunny afternoon, allowing you to experience the lively street scene of Amsterdam Avenue.
Dine-in: The classic dine-in experience is at the core of what Lion's Head Tavern offers. With a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere, it’s an ideal place to sit down with friends or family for a meal and drinks. The venue accepts reservations, which is particularly helpful for groups.
Delivery and Takeout: For those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home, the tavern offers both delivery and takeout services. This is a convenient option for busy weeknights, a cozy night in, or when you’re craving their delicious food but can’t make it to the bar.
Table Service: The tavern provides full table service, ensuring that you and your group are well taken care of throughout your visit. This allows for a relaxed and seamless dining experience, letting you focus on the company and the atmosphere.
Happy Hour: Lion's Head Tavern features happy hour drinks, offering a great opportunity to enjoy their fantastic beer and cocktail selection at a reduced price. It's the perfect way to unwind after work and start your evening on a high note.
Lion's Head Tavern stands out from other bars and grills in the area due to a variety of unique and appealing features. These highlights contribute to its reputation as a go-to spot for food, fun, and community.
Great Beer and Cocktails: The tavern boasts a great selection of beers, from local craft brews to classic favorites, ensuring that every beer lover finds something to enjoy. Their great cocktails and hard liquor selection also provide plenty of options for those seeking something different.
Vibrant Sports Atmosphere: As a premier sports bar, Lion's Head Tavern is the perfect place to watch a game. With screens strategically placed, you won't miss a single play, making it a popular spot for fans of any sport. The collective energy of a crowd cheering on their favorite team creates an electrifying atmosphere.
Engaging Trivia Night: The tavern's trivia night is a highlight for many patrons. It's a popular event that brings a fun, competitive, and social element to the pub. It's an excellent way to test your knowledge, enjoy some laughs, and compete with friends or other groups. The event has gained a loyal following, even attracting some very passionate competitors, which adds to the fun and character of the place.
Diverse and Inclusive Crowd: Lion's Head Tavern is known for being LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space. The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and welcoming to everyone, making it a popular destination for groups and individuals who value a safe and inclusive environment. It’s a place where anyone can feel comfortable and be themselves.
Classic American Pub Fare: The food menu is filled with classic pub fare done right. From the massive Nachos Grande and the hearty Lion's Head Burger to unique items like the PBJ Smash Burger and Fried Oreos, there's a delicious dish for every palate. The kitchen offers a variety of options, from light salads to substantial sandwiches and appetizers, all designed to complement the drink menu perfectly.
For reservations or any other inquiries, you can reach Lion's Head Tavern at the following contact details:
Address: 995 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025
Phone: (212) 457-1274
When considering a spot for a night out in New York City, Lion's Head Tavern is a standout choice for multiple reasons. The primary draw is its fantastic combination of a friendly, laid-back atmosphere and top-tier pub offerings. It strikes the perfect balance between a lively sports bar and a comfortable, welcoming neighborhood pub. You can be as social or as private as you like—whether you want to be part of the boisterous crowd watching a game or simply unwind with a quiet drink at the bar, the space accommodates all moods.
The variety of their menu, from the great food at the bar to the full table service, means you're not limited in your dining experience. The food is more than just an afterthought; it’s a key part of the appeal, with everything from classic burgers and sandwiches to unique starters and sides. The prices are also reasonable for the city, making it an accessible option for a wide range of budgets. The great beer and cocktail selections are a definite highlight, with something for every taste.
The tavern's commitment to creating an inclusive and safe space for everyone is a major reason it’s worth choosing. The LGBTQ+ friendly environment and designation as a transgender safe space show a genuine effort to foster a welcoming community. This is not just a bar; it's a place where people can feel at ease and accepted, which is something that truly sets it apart. The engaging trivia nights add a layer of fun that keeps patrons coming back, creating a sense of community and friendly competition (though sometimes a little too competitive, as one passionate reviewer noted!). This blend of a great atmosphere, quality food and drink, and a strong sense of community makes Lion's Head Tavern a true gem on Amsterdam Avenue and an excellent choice for any occasion.
Lion's Head Tavern Food & drink
Chicken Wings
- 100 Wings $149.95
- 20 Wings $34.00
Widely regarded as the Best in NYC, our famous wings are deep fried to perfection and tossed in your choice of one of our home sauces
- 10 Wings $20.00
Widely regarded as the Best in NYC, our famous wings are deep fried to perfection and tossed in your choice of one of our home sauces
Tots/Fries
- Tater Tots $11.00
The Classic from your childhood.
- Hand-Cut Fries $10.00
Hand cut rustic potatoes. Twice fried and tossed in dried rosemary, black pepper and sea salt
Starters
- Nachos Grande $20.00
Fresh fried tortillas topped with our veggie chili, cheddar, mozzarella, pico, cilantro and a sour cream drizzle
- Fried Chicken Fingers $16.00
Strips of white meat chicken, dipped in our beer batter and breadcrumbs, then deep fried. Served with housemade BBQ sauce
- Chicken Quesadillas $20.00
Marinated grilled chicken, cheddar, mozzarella, diced tomato,onion, pickled jalapeños with a sour cream drizzle and pico on the side
- Beer-Battered Spicy Dill Pickles $14.00
House made spicy dill pickles, beer battered and deep fried. Served with our Special Sauce
- Pulled Pork Poutine $20.00
Bed of totts with melted cheddar and mozzarella. Smothered in Brown Gravy and topper with our slow cooked pulled pork. Finished with fresh scallions
Salad Bowls
- Farmers Salad $18.00
Mixed Greens, Sliced Avocado, Red Onion, Cucumber, Corn, Cherry Tomatoes and Pine Nuts with our Herb honey Vinaigrette
- Chicken Caesar Salad $18.00
Romaine lettuce, Creamy caesar dressing, parmesan cheese and toasted croutons topped with our marinated grilled chicken
Dogs
- 2 Fresh-Fried Corn Dogs $14.00
Two all beef dogs, dipped in our sweet and savory batter and deep fried. Served with our Gold Lion BBQ sauce
- Chili Cheese Dog $10.00
All Beef dog, slathered in our veggie chili. Topped with cheddar and mozzarella, finished with diced red onion
- Classic NYC Dog $10.00
All Beef dog, grilled and topped with our house made sauerkraut, red onion sauce and spicy golden mustard
Burgers
- Beyond Burger 3P $24.00
6oz Beyon Burger, Bibb lettuce, sliced tomato, red onions and house brined pickles on brioche bun
- PBJ Smash Burger $23.00
2x 1/4 Smash Burgers, Creaming Peanut Butter & Bacon Jam on Pretzel Bun
- The Lion's Head Burger $24.00
1/2lb Beef Brisket blend, cheddar, sliced jalapeños, Fresh fried Onion Rings and homemade BBQ Sauce
- The Classic Burger $22.00
1/2lb Beef Brisket Blend, Bibb lettuce, sliced tomato, red onions and house brined pickles. topped with our Special Sauce
- The Patty Melt $20.00
Seasoned Ground Brisket Blend, American Cheese, House Pickles, Special Sauce on Marble Rye
Sandwiches
- BLT Sandwich $15.00
- Spicy Korean Chicken Sandwich $22.00
Fried Chicken Breast, Spicy Korean Sauce, Sesame Seeds, Cucumber, Kewpie Slaw on a brioche bun
- Fried Chicken BLT $22.00
Fried Chicken Breast, Crispy Bacon, Bibb Lettuce, Tomato and Mayo on Brioche Bread
- Grilled Chicken Avocado Sandwich $22.00
Our marinated grilled chicken with sliced avocado, Bibb lettuce, red onions, tomatoes and a herb honey vinaigrette
- Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwich $22.00
Beer Battered and deep fried chicken breast tossed in our Hot Honey Sauce, topped with shredded lettuce and house brined pickles on a brioche bun
- Taylor Ham & Cheese With Egg $18.00
- The Grilled Cheese $18.00
Munster, Cheddar, Bourbon Onions, Local Sourdough
- French Dip $26.00
Marinated grilled Skirt Steak, smothered in bourbon cartelized onions and Swiss cheese. Served in a French hero with Au Ju
- Pulled Pork $22.00
Heavily seasoned slow cooked Pork Shoulder, tossed in our Gold Lion BBQ sauce. Served on a seeded brioche bun and top with housemate cole slaw
Sweets
- Fried Oreos $10.00
Six classic Oreo Cookies, beer battered and deep fried. tossed in confectioners sugar
Sauces/Condiments
- Side Of Celery $1.00
- Blue Cheese $1.00
- Teriyaki $1.00
- Caesar Dressing $1.00
- BBQ $1.00
- Ranch $1.00
- Ass Burner $1.50
- Hot $1.00
- Medium $1.00
- Mild $1.00
- Honey Mustard $1.00
To Go Beverages
- Poland Spring(16.9oz) $1.50
- Root Beer(12oz Can) $2.00
- Sprite(12oz Can) $2.00
- Coke(12oz Can) $2.00
Lion's Head Tavern Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Sports
- Trivia night
Popular for
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Food
- Food at bar
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Wine
Dining options
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Lion's Head Tavern Photos










Lion's Head Tavern Location
Lion's Head Tavern
995 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025, USA
Lion's Head Tavern Reviews
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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Stopped by after a work event and decided to explore the bars in the area—and wah-lah, found a gem. Affordable beers, great vibe, and a really welcoming atmosphere. The bartenders were kind and attentive—pretty sure mine was Emi—shoutout to her for not pressuring me to grab another beer when I just wanted to chill. Sometimes you just want a place where you can unwind after work and be left alone if that’s the mood, and this spot definitely delivers. Overall, I’d absolutely come back if I’m in the area.
September 17 · Kevin D.Great bar, great food, great service. Only issue is there were too many cheaters at trivia night! I seriously don’t understand how you could be so immature that you need to cheat at bar trivia to make yourself feel good.I honestly feel sorry for the group that was cheating because clearly they needed to boost their self esteem. It’s ridiculous that they denied cheating after I pointed out the absurd amount of questions that they had gotten right.From a young age my father taught me that dignity and honor are the most important things in life. When I was just 18, through hard work and dedication, I was able to gain access to my six figure trust fund. Before I left for college my father told me, “son, you’re the smartest person in the world. You’re destined to do great things in life and no one can stop you. If you EVER lose to anyone at bar trivia it must be because they cheated. There is no other possibility.” So clearly I knew that this group could not have known all those answers because I didn’t know them.If these scumbags are ever allowed to set foot in the Lions Head again, my father will be EXTREMELY upset, and you do not want that.
April 24 · Jebediah DemarkowitzThis is easily the best bar around Columbia and truly an UWS gem. Great trivia night on Wednesdays, too. However, this last Wednesday, the trivia host and a bartender accused my squad of cheating in trivia since we were actually doing well for once. I didn’t appreciate these accusations, nor did I appreciate the guy who complained that we were “cheating”. Yeah… this guy couldn’t handle getting outsmarted and outplayed by some seniors in college (I’m gonna guess he goes to Columbia law). Crazy to think that a group of 6 men that all watch football don’t go 9/9 on Madden covers (we only needed 8 of them). And might as well assume that we don’t listen to Biz Markie, No Doubt, or the Cure while you’re at it. Maybe assume that we won’t successfully get a question about Wrigley Field correct even though I am from Chicago, too? But I digress. I didn’t appreciate people thinking we didn’t know our stuff solely on the basis of being among the youngest in the room. Will I continue to go here? Absolutely. And will I continue to buy $30 pitchers of Bud Light for my table? Definitely, despite having a college student level of disposable income. It is a tragedy that a blemish got placed on our great performance in what will be one of my last times at lion’s head trivia night, and I can guarantee that if we were cheating (which we were not), then we would not have lost on the final question. (New York trivia league– if you don’t want people having multiple phones out, don’t put a “just watch” option on your trivia page, for that implies that team members can have their phone out to also follow along on questions). Thank you lion’s head, and I’ll see you all next Wednesday.Edit: Not sure where the throwing up on a jacket story came from. That did NOT happen… it was 7:30pm on a Wednesday. Keep in mind, these are actual adults making up stories about a group of college guys that beat them in trivia. Pretty funny, honestly.
April 30 · Charlie Siebertwow Wanted to try the new brunch. Only been offering it a few days and had a new chef today so I will cut them some slack. The French toast was awesome and the coffee is served in a French Press which is really nice. The combo breakfast is huge with lots of meat and eggs. The doughnuts are made to order and hot, but they are cake doughnuts so if you prefer the light style doughnuts like Krispy Kreme you will not care for these as much. These are great cake doughnuts, but they are cake. Overall it was nice, but it is a bar not a breakfast place. We will go back again for the French Toast, big combo breakfast and the French Press coffee for sure. Check out all of our reviews. If we do not like it we do no review it so all of the ones you see are places that are fantastic. Follow us if you like. We had over 7 million views in 2021 and we thank you for that. We don't get paid, we just love to eat. Be sure to click on "RobH" at the top of this review to see all of them and to follow us if you like good food and shopping
March 24 · Rob H.Superb neighborhood bar for NY sports nights, lots of TVs, fantastic bar food and an amazing beer and draft selection including something from every family of ales. The raspberry cream sour on the menu was a delight.
May 17 · Yennaedo Balloo
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