The Tippler — Restaurant in New York

When we first heard about The Tippler, it was pre-pandemic and was still a speakeasy where you had a password to get in. During a trip to Manhattan, we went through the “secret entrance” in the Chelsea Market, but the bar was closed and wouldn’t open for several hours, so it became a “next time” destination. No longer a speakeasy, the street entrance is marked with an “Open” sign, so at this point, it’s really just an underground bar at the Chelsea Market. Which is fine, but I think a big part of the draw was the speakeasy experience. We thought the bar opened at 4:00, but when we got there around 4:20 we were told it wasn’t open until 5:00. The bouncer was rather rude about it, and very unfriendly. We had been in the Chelsea Market already, so took a quick hop up to The Highline to wait. At about 4:58 we went back, and the bouncer again told us the bar wasn’t open and we couldn’t wait by the door - it was rather cold out, there wasn’t a crowd, we weren’t being rowdy - and again, he was extremely rude about it. So we went back up to the street to wait two minutes. There was another couple up there who had likewise been treated rudely. When the door opened, we went in and got a table. From then on the experience was really great. The waitress was friendly and attentive, and the old fashioned was one of the best I’ve had. We loved the vibe and the interior, and overall just had a really great time while we were there. I’m sure it gets very crowded during peak times, but we really enjoyed having a table and a little space. Despite the poor introductory experience from the bouncer, I recommend giving it a try - just make sure to get there AFTER it...

I would give this place a 0 if I could, which is unfortunate since I came in thinking it was a 5. There is one specific bartender who ruined my experience. I went to order a drink, and the person beside me was having an awkward exchange with this bartender (whatever it was). When I ordered, I asked for grey goose and was told they don’t have it. Ok, cool, so I ordered something else. The guy beside me said “what bar doesn’t have grey goose?” And laughed, and I smiled. When the bartender was preparing my drink, I asked him to take out some ice (he filled it up and I just don’t like that much). He then said “it won’t effect the amount of alcohol”. I said, “excuse me? That is not why I asked for less ice. Why would you assume that”. He mumbled something, and then came back as said “you were laughing with that guy”. What?! I was so confused and angered. I asked to speak to the manager and he said “go find her”. I was taken aback. I then asked two others behind the bar, one basically ignored me, the other said “she is busy”. I asked “do you care about customer service?!”. They ignored me. I am appalled by not only the lack of professionalism, but just plain rudeness. Again, unfortunate because I really like the...

Just another reason why Chelsea Market is awesome regardless of the constant barrage of tourists. I'm lucky enough to work right by the Tippler. I had never been until late last year but a bunch of my co-workers were going one night so I tagged along. The place is a trip to get to as it's all the way in the basement of the market; what Melissa C. said about it being like a speakeasy without the pretension is dead on. Prices are very reasonable and the vibe is dead on; it's also larger than a closet unlike most speakeasies. The flip side is that the Tippler can be dicey on busy nights as it does pack out. But for a mid-week drink, it's second to none in this area. For Chelsea, the prices here are amazing. Unlike Bathtub Gin's $16-18 cocktails, here they're mostly $12. In addition they have a very good bottle/draft list for beer, a decent wine list, and they also have food (haven't tried it but I hope to eventually). The service is very good for a place like this, and that goes for the bartenders and waitresses. All in all there isn't much more you can ask for a bar. I hesitate to say the place is can't-miss or one-of-a-kind, but it is...