Uptown Bourbon — Restaurant in New York

photo: shoutout to Joe for letting me borrow their rose in the name of hauntingly beautiful aesthetics x

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how did it go from “my bar” to “dead to me”?

i’d like to start this off by acknowledging its a lengthy read, but I’d like my review to be accurate & encompass the mixed feelings I have about this place — being a nyc newbie, an autistic with a need for safe space & routine to function, a full-time nightowl, & student near less than idle studying spots after 6pm, leaving me with little to no options in terms of working productivity.

so when I found a little hole in the wall within walking distance that had dimmed lights, some tables, a lively atmosphere, vinyl records, caring bartenders who watch my drinks if I need to step away, AND late hours - I had decided it would be my go-to spot. I accomplished a great deal of my work there, was met with tons of welcoming energy, & even connected with some soft souls.

However, out of ~10 bartenders - the energy was sorta effy around one - which I didn’t take to heart as the most important part is feeling respected which I did - till I didn’t. (there was a previous minor confrontation that was unprovoked & aggressive that I brushed off as not personal as “we ALL have bad days”).

But during my last visit, I was doing my usual work, minding my business when I saw another regular near closing time, exchanged hellos and headed out.

Me & this person were the only two female individuals standing (or rather they were tipsily sitting) outside the bar. When I was attempting to leave, I asked whether they were okay to get home; their response of slurred speech and inability to find a wallet or phone in their bag, & with many other individuals circling around her told me that they clearly were not.

As a human being that cares about the well-being of others, the last thing I was going to do was leave someone in an extremely vulnerable position without doing my best to assist.

While I was unable to get them a ride back, I figured I would at least wait by until they had their phone back from inside the bar as a means to safety- (i saw the phone on them inside & calling it confirmed it remained there). After they knocked & waited upfront for a little while, they had decided to check the back and see if they could get their phone that way. I accompanied them along with another kind patient individual who tagged along after watching the events unfold & wanted to ensure we both got back safe.

We reached the back, in her state, she was loooouud on her way up the stairs - to which I asked her to lower her voice as the workers would be doing her a favor. I stood by the other individual at the end of the stairs in the back; waiting in silence.

To my dismay, after they had retrieved their phone and as they walked down, one of the bartenders who was NOT serving that night was coming down the stairs yelling at the top of their lungs that “I” specifically should not be here. when I tried to respond in a calm voice “we’re leaving.” My response was drowned out by their continued yelling pointed at myself alone. not at the person walking down the stairs infront of them (also a known regular). not at the person beside me. just me.

Spewing things like “we had told you not to come around this side” insinuating I had done it before or even wanted to be in this situation anymore than they did .…——

—— review completed in...

Uptown bourbon is a nice chill spot that spin classic records which we rarely see anymore. Depending on the day you go, the staff is extremely humble and nice and makes some great drinks. But when the place gets busy it can be a tight squeeze, smartest move to to get to the table near the window and bathroom and hold it down. First come first chair, One day I went I was hanging with the Wrong kind of people and they spiked my drink, the bartender didn't know an thought I was being weird yelling and stuff, but I was actually drugged and would never do such a thing. Watch your drink in these dark places. Have your bartender know your stepping away. I wasn't so lucky That day. This was my go to spot for the best Evan Williams and ginger. Or they would make a really nice signature drink. I almost tried every drink on the menu. We shall see whats next. Be safe out...

Too expensive for me. Nothing really stands out nor makes it specially which why I was in shock about the prices (especially for this neighborhood, I mean cmon it's Hamilton Heights NOT midtown manhattan or Williamsburg)The bartender didn't know how to make a pretty common drink... and I think they looked it up on the phone...

They also didn't ask for ID from this girl whom I overheard was only 18 when she started talking to this guy by me. But I think the bartender knew her...

The place is pretty cozy and warm. The only thing that was weird was a guy (customer) asked if I wanted to buy weed from him. I told him I don't smoke but I think he was drunk and didn't believe me and was trying to start a fight about it.

I also think they should...