Gadfly Bar

I was so bummed to have a terrible experience here. I live very close by and have been eyeing this place for a long time. Finally went in and ordered a cocktail off their cocktail menu (the rosebud). I was super excited, it’s supposed to be rose, lemon, and vodka. It tasted like a vodka lemonade. No rose at all.Here’s the part that has made me write a review.I told the bartender (after I took one sip) I didn’t like it and asked to changed it out for a margarita. She told me absolute not. I ordered what I ordered and there was nothing wrong with it. Specifically she said “it’s a vodka lemonade if you didn’t want that you shouldn’t have ordered it.” She then offered me 50% off the margarita if I still wanted it. I would understand if I ordered a vodka soda and tried to return it, but I ordered a cocktail off your menu that tasted horrible and not as described.So disappointing!

Was excited to come here based on reviews but left completely dissatisfied. Cocktail was just OK borderline bad - definitely did not taste as described, watered down, and on the pricier side for what it was. After taking our drink order the server legitimately disappeared so getting another drink or any food was out of the question. When she finally resurfaced she spent time chitchatting with some tables while completely ignoring our attempts to grab her attention so we could just pay and leave. Such an odd experience

Great cocktails and atmosphere. Our bartender Regina was fun to talk w and made me a couple great Manhattans. Definitely would try to come back on my next New York visit.

A low review only because they started playing poker face and it was going well for like THREE SECONDS and then they switched it to a generic quiet elevator music song. The overpriced vodka rose lemonade just tasted like lemonade and the drinks took a bit of time to arrive but nice place.

The short server Lilah is just lovely. Kind, attentive, engaging, the whole package! Made our experience really special. Will definitely be back!

Fun and lively bar with unique beer selections! We love coming here after stumbling upon it, friendly service and found Cherry Chouffe! The chicken tenders are also soo so good!

Great beer and music! Would definitely come back!

This spot is exactly what I’ve been looking for in the area. Great drinks, amazing pretzels (like literally end up getting one every time), and ideal vibe.Bartenders are super nice and the bar has a neighborhood feel which is hard to find in the city. Looking forward to many more pretzels.(Also beer + shot deal will be great for weekend nights)

I’d like to give a shoutout to Gadfly Bar. My group and I came in without a spot in sight to sit, so we left for a moment. As we went outside, the manager came out and greeted us, offering a spot we didn’t see in the back. We went back in and well and behold there was a spot for us. Later on, he gave us two free drinks for our patience and the service couldn’t have been better. If you’re in area this is a great bar to go to.

Nice place. Good drink good people.. and what I remember of it really enjoyable. Staff is very cool. Price is good too. They do live music as well. If your in the area stop in and have a few.. or if your me..a dozen.

The Gadfly bar is a fantastic little enclave that offers amazing cocktails and service. Hugo the bartender was phenomenal and attentive ensuring I was not without a drink.I ordered the Fawlty Sour (great name) and the Cupo Joe. Both cocktails were amazing in different ways. Then Fawlty Sour had a similar flair to a Clover Club, but rather than raspberries it was strawberries. The Cupo Joe was a very creative twist on an espresso martini that used cold brew and put itself into a tumbler rather than a martini glass.Both drinks were delicious and easy to drink! I would definitely recommend going here if you want decent cocktails or even some bar food.

Overall, I had an okay experience at Gadfly.We arrived during happy hour, where drinks are 2 dollars off. They had a great drink menu, and we ended up getting a variety of different cocktails. Mix of hits/misses, but thats expected when trying new cocktails. I would give the drinks menu a solid 4/5.Food on the other hand was pretty disappointing. The smash burger was incredibly underwhelming, especially when you can get tons of better ones nearby for a fraction of the price. It didnt pack much flavor and the burger fell apart while I ate it. Their French fries were excellent, which did make up for the subpar burger. The hot dog was okay but nothing special. 3/5 for the food.Service was decent and they were fairly attentive. Slowed down a bit when the place got more busy but nothing to complain about.They have some games in the back as well as special events throughout the week. Id probably come back for happy hour, but would eat elsewhere.

Great bar in Chelsea area. Got cocktails and French fries with a friend. We both loved our cocktails. Would go back!

We hosted a private event at the Gadfly and had an awesome time. The food was yummy, the service was spot on and the staff was helpful with the planning and execution throughout

Straight forward Manhattan bar with friendly vibes, decent beer selection, and cocktails. The bar tender was extremely friendly and accommodating.At the end of the day, you go to a bar because youre able to grab a drink with a friend or two and have a good time. Gadfly was perfect for having a good conversation with friendly and lively vibes. Wasnt crowded and had a decent number of tables.Only reason for 4-stars is that it was a bit too dank for my taste, as well as not having much character that makes it stand out. It really feels like theres another 100 Gadflys across Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Such a nice spot! You HAVE to get the soft pretzel… it’s giant. The hot dog + beer combo is a great deal too. It’s such a nice inside too and really masters the cool bar without being grimy / dirty. Totally recommend! Only thing is its a bit loud, but you don’t go to the bar to be quiet :)

What isn’t there to love about the Gadfly! The bartenders are the most friendly people AND they make a mean cocktail. The drinks are absolutely delicious and creative without being over the top expensive. They offer 4 beers on tap, including delirium. The pretzel was double the size of my face and was both fluffy and crunchy. It’s the perfect date night spot or get together with a group of friends. The owner Joe clearly put a lot time, thought, and effort into this bar and cares a lot about the community. 10/10, would definitely recommend!

♿ accessible entrance but restroom doors too narrow for a wheelchair (approx (20 inches or 50 cm). Too bad because vibe seems great!

Lots of seating, fun dive bar! The outside has a neon red sign saying “bar” if you’re trying to find it. Always appreciate when a bar has under-table hooks for bags/coats. Manager was super friendly and attentive!

Of the bars in Chelsea, this is the one. Small intimate vibe but fun. It opened during COVID and so is new (depending on when you read this, I guess). Drinks are great, good selection of craft beers, the staff are super friendly, and they have a bunch of games (if you are into that)

I happen to find this bar randomly and I am glad I did. Its a small but cozy bar that offers some good drinks and food if you ever get hungry. My fav thing is the Cuban sandwich!!The friendly staff, led by Joe, does a really good job making you feel welcome.. the fun atmosphere will def have me going back in the future.P.s. they have a really good beer&shot special

Great spot. Good vibe, location, service and chicken.

Drinks were okay. Atmosphere was great. But the service was kind of okay. The server was not very nice. She kept getting frustrated when we asked for anything extra. We asked for some salt after getting shots and she said I dont think we can do that. I proceeded to ask if she could ask someone and she said but Ill have to go ask in the back. I told her I could ask the bartenders if you dont want to and she said okayyy with a kind of rude undertone. Tip was automatically included which was not good. Overall mediocre experience and the service was worse than average. Recommend going somewhere else.

Great on Monday nights for me a middle aged demure Chelsea broad. Rick makes a mean spicy virgin margarita.

Quality bar and will definitely go backFantastic beer menu collection and cocktails

Great atmosphere. Local bar feel. Great music. Very good drink and liquor selection. Will definitely be back.

Fine. The default bar experience. Super uncomfortable chairs at the tables, bartender gave us an extra beer because we drank through the end of a keg though which was super nice.

Drinks were ok

The most friendly staff I’ve ever met in NYC. Attention to detail, camaraderie, amazing atmosphere all around. Try the dogs!

Spent the first part of the evening enjoying their wine and beer selection. Friendly service, cool vibe.

We stumbled across this bar when visiting NYC. Cannot recommend this place more - not only did I have the best pretzel but the vibe and the drinks were awesome, the staff were also super lovely.

Cute bar, clean, reasonably priced drinks.Bathrooms are pretty small but clean!

Very friendly people, both staff and patrons. Cozy atmosphere. Great place to unwind after work or get your night out started off on the right foot.

Favorite bar in Chelsea. Great staff and owner, good food and drinks, fun times!

Great place for a date or to catch up with friends. They also have trivia nights every Tuesday which is always fun!

This is a cozy spot with good drinks.

One of the best spaces Ive been to recently in all of NYC! Great vibe, art, food, service, drinks.

Fantastic neighborhood bar. Great bartenders and staff and owner Joe. Great drinks and food. Especially the pretzel.

Good vibes and very friendly staff

Got food poisoning from a cocktail with egg white. All the people I was with were fine, and we shared all the other dishes we ate that day, so I’m pretty certain it was the drink

Quick and efficient bartenders, I thought the drinks were amazing, and the vibe was great for having a chat with your friends. The music was there but you don’t have to scream at your friends for them to hear you.

Small nice place to have a drink, staff is friendly, great service. Bathrooms are clean.

My favorite neighborhood bar. Delicious cocktails, and friendly staff.

First time visiting and very impressed. Great cocktails, delicious pretzel and lovely staff. We will definitely be back next time were in the area!

Solid dive bar with a fun trivia night. Frequently come here after work with coworkers.

I came here for a coworker happy hour on a Tuesday evening not long before they started to do their trivia night. We managed to cram into a table in the corner and got a few drinks. The drinks are priced similar to other bars. Its got a dark and upscale vibe.

Great sports bar with large dining room.Will come back....

Best pub I ever drank in throughout my entire life. I get a warm and fuzzy feeling every time I walk through the front door. It’s like a second home from the womb in which I was born.

Awesome spot, great food and vibes

Extremely nice people and great drinks.

Great local. Wish I was across the street

We came to Gadfly Bar while visiting the city from upstate. Loved the vibe and atmosphere. Great beer selection and delicious cocktails!

Great spot for a drink. Friendly staff.

Awesome little cozy bar tucked away in the Chelsea neighborhood in Manhattan. Friendly staffs and nice selection of snacks. Great place to meet up with friends or hosting intimate parties.

Drinks were good and service was great, but the fries I got were awful. I got their Disco Fries fries with mushroom gravy, which looked like powdered gravy mix and tasted like it too. The cheese on top was also one dry, hardened mass, as if it had been microwaved.

Great cocktails!

Casual vibes, prompt and friendly service, fair prices.

Soft pretzel with cheese is good. They have a good selection of drinks. Nice warm lighting. Bathrooms are clean.

Great venue absolutely good location great vibes would recommend

Amazing bar with amazing drinks and amazing people. We were looked after so well while travelling through it will be the first stop when Im back in NYC! Thank you all!

Great little neighborhood spot. Good bourbon. Good beer. Hits the mark.

I went here after work with friends for drinks. It was good for the purpose and somewhat fancier than our usual.

Has a cool atmosphere and great. Creative cocktails! I went fairly early Im the day so cant comment on the vibes in the evenings

Neighborhood vibes. Chill and cozy. Great beers on the menu. Super close to the L subway

Neighborhood watering hole that does everything right in no small part due to the cheerful attitude and top mixology skills by Regina. Long live the Queen ,lol

Perfect neighborhood spot! Great cocktail list and menu, and relaxed but fun mood. Will definitely be back.

Nice cute spot for drinks.

Great ambience, friendly bartender, great beers. Highly recommended.

Loved the hot dog and big pretzel, so good!

Excellent cocktails, relaxed atmosphere. Trivia on Tuesdays fills up quickly so try to get there early!

Fantastic bar, bartender Regina is super amazing, awesome vibe! Definitely come back.

Sick digs. Don’t miss out on the hotdog beer combo

Cute bar, bigger than it looks, with a laidback vibe. Came in here for some drinks!

Great neighborhood bar. Cans of Ebbs.

Well priced drinks, friendly staff and a cozy interior.

Amazing pretzels and cocktails! Friendly staff too. Can’t wait to come back!

Great little neighbourhood bar! Friendly and welcoming.

Great new place. Worth checking out.

Little bar with a surprising amount of space inside

Great, great place. Peace love, Moby.

Love and obsessed with this bar and their friendly service and amazing drinks. Try the Sazerac.

Love this place, such a nice new neighborhood bar in Chelsea

Amazing place and definitely great to hold events!

Great vibe, great Old Fashioned!

Great Tuesday trivia!

Great time!

AWESOME spot! Can’t wait to go back!

Solid neighborhood spot with good drinks and good service

Everything is 5 stars, drinks, food, bartenders, music, ambience

Great drinks, amazing pretzels and owners

Great late night grub and drinks

Great cocktail variety!

Nice bar!

Super chill and beautiful place

Music sucks

The best bartenders ever

Great place - amazing service

Great happy hour

Nice folks and pleasant vibes

Awesome. Must to visit.

Wonderful crowd.

Love the vibes

Place to be!

Great spot

Quiet bar.

Pleasant