The Spotted Owl Tavern Introduce
Nestled on the vibrant Avenue A in the East Village, The Spotted Owl Tavern is a bar that marches to the beat of its own drum. It’s a place where "weird is better than good, it's great," as one reviewer aptly put it. Far from being a stuffy, high-end establishment, The Spotted Owl embraces its identity as a quintessential East Village dive bar, offering a welcoming, unpretentious, and uniquely New York experience.
The atmosphere at The Spotted Owl Tavern is what truly sets it apart. It’s casual, cozy, and trendy in a way that feels authentic, not manufactured. This is a bar where you’re encouraged to make friends with the bartenders and fellow patrons, creating a sense of community that is rare in a city of millions. Whether you’re looking for a lively night out with friends or a quiet spot for solo dining on a weekday, The Spotted Owl adapts to its crowd, offering a space that is "perfectly ritzy for you" without the pretense of the Ritz. Its commitment to a genuine, no-frills good time, combined with a well-curated drink menu and engaging activities, makes it a cherished spot for many New Yorkers.
The Spotted Owl Tavern is located at 211 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, USA. Its address places it squarely in the heart of the East Village, a neighborhood famous for its dynamic nightlife, eclectic mix of bars, and artistic energy. The bar is easily accessible from various parts of Manhattan via public transportation, making it a convenient destination for a night out.
While the provided information does not specify wheelchair accessibility details, its ground-floor location on a major avenue suggests a level of convenience for entry. The surrounding area is well-trafficked, with various bus stops and subway stations a short walk away. Its position on Avenue A means it's a perfect spot to drop in after exploring the neighborhood's many other attractions.
The Spotted Owl Tavern offers a variety of services to enhance your experience:
Dine-in: Enjoy the full bar and grill experience with seating available inside.
Outdoor Seating: On warmer days, you can take advantage of the outdoor seating to enjoy your drinks and food while watching the world go by on Avenue A.
Takeout and Delivery: For those who prefer to enjoy their food at home, The Spotted Owl offers both takeout and delivery options.
Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner: The bar offers food throughout the day, including a brunch menu with unique items like the "Fried Egg Grilled Cheese Sandwich Brunch."
The Spotted Owl Tavern is celebrated for a number of standout features that make it a favorite among its patrons:
Great Beer and Cocktails: The bar boasts a great selection of beers and offers a cocktail menu that has been praised for its quality and creativity.
Billiards and Games: The presence of a billiards table and various board games like chess and backgammon creates a lively and competitive atmosphere, perfect for a night of friendly competition.
Fast Service: The staff, including a bartender named Max who is hailed as "the best," is known for their efficiency and friendly demeanor, ensuring you get your drinks and food quickly.
Lively but Adaptable Atmosphere: While it can get rowdy on weekends, the early weekdays are quieter, making it a versatile spot for different moods. The well-air-conditioned interior is also a welcome relief during the summer heat.
Trivia Night and Sports: The bar features a popular trivia night and broadcasts sports games, adding to its appeal as a go-to spot for entertainment.
Happy Hour: The Spotted Owl offers happy hour food and drink specials, providing great value for those looking to unwind after a long day.
For more information or to inquire about reservations, you can contact The Spotted Owl Tavern at the following details:
Address: 211 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, USA
Phone: (212) 388-9844
When visiting The Spotted Owl Tavern, you’ll find that its charm lies not just in a single dish or drink, but in the overall experience. However, there are a few menu items and highlights that consistently stand out. The food menu, though not extensive, offers delicious comfort food perfect for a casual night out. The Fried Egg Grilled Cheese Sandwich from the brunch menu and the Spotted Owl Wings are popular choices. The wings, in particular, are so well-liked that they are featured on both the appetizer and main courses sections of the menu.
The true stars of the show, however, are the drinks. The bar is celebrated for its "great beer selection" and "great cocktails." While specific cocktail names are not listed, the reviews suggest that the bartenders, like the highly-praised Max, are experts at crafting unique and perfectly balanced drinks. Whether you prefer a classic beer or a creative mixed drink, the quality is consistently high. Beyond the food and drink, the atmosphere and activities are a major draw. The billiards table is a hub of activity, with people often "battling to be the king of the table until closing." The live music and good music selections played by the bartenders add to the lively and engaging environment. It's a place where you can grab a simple bite or a delicious cocktail and get lost in the fun, friendly energy that is uniquely East Village.
The Spotted Owl Tavern Food & drink
Brunch
- Fried Egg Grilled Cheese Sandwich Brunch $11.00
Fried egg, Swiss, cheddar, prosciutto, house pickles and Parmesan crust. Served with roasted potatoes.
- The Spotted Owl Egg Sandwich Brunch $10.00
Two fried eggs, Swiss cheese, onions, garlic, bacon and arugula. Served with roasted potatoes.
Appetizers
- The Spotted Owl Wings $10.00
Herbed buttermilk brined wings, cornmeal battered and fried. Served in a sweet and spicy chili sauce with blue cheese dressing.
- Meatballs $9.00
4 ground beef and pork meatballs, tomato sauce, ricotta, fresh basil, Parmesan and toasted brick oven bread.
Salads
- Spring Salad
Arugula, shaved Parmesan, dried sour cherries, almonds and apple vinaigrette.
- Caprese Salad
Burrata, tomato, spinach and balsamic reduction.
Mains
- Rigatoni Bolognese with Meatballs $13.00
Rigatoni tossed in ragu of fresh ground beef and pork tomato sauce, garlic and herbs. Topped with 2 meatballs, ricotta, fresh basil and shaved Parmigiano Reggiano.
- The Spotted Owl Wings $10.00
Herbed buttermilk brine wings in a cornmeal batter, sweet and spicy chili sauce and blue cheese dressing.
Snacks
- Empanadas $6.00
2 empanadas.
- Weathered Fries $10.00
French fries, chorizo, mourney, chilies and scallions.
The Spotted Owl 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 parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Wine
Dining options
- Seating
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
The Spotted Owl Tavern Photos










The Spotted Owl Tavern Location
The Spotted Owl Tavern Reviews
pool tablepriceshappy houratmospherecrowdnamefrieswingscollegegames
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Sometimes, weird is better than good, it's great.But Spotted Owl at its best IS weird and that may be off-putting to many, especially those not ready to deal with a divey East Village crowd. Pool, a rowdy and friendly bar, solid prices... I think it has lots of what makes a bar great. If you're the sort willing to make friends with the bartenders and customers alike, you'll be juuust fine. Just don't expect the Ritz and it'll be perfectly ritzy for you.
September 06 · Mike AlwillMax is the best bartender at the best bar in the East Village.There are games behind the counter, for example, chess, backgammon, Yahtzee, etc.A billiards table near the back always has competition. Many people battle to be the king of the table until closing.The early weekdays are quieter than the large crowds on Thursday-Saturday.The summer heat won't get you in the well air conditioned bar.Also, Max plays good music.
July 10 · MattC93Use to have great bartenders, food, and atmosphere but post covid just a poorly run college bar unfortunately as a loss to the local neighborhood. Use to recommend this to new locals, but any other dive bar in the area is worth your money.
June 07 · AlexanderMany drink choices. Friendly bartenders. Serves good food (occasionally). We love hanging out here.
February 14 · Luisa Estanislao EastlawFun bar on the east side. It got crowded outta nowhere and was tough to get to the bar for a drink, but if you can go on a slower night it's a great spot. They have a pool table in the back and a couple TVs for entertainment. Drink prices are reasonable for the area. It's a good spot.
March 25 · Michael Fuller
More restaurants near me

211 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, USA

447 E 13th St, New York, NY 10009, USA

217 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, USA

212 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, USA

212 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, USA

210 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, USA

219 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, USA

13th St & 14th St, 212 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, USA

221 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, USA

221 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, USA

218 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, USA

444 E 14th St, New York, NY 10009, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites






Trending Dining Insights Posts





