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The Spotted Owl Tavern
- 211 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009

Bar, Bar & grill ★4.0 (17)·$10–20

211 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, USA

4.0
Sometimes, 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. - Mike Alwill
The Spotted Owl Tavern Overview Intro Food & drink Detail Photos Location Reviews
$10–20 per person Reported by 17 people$1–10$10–20$20–30$30–50$50–100

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.

Location and Accessibility

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.

Services Offered

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."

Features and Highlights

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.

Contact Information

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

What is Worth Choosing

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 Picture 1The Spotted Owl Tavern Picture 2The Spotted Owl Tavern Picture 3The Spotted Owl Tavern Picture 4The Spotted Owl Tavern Picture 5The Spotted Owl Tavern Picture 6The Spotted Owl Tavern Picture 7The Spotted Owl Tavern Picture 8The Spotted Owl Tavern Picture 9The Spotted Owl Tavern Picture 10

The Spotted Owl Tavern Location

The Spotted Owl Tavern

211 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, USA

The Spotted Owl Tavern Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 278 user reviews.

pool tablepriceshappy houratmospherecrowdnamefrieswingscollegegames

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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