Caledonia Bar — Restaurant in New York

I am not a whiskey drinker myself, but I came to Caledonia to arrange a curated tasting for my parents as a gift. I was put in contact with the owner, Alan, who in spite of welcoming a child into this world (congrats to the happy couple) was very accommodating and helped put everything together. I got to name my price range and we settled on a date and time. My folks got to sample 5 whiskies new to them, with a complimentary cocktail to start and a second pour of their favorite to cap off the evening.

The guide, Kevin, was extremely friendly and patient. As I bore witness, being the designated driver, my parents got to have their fill of increasingly tipsy conversating and drinking both. Kevin prepared something of a small presentation about each whiskey, giving some interesting background facts as well as his own professional opinions. I also spoke to Rachael via text beforehand, to whom I sent an encyclopedia-length list of all the whiskies I knew my parents have tried, liked, and keep at home, to better offer them a selection they wouldn't have had before. With success! Everything was new to them, and not only that, but they both found a whiskey they liked enough to want to introduce into their daily selection to sip at home. They also both raved about the place afterward and expressed an eagerness to find a reason to come back.

And this last bit is a personal thing, but my parents (especially my mom) both have pretty thick accents, and when I'm out with them I often notice people will be impatient or outright rude to them because of it. I'm pretty sensitive to it, as I hate to think that they are being given disrespect or worse service for the crime of speaking two languages. And naturally, being a bit drunk doesn't improve the communication situation. However, Kevin remained positive, attentive, and kind throughout the entire tasting. Not a single "I don't understand your english" or looking to me to "translate". It might not be a big deal to some, but I appreciate that they were treated with courtesy from beginning to end.

Overall, a 10/5 experience, and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in whiskey, expert or novice. They'll have something for experienced drinkers and newbies alike, and the kind of quality service that warrants a...

This bar has some of the best customer service I've ever seen. We first went on New Years for 2016-2017 New Years and drinks were fine but it was way too busy and popular that night to sit, let alone stand and obviously the bartenders were busy so while we enjoyed the drinks, we did not get the full experience.

While searching for a bar to visit last night, my boyfriend suggested we try "Caledonia Bar" again when as he remembered the wonderful selection. This time was even better.

I tell you, go when "GRAHAM"is bartending on the weekends and Monday's. As previous reviews already mentioned, THIS MAN KNOWS HIS STUFF! He took the time out to explain things like what the "peat" process is, and was able to recommend a cocktail for me. I learned so much about liquor yesterday and Graham was not bothered at all to educate us thoroughly in their origins etc. On top of that he is handsome, funny, witting, and charming. He had the whole bar laughing and literally "in good spirits". He goes above and beyond.This bar is the best whiskey and scotch bar in Manhattan I've experienced yet.

My boyfriend who is a bartender as well did not complain ONCE about any of the drinks and tried a new beer that was suggested to him as well. He tried the "small cheese plate" which consisted of "French Brie, Gruyere, and a White/Yellow Cheddar Mix". He had bread with honey as well. He finished the whole thing himself as I am vegan.

Thank you for such a wonderful experience. They have found loyal customers. We will DEFINITELY be...

I was disappointed by the simple bartenders treatment. She was just unnecessarily rude towards my date and I. We found it quite comical.

According to the bartender, they don’t serve tequila bc they are a scotch bar. However, multiple menu cocktails are made with Gin and Vodka.

Watch your credit cards. After fixing our drinks the bartender asked if we wanted to start a tab. I said not yet. She insisted on holding our card “just in case.” (Idk if she was implying we’d skip out on our tab) I then asked her to just close us out. Later on in the evening we opened a tab. She took the card. When we closed the tab she did not provide it back and insisted she didn’t keep it. I asked how she opened the tab without the card and I reminded her that she insisted on the card earlier in the evening. She got rude. I then furnished a $100 bill and she and the male bartender questioned its legitimacy. Which is fine! I’m an attorney so I’m 100% for being careful and insuring your employer isn’t being scammed. But the establishment had no method to check the validity of the bill (no marker, no light). They were standing at the register forever trying to figure it out. It was silly. Eventually they took the bill and short changed me. Smh just a mess of an experience. So messy we couldn’t help but laugh.

Regardless, I cannot recommend this bar. This is a cool area with many nice, cozy, bars. I recommend trying Brady’s down the street! It has more room, better drinks, and a...