The Gin Mill

I came here with a group of friends for lunch on a Sunday afternoon around 1:30p.m. There were 9 of us, and we were all able to get a table together without having to wait.

I had the black bean burger with a side salad. It was pretty good. About what I'd expect at a sports bar.
Our waitress was really nice and let us all pay using different cards, which we really appreciated.

This is my home away from home. I've been coming to The Gin Mill for about 14 years. My cousin introduced me to this spot and I became hooked. They have indoor and outdoor seating. The ambiance is chill, dim lit. They have restaurant seating in the back if you want to bring your kids for a bite to eat.
The best part...What bar do you know have happy hour from 11 am-7 pm?!? Not many! You can start a tab with a debit or credit card. All of the food is great but The wings are amazing!!! The morning/early afternoon crowd is mixed with older locals and some people on their lunch break will stop in for a bite and beer. The evening crowd is mixed but it's a lot of college students. If there's a game on, standing room only, so try and get there early.

False advertising - I normally like this joint, but for there to be no signs and then tell you when tab is to be paid that all deals are excluded from St Paddy's day is a scam.

We had an engagement party in the speakeasy room downstairs. The staff was simply fantastic and they hosted a wonderful party. Katelyn the bartender was quick and efficient and kept everyone happy, Lexi the server helped us get organized pre party and Tony (securiity) kept the room secure from passersby trying to crash. Highly recommend the Gin Mill for a party.

Moronic security deterred me from getting a drink here- the guy was talking to someone else out on the sidewalk then tried to get in my face acting like I was supposed to know he was a security guard. Thanks but no thanks, will never give this place my business again. Honestly wouldn't surprise me to hear this place found itself on the wrong end of a lawsuit with their hiring practices.

Great spot highly recommend. 2 California girls loved the vibe. We need a place like this in Southern California!

Run of the mill bar in UWS. The day we went, there was a private party. Fortunately, we were there for the live music event held on Mondays in the Speakeasy portion of the venue (downstairs by the bathroom). Cocktails were fine - nothing special - but were affordable (taking into account location and such).

$72 for 6 Stellas, 1 whiskey, and 1 basket of seasoned fries
R&B classics, big place, and non-creepy peeps
Very reasonably priced drinks but the food is mediocre at best

Calling all Gators fans... this is the place to watch the games in NYC!!

I was in NY for 5 weeks and needed my Saturday Gator football fix and the Gin Mill is where to go. It's a nice sports bar with lots of big-screen TVs inside and outside.

This is a low-key sports bar on 81st & Amsterdam Ave in the UWS. Affordable bar food and the long 1/2 price happy hour from 3-7 every day. $5 draft beer is perfect for game day.

Chicken Sandwiches are served grilled or fried and come topped with chipotle mayo and crispy fries.

Wings are very good, come 8 to a regular order and are can be made Mild, Medium, Hot, BBQ, Honey Mustard. Hot was the perfect amount of spice.

Great local bar with lots of regulars. Bartenders are friendly, IMO it's a win-win.

A disappointing lack of signature drinks and uneven service, was sorry I spent a happy hour here during covid fall weather. There was really nothing that stood out about this place, besides it's averageness. It may be a dive bar but it lacked the low key, warm charm some might expect.

The first issue was the hostess. She was not friendly and didn't seem to take interest in seating us. When we did sit down, the busboy was prompt and got us water (in 8 oz plastic cups). So, a mixed bag for service.

The drink options were not memorable. Some local craft beer to supplement the usual Guinness option, but nothing "wow." San gria and mule options but no gin drinks. Fun fact: The waiter helpfully explained that a gin mill was a term for a bar, but not really related to gin. Another let down for this spot.

The food, which is required by NY state law, was also average to forgettable. The sliders were fine but the Mac and cheese sliders were too doughy.

Lastly, the vibe was low brow with upper west side prices. In other words, an overpriced dive bar. Not a great mix.

Overall: try another dive bar or really, any other bar in the UWS.