MacDougal Street Ale House

This is a go to bar for me anytime I am in NYC. I have been stopping in here since 2001, and it always feels familiar. The bartenders are consistently great, and the surrounding area adds to the experience. Being right across the street from the Comedy Cellar, you get to hear plenty of excited conversations from people heading to or coming from a show, which is always fun. The beer menu has been stronger in the past, and a few options were unavailable this time, but that probably means they are doing something right. I went with a Dogfish 60 Minute IPA, which is a reliable favorite for me both here and back home. The bartender was very friendly and spent a few minutes chatting before a large group came in. She handled the group smoothly, and I gave up my seat so they could sit together, then finished my beer and headed out. There is a $15 credit card minimum, so I ended up ordering a second round, which I did not mind at all. I make a point to stop here every time I am in NYC. I have a lot of great memories of this place, especially from my days working in the Flatiron district with old work buddies.

If I could give 0 stars I genuinely would. Absolutely terrible bar. Went with some friends, wanted just one drink as need to be up early tomorrow and I don't drink much. Bartender happily poured the drink and took my card and only then told me there was a $15 minimum and refuses to give my card back. This is annoying but not a big deal, I can buy for friends. On top of that, the staff were slow and rude. The toilets were dirty and the menu lacking in variety as well as overpriced.

Nice bar in NYC with an amazing happy hour. Was able to swing by and enjoy a World Cup game and drink $5 beers. If you’re in the area, swing by, have a couple of cold ones and then enjoy the city. Will definitely stop by in the future.

Came here on Halloween and ordered 6 shots ($11/each) and was not even given an option to tip after paying. Bartender left himself a generous $15 tip which I did not agree to. Very annoying and will be disputing. Update: No one has returned my calls and the "Contact us" form on your website does not allow me to submit anything.

Pros: good happy hour deal, dart boards, tv set up Cons: mediocre service, awful draft beer We ordered a few pints of Guinness that tasted a little odd and had a lager that was more or less flat. I would stick to bottles if ordering beer from here.