Set Back Inn

- 33 Main St, Tarrytown, NY 10591

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers venturing up the Hudson, or for Westchester locals seeking a reliably casual and welcoming spot, the Set Back Inn in Tarrytown, NY, stands as a true local institution. Nestled right on Main Street in this historic Hudson River town, this bar is known for its unpretentious, cozy, and casual atmosphere. It has been a fixture of the community for generations, serving as a reliable gathering place for both local groups and tourists exploring the charm of Sleepy Hollow Country. The Set Back Inn offers a relaxed environment where patrons can enjoy a quality selection of beverages, engage in classic bar games, and catch local live music and performances. Established in 1959, and occupying a space reputed to have been a tavern since the mid-1800s, the Set Back Inn carries a palpable sense of history, a quality that is rare and valued in the New York bar scene. It provides a straightforward and authentic bar experience—a great spot for a casual weeknight outing or a lively weekend gathering.

The bar’s name itself offers a clue to its unique character, deriving from its location set back slightly from the main road, a distinctive feature along the busy commercial strip of Tarrytown’s Main Street. This positioning subtly emphasizes its status as a local escape and a break from the surrounding hustle. Visitors consistently praise the friendly and attentive staff, which contributes significantly to the inn’s reputation as a welcoming, home-away-from-home establishment. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick drink after touring local historic sites like Lyndhurst Mansion or the Tarrytown Music Hall, or looking for the last spot open in the area, the Set Back Inn delivers a straightforward, enjoyable nightlife experience.

Location and Accessibility

The Set Back Inn is conveniently located at 33 Main St, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA, placing it directly in the heart of Tarrytown's vibrant downtown area. Main Street is a central artery in the village, making it an easy destination to find for anyone navigating the lower Hudson Valley. For those traveling from New York City or other parts of Westchester and the surrounding regions, Tarrytown is readily accessible. It is just a short trip from Manhattan via Metro-North Railroad's Hudson Line, with the Tarrytown station being a manageable walk or a very quick ride away.

Drivers will find the location easily reachable via the New York State Thruway (I-87) or the nearby Saw Mill River Parkway. One of the logistical advantages of visiting the Set Back Inn is the availability of Free street parking in the area, a significant convenience often difficult to find in denser New York suburbs. For a seamless experience for all guests, the establishment provides Wheelchair accessible entrance and a Wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for individuals with mobility needs. Being situated in a highly walkable, historic village center, the Set Back Inn is the perfect stop-off point as part of a larger night exploring the shops, restaurants, and attractions of Tarrytown.

Services Offered

The Set Back Inn is a full-service bar focused primarily on providing a diverse and high-quality selection of beverages in a welcoming setting. While it operates as a dedicated bar, it maintains a policy where Outside food allowed is permitted, enabling patrons to enjoy food from local Tarrytown eateries while they socialize and drink. The service options are straightforward and centered on a traditional tavern experience:

• Dine-in: Enjoying drinks and the atmosphere inside the cozy bar.
• Full Bar Service: Offering a wide array of alcoholic beverages.
• Beverage Offerings: Includes a Great beer selection, Cocktails, Hard liquor, Wine, and Alcohol in general.
• Fast service: A dedication to quick and efficient drink service from friendly, attentive bartenders.
• Restroom Access: A basic amenity for guest comfort.

Features / Highlights

The Set Back Inn is defined by a unique combination of atmosphere, history, and entertainment options that have cemented its status as a local favorite in the Westchester County bar landscape. Its key features are focused on providing a lively and engaging social environment:

• Late-Night Hours: This is a notable highlight; the Set Back Inn is widely recognized as the only bar in the Tarrytown area that remains open late, making it the ultimate destination to "keep the night going" after other venues have closed.
• Live Entertainment: The bar regularly hosts Live music and Live performances, contributing to a dynamic and high-energy atmosphere. They frequently feature local DJs and bands, creating a strong connection to the local music scene.
• Extensive Drink Selection: A focus on quality drinks is evident in their offerings, highlighted by a Great beer selection and Great cocktails for all tastes.
• Bar Games: Patrons can enjoy interactive entertainment with various Bar games available, fostering a friendly, competitive, and social atmosphere.
• Sports Viewings: The venue is a great place to gather and watch the action, as it features Sports on television, appealing to fans of various teams.
• Authentic, Cozy Atmosphere: The setting is described as both Casual and Cozy, attracting a diverse and welcoming Crowd of Groups and Tourists alike.
• Personalized Music Experience: In addition to scheduled acts, the venue sometimes allows patrons to play their own music, adding a personal and engaging touch to the night's soundtrack.
• Cash-Only Policy: It's important for visitors to note that the Set Back Inn operates on a Cash-only basis for payment.

Contact Information

If you are planning a visit, here is the essential contact information for the Set Back Inn:

Address: 33 Main St, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA

Phone: (914) 631-9740

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing the Set Back Inn offers New York area residents and visitors an opportunity to experience an authentic, historic, and vibrant local watering hole. It’s a place that foregoes modern-day pretension in favor of a genuine, community-focused bar experience. It is particularly worth choosing for three main reasons.

First and foremost, it is the premier spot for late-night activity in Tarrytown. If your night out extends past midnight, this is the destination where the energy and the drinks will continue flowing, ensuring your evening doesn't end prematurely. The fact that it is open seven days a week from 5 PM to close (and from noon to close on weekends) underscores its commitment to the local nightlife scene.

Second, the Set Back Inn is a magnet for quality entertainment and social engagement. With its regular schedule of live music, DJs, and live performances, there is always something happening to keep the atmosphere lively and dynamic. Add to this the availability of bar games and a space where you can catch sports, and you have an ideal venue for groups looking for a night of varied, low-key fun. This consistent entertainment lineup, combined with the friendly, dedicated service from their staff, creates an environment where everyone—from lifelong Tarrytown residents to day-trippers from Manhattan—feels immediately welcomed and engaged.

Finally, you’re choosing a piece of Westchester history. The establishment’s deep roots in Tarrytown, dating back over half a century in its current form and centuries in the space it occupies, imbues it with a character and charm that chain bars can’t replicate. While patrons have, on rare occasions, cited concerning instances of unprofessional conduct from bouncers that contradict the welcoming atmosphere and fast service for which the bartenders are known, the Set Back Inn’s long-standing status as a neighborhood hub suggests a powerful, enduring local appeal that has sustained it for generations. For New Yorkers who appreciate a historic tavern with excellent drinks, lively music, and a classic, no-frills setting, the Set Back Inn is an essential stop in the Hudson Valley.

Set Back Inn

33 Main St, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA