Uptown Lounge

i have been here for just drinks as well as sitting down for lunch. the bar experience was much better, though their drinks are overpriced. for lunch, got a simple cobb salad and food was not very fresh or tasty. its great for the neighborhood, but i dont think i'd go back.

Pros: extensive wine list

Cons: food, prices

Posted 05/15/09

Let me start by saying that I WANT to like this place. The atmosphere is great, drinks are strong and tasty, and it fills a niche in a neighborhood dominated by dives and sports bars. However, the abominable service makes Uptown Lounge nearly impossible to enjoy. I've been several times in the past couple months, and each time the service is worse than the time before, culminating in last night's visit when I found a sliver of glass in my martini. The waitstaff seemed unconcerned about this and did not apologize, even as I handed over the half inch shard. My drink was replaced, but not comped and I left with a lighter wallet and without any sympathy from the staff at Uptown Lounge.

Pros: Great atmosphere, good food and drink

Cons: horrible service

Posted 03/11/09

This place is really great. The staff are nice and friendly. The atmosphere is amazing. And, the lighting is really amazing.

The food was really great and I had some of the best filet mignon I've ever eaten. However, I don't think it was good enough for 5 stars. Further, it was CRAZY expensive. I think they're charging way too much for what they ultimately deliver.

Posted 11/21/08

This place is one of my all time favorite restaurants in New York, primarily because of the atmosphere and the outstanding service. The food is great, but nothing that sets it apart from our city's stiff competition. The reason to go here is that there just aren't restaurants like this anymore. The quality of service is so outstanding and makes you feel so special, that this is my go to place for special occasions and visiting friends/family.

Posted 10/29/08

Though I usually stick to my own neighborhood spots downtown for brunch, I was pleasantly surprised by Uptown's Sunday brunch menu and two drink (Bloody Mary, Mimosa, Coffee, included) special -$15.95. Unlike most places in the city, there was no crowd or wait (even at 12:45), the service was quick and pleasant and the food exceptional (hefty portions). I really felt like I got my money's worth and enjoyed not being rushed out to make room for waiting customers. The brunch menue offered breakfast favorites as well as a few lunch crossovers. I will definitely revisit if I am uptown! (They also have a killer Cobb Salad).

Posted 11/25/07

This place has the best brunch on the UES. Food, drinks, service, and atmosphere are all great! I also enjoy their martini specials on Wednesdays.

Pros: food, service, drinks

Posted 11/07/07

I cannot say enough about Uptown Lounge. They have great food for brunch, dinner, and it's a great late-night spot. I must also mention that the have the BEST happy hour special on Wednesdays. All martinis are half off - and they are great and strong. Love this place! A great spot on the UES.

Pros: happy hour, drink selection, food, service

Posted 07/23/07

I am generally a downtown scene type of personality and totally cannot relate to the upper east side scene...but this place is not what I expected at all. Uptown Lounge is totally down to earth! The staff is totally unpretentious, the service is above average, the food is good, Happy Hour & Brunch are awesome, and furthermore the customers seem pretty cool too.

Posted 07/10/07

This place is great to just show up on a Friday around 7pm and have some drinks while you wait for a table. They have a skylight in the back, so the entire place has a very open feel, even if you don't get a table up front or outside. The menu prices are really great and the food quality is great. If you're by yourself, feel free to eat at the bar. The people are also really fun and relaxed, some still dressed up nicely from work others in jeans and a polo. No stuffiness here! Highly recommend it!

Pros: Fun Crowd, Open Air Feel, Low Prices on Menu

Cons: None

Posted 05/13/07

I had a very belated birthday party at Uptown last night and it was amazing. The girl there who helped me plan it, Kerry, stayed throughout the party to make sure everything was perfect and really went above and beyond. Our bartender, Tom was so nice, attentive and adorable. They really made it a special night for me and my friends, thank youy guys!

Pros: Fantastic Service, wonderful party, friendly staff

Cons: None

Posted 05/05/07

I went to Uptown for the fouth time last night and it is definitely my favorite spot in the neighborhood. I have had a different waitress every visit and none have been less then fantastic. The service is so friendly, they all have had great suggestions and have been completely attentive. One girl suggested I add chicken and fresh mozzarella to the pesto ravioli and it was amazing. The price was more then reasonable as well, happy hour specials help but it still was not expensive. I have never written a review before but thought I should help get the word out about Uptown.

Pros: Great service, great food, good atmosphere, great happy hour

Posted 05/04/07

I am only in New York for a few months on business, and have not quite yet had the opportunity to fully experience the restaurant scene in this wonderful city. However, I must compliment Uptown Lounge for the lovely experiences they have provided. They have a wonderful happy hour every day, some interesting daily specials, the food is fabulous (at least everything I have tried), but most importantly, have a staff that is so warm, it is almost as though I am back home (from the south)! While I should like to see more of this amazing city, I find myself back here more often than not! I was just in again last night, and saw exactly how much of a "family" the staff here is. It is also very easy to become a "regular" here. Highly recommended! P.S. try the spinach dip - it is amazing.

Pros: service, happy hour

Cons: can be crowded on weekend nights

Posted 04/02/07

I love Uptown, I go there all the time & it is the best money spent on the Upper East Side. Every server I have had has been so nice & friendly. The spinach dip is better then any I have had (including Houston's), & they have a great happy hour that is offered every day of the week.

Pros: Ambiance, Service, Drink Specials

Posted 01/06/07

Let me just say the food was horrible. Go DOWNTOWN (preferably Extra Virgin or Agave) and spend 30 dollars on a meal that is actually edible.

Posted 01/04/07

Let me just say the food was horrible. Go DOWNTOWN (preferably Extra Virgin or Agave) and spend 30 dollars on a meal that is actually edible.

Posted 01/04/07

Yes BRUNCH!! Being an avid brunch goer, I've found my regular spot! My girldfriend and I could hardly finish our amazing omlets which came with a side of meat, homefries and toast...PLUS 2 drinks! We deffinately know where we'll be going for brunch again next weekend!

Pros: value

Posted 11/24/06

As an upper east sider, I love going to Uptown. Its always busy and stacked with attractive people! The staff is friendly and the food is great.

I recommend Uptown to all my friends.

p.s. Its also a great date place : )

Posted 11/24/06

I moved to the Upper East Side a few months ago & finally made it to Uptown for the first time. My roommate & I had so much fun, this is totally going to be our regular spot. We went on a Wednesday night & they had an amazingly cheap martini special that went all night. The bartender was so attentive & friendly & helped us pick some really delicious drinks and appetizers - that spinach dip is a must! If you live in the neighborhood or not it is worth the trip.

Pros: Service, Decor, Ambience, Drink Specials

Posted 11/24/06

I am new to the neighborhood, and was quite surprised to find this gem! A friend brought me here for cocktails/to catch up, and the bar scene was just perfect... strong, yummy, reasonably priced drinks, always a smile from our bartender. We arrived for happy hour, and ended up moving to the dining room for dinner, where the service was equally pleasant. Speaking as a vegetarian, there were lots of delicious options, I couldn't settle! Finally decided on the penne a la vodka, and it was sooo good! My friend had the ribs, and that sauce smelled so good, I was actually tempted! Overall, a wonderful experience, and I will be back. Thanks - keep up the good work!

Pros: great prices, very nice decor

Cons: bar got a little crowded

Posted 11/24/06

I just wanted to thank Kerry and the staff at Uptown Lounge for the superb job they did on my husband's 35th birthday party. Every aspect of the party was perfect. We had our party in their skylight room. All the guests commented on the beautiful decor and friendly staff. Everything they said they would do, they did. Appetizers & buffet were plentiful and we never waited for a drink. The entrees and appetizers were delicious and the presentation was impressive. Everyone had a great time and I will definitely recommend Uptown to all my friends. Thanks again for a hassle and stress free party. Many Thanks- Cindy & Ari

Pros: beautiful party room, great service, excellant food, Kerry was great to work with!

Cons: nothing

Posted 11/20/06

I just wanted to thank Kerry and the staff at Uptown Lounge for the superb job they did on my husband's 35th birthday party. Every aspect of the party was perfect. We had our party in their skylight room. All the guests commented on the beautiful decor and friendly staff. Everything they said they would do, they did. Appetizers & buffet were plentiful and we never waited for a drink. The entrees and appetizers were delicious and the presentation was impressive. Everyone had a great time and I will definitely recommend Uptown to all my friends. Thanks again for a hassle and stress free party. Many Thanks- Cindy & Ari

Pros: beautiful party room, great service, excellant food, Kerry was the best to work with!

Cons: nothing

Posted 11/20/06

I went to Uptown for dinner last night and thought it was great. Our waitress could not have been nicer, the atmosphere was fun & lively, the food was delicious & the price was right. We stayed for drinks after at the bar where even with the crowd we didn't have to wait a minute before we were helped by the bartender - who, just like our waitress, was friendly, attentive & SO nice. I would definitely recommend going, I will be going back.

Pros: Service, ambience

Posted 09/29/06

Visited here on a Wednesday Night. It's not the be all and end all like some of the reviews on the site from the owner's friends make it out to be, but it was an enjoyable experience. The food is very good and the portions are big. Prices are reasonable ($5.00 for a bottle of Coors Light). Staff was friendly and attentive unlike the service we received at Choice (which is their downtown location). There is a decent sized front bar area with 3 flat screens a regular seating area that looks like it could seat about 20-30 and a back bar that I would assume is used for private parties. Bathrooms could use a little work. Lighting could be a bit brighter. For the guy who reviewed this place on 12/25 and said that he's the managing director at Bear Stearns, a little clarification. Bear Stearns has 12,000 employees and approximately 1,000 managing directors. He's not as powerful as he tried to make himself seem.

Pros: Food

Cons: Nothing sticks out

Posted 09/20/06

i live in the neighborhood and love coming here for a casual weekday dinner when the weather is nice out (i enjoy sitting outside). the food and the drinks here are fabulous in taste and price. the wait service on the nights that i've been here has been adaquate and yet not overbearing. occasionally you might have to ask for your water to be re-filled but i am not exactly at a 5-star restaurant. also, reservation is not necessary, as far as i can tell. Also, i have not experienced any long wait for table either.

All in all, good food, good drinks, and a great hangout place. totally recommending it.

Pros: great location, great drink

Cons: outside sitting is somewhat cramped

Posted 08/27/06

This place has $6 martinis all night long evey wednesday and they are all yummy. My girlfriends and I go almost every week. Tom the bartender is awesome and is always good with the buybacks. Try the Remedy Martini..its tropical goodness!

Pros: great drink list

Cons: getting up for work the next day :-)

Posted 08/03/06

My sister was in town visiting last week and we thought we would grab something quick and local. We went over to Uptown for a quick meal and wound up staying for over 4 hours. We weren't expecting much, just something easy, (I think it was the only place in the neighborhood I hadn't been to) and we were really blown away. We started with some wine, they have a great selection, and shrimp cocktail. The shrimp were huge and SO fresh. Then I went out on a limb and had the filet mignon, it was amazing. The sauce on it was outrageous and the sides were all wonderful. My sister got a mozzerella and tomato sandwich which will definitely be effecting my waist line in the future. It was so good, we really could not believe it - and that was just the food. Our waitress was attentive and friendly, the atmosphere was great and unlike every other place on the Upper East side, we weren't surrounded by a bunch of 19 year olds. I would highly recommend going to Uptown.

Posted 08/02/06

I don't normally write reviews for places that i frequent but i had to make an exception for uptown. i moved to this area afew months ago and i love this place. its very easy to become a regular here. the entire staff is friendly, even the owner will make an appearance to make sure everyone is having a good time. the best part about the place is the food. i've eaten here a bunch and i am always amazed at how good my entrees are. they are even beginning to put out some interesting specials too. Give it a try, you can't go wrong.

Pros: Great food

Posted 08/02/06

I recently moved from midtown to the upper east side. It took me awhile to find a local spot but i think i have. I had been to uptown before and enjoyed it but since i've been in the area i have realized what a gem it is. the bar scene is perfect. grab a stool and order delicious food from the complete menu. sit back and enjoy the scenery! or, sit down in the restaurant area for some quiet time in a candlelit booth. either way, you can not go wrong with uptown!

Pros: all around good time

Posted 08/02/06

I am a patron of the Uptown Lounge on a regular basis. I also recently had my husbands birthday party there ( I posted a review but it did not show) I read the previous review about the door man and how the guest did not like being carded. I can not think of a nicer restaurant with a great bar scene anywhere on the Upper East Side.

Could this be because the doorman keeps the riff raff, drunks, and youngsters out? I have gone there on the weekends, been asked for id (thanks it is a complement) and had a great time. Food is superb, service is flawless, and the crowd is great (nice, respectable, and friendly)

Management, do not change your policies on the weekend, it is the only nice upscale place to visit!.

Pros: nice crowd, great food & drinks, great atmosphere

Cons: none

Posted 07/31/06

Just a quick note to thank all the staff and managers for hosting my husbands 40th birthday party. I live across the street at Rupert Towers and frequent Uptown with friends, clients and family: they exceed expectations every time. The food, service, ambiance, and space is flawless. I only have two negatives (not bad considering I go out 4 nights a week all over NYC), they being: 1) sometimes the bar area is too loud on weekends (dining room is perfect for conversation) and 2) it can get warm at the bar dining if the windows are open. Back to the positives, the party was a smashing success. I dealt with Kerry from start to finish; she was also present at the party to make sure every detail was perfect. My guests commented on how tasty the food was and how nice the restaurant was. I was very impressed and will continue to patronage Uptown. Great staff, food, and creative menu. Thanks again, you made Jason's party a great and memorable time.

All the best- Mary Ann

Pros: great food, staff, and space

Cons: no a single thing

Posted 07/31/06

For those of you who enjoy indulging your masochistic side every once in a while, Uptown is highly recommended. If you like being ignored by every waitress and busboy in the entire place for a full twenty minutes after being seated, run, don't walk, to Uptown. Our water glasses were filled and refilled FOUR times before we were given the opportunity to spend our money on drinks. And that was only because we Shanghaied someone else's waitress who was on her way to someone else's table. So what if the Martini we asked for with a twist arrived with three jumbo olives? Who cares if we paid seventeen times retail for a middling bottle of Riesling? We like our punishment served cold. And the drinks were, well, cold. This is about the only thing our server was able to successfully pull off. Getting a botttle of wine and a glass of vodka from the bar to our table before they got warm. We're not the sort of people who complain about the waitstaff in restaurants. It's a hard job. No one wants to be working on a Saturday night when everyone else is out having fun. But, since most waiters are unemployed actors, use the opportunity to practice your craft. Act. Just the bare minimum would suffice. And if you're a good enough actor, no one will notice that your enthusiasm isn't genuine. If you do a good enough job of acting like you care, someone might eventually cast you in something and you won't have to wait tables anymore. Then you can go out on Saturday nights and you can treat YOUR server like a pitcher of fresh urine. On a more positive note, the toilets in the bathroom flushed, the napkins were clean, and none of the chairs broke. We had a passable shrimp cocktail and a decent plate of chicken tenders. Be warned: DO NOT take a first date to this place. And DO NOT bring clients of any kind here. Unless you're looking to save money. Not on the food or drinks. On the tip.

Pros: The ceiling fans were operational.

Cons: Everything else.

Posted 07/22/06

I live in the neighborhood and thought Uptown was a nice restaurant. Imagine my disappointment when I arrived with my parents (in their 60's) and two friends and we were harrassed at the door by a surly, power-hungry bouncer! I was tremendously embarrassed and my parents, from out-of-town, just couldn't believe it. I said something to our nice waitress and she said a large party had complained the night before about similar treatment.

Nice restaurants do not have a rude bouncer out front harrassing diners for IDs. I will not return and will encourage my friends not to patronize Uptown until it learns to treat its diners with respect.

Pros: Allegedly excellent cuisine, location, service

Cons: Rude bouncer at a nice restaurant? Treating horribly at door.

Posted 07/15/06

After living on the UES for the last five years, I have been a huge fan of Uptown. If you have not been here, this is what you can expect (and some tips). Great food (try the duck breast or bass), huge portions (order 1 salad to share), a great staff (actually nice genuine people), plenty of options (tons of wines by the glass, martinis, beer, apps), and probably the most "fun" "upbeat" atmosphere nore of 14th street. The place is spacious, beautifully decorated, open and the crowd is classy yet not snobby. It can get noisy at the bar section, so if you are on a date or special occassion, sit in the dining area or their back private room. The outside seating is great to people watch and you are never rushed out. The only negative is sometimes it is too busy and you can wait a little awhile for a table (call ahead, they honor all reservations). They also should offer some vegetarian options on the menu. I have hosted two events for my company ,Blackstone Mangement, here and both my co-workers and clients were impressed. The service is equal to that of 5 star places, they actually appreciate your patronage. This is a real find, especially on the upper east side. All the best and continued success- Marshall B.

Pros: your patronage is appreciated, service, entrees

Cons: not a single thing

Posted 07/04/06

This place has great food and they deliver late! Unfortunately every time I have ordered they have mixed up or left out dishes in my order. It has happened consecutively, 3 times already. Im writing this because i'm so mad i can't order from them and have to settle for something else.

Pros: food, atmosphere

Cons: service, delivery

Posted 06/04/06

I had the filet mignon which was great quality and cooked in a very tasty sauce. I paired it with a nice Pinot Noir and it was a perfect meal. Good ambience. On the Sat. night I was there they played 80's music which was fun. The female:male ratio was 3:1 - better for the guys.

Pros: Steak, Wine, Value

Cons: Male/Female Ratio

Posted 05/24/06

What a unique find on the UES! Uptown Lounge is trendy and chic yet reasonably priced. The martinis and appetizers are great perfect for happy hour since the drinks are only $6 from 5-8pm. My fiance and I never frequent the same restaurant twice, but we keep going back!

Pros: martinis, trendy scene, food

Posted 03/09/06

We just wanted to thank all the staff and managers at Uptown Restaurant. Our engagement party was absolutly perfect. The space "skylight room" was beautiful and all the guests had a great time. Everyone commented on how good the food was and how attentive the staff was. We live in the area and you will see us again!
Many thanks-
Jon & Jill L.

Pros: great food, staff attentive, upscall yet fun

Posted 03/06/06

My friend and I have been to Uptown tons of times for drinks and appetizers. It is the nicest place on the UES and we always have a great experience. We went to dinner at Uptown last Thurs evening with another couple. We sat towards the back area behind the fancy curtains. We ordered our appetizers and entrees. I must say, I was completely taken back. I knew they had great bar food, but the dining experience was superb. The meals were first rate (and reasonably priced) and we had a very enjoyable evening. Our waitress, Laura, was very attentive and was a pleasure. Food, ambience, drinks: on a score of 1 to 10 (best), this place is a solid 9. We will definitely be back!

Pros: great food, upbeat vibe, fun staff

Posted 03/03/06

Saw the great reviews on this site so I thought I'd take a chance. Was by myself so I ate at the bar. The bartender, Marta, was very friendly. Ordered the so called baby back ribs. Don't think they were babybacks because they were large ribs. Just drenched in bbq sauce and came out cold. Marta apologized profusely and bought my drink to compensate. A classy move which I appreciated. A nice looking place and a good singles scene though.

Pros: good service, nice decor

Cons: not worth it

Posted 02/25/06

nice, classy bar. good food. great service. great music. this is where i take people visiting me from out-of-town. Bring enough cash, or a credit card.

Pros: food, service, music

Cons: expensive

Posted 02/15/06

Great place for a hungover brunch. $15 includes 2 drinks (bloody marys or mamosas) and your meal. Portion sizes are big and filling. I would recommend the banana stuffed French toast if you're going for breakfast or the chicken sandwich if you want lunch. Sit in the back because that is where there is the most light.

Pros: not crowded, stiff drinks

Posted 01/24/06

As an UES resident who frequently goes downtown for dinner and entertainment, I must say that it is great to have such a wonderful restaurant with-in walking distance. The dishes here are delicious and very reasonable. The place is usually very busy and they have turned into quite the nighttime spot. I made an effort to speak to the owner, manager and chef to let them know how great of a job they are doing If you stop by here, take notice to the family "feel" of the place. Service is very warm and inviting. They change the menu every season, offer unique and tasty drinks and overall just a pleasure to be there. P.S- try their dumplings or goat cheese stuffed mushrooms. For entrees, try the tuna w/ ginger or the grilled shrimp.

Pros: great dishes, friendly service, fun vibe

Posted 01/23/06

I am the managing director for the midtown office of Bear Sterns. I also frequent Uptown Restaurant for dinner and drinks. I am always impressed by the service, quality of food, ambience, and the charming nature of this place. Even though the location is further then we usually go, I decided to have our tier office party at Uptown's Skylight Room. I was beyond impressed. Granted this is not the Plaza, but it was one of the most successful and fun holiday parties we have attended. Delicious appetizers & entrees, beautiful room, and the staff was extraordinary. John & KT, you both coordinated an excellent party and I will continue to have both my personal events and corporate functions at your establishment. Thank you again and Happy New Year. -JF

Pros: great food, fun staff, upbeat & fun

Posted 12/24/05

Its rare I venture to the upper east side, especially all the way in the 80's but this place is a real reason to go. A few friends and I stumbled by Uptown on our way back from the MET. The decor is classy but not to stuffy and there are plenty of tables. They have awesome martini specials and the food was delicious. Try the spinach dip ...it rivals Houstons. Service was super friendly ..I'll definitely head back.

Posted 12/14/05

I took my girlfriend to Uptown for her birthday on a Tuesday night on a recommendation of friends. We were greeted and sat promptly. I was first surprised at the live jazz band that was playing and also by the ambiance. We had some apps first, then filet and fish special, Mahi Mahi with baked clams in a tomato sauce. It was great and affordable. A bottle of wine under $40 that was good?!? and a meal that didn't break the bank. When I told the waitress that it was my girlfriends birthday they brought out a complimentary brownie with candle. The only negative I had was that it was crowded. Overall it was a beautiful place with great food at a reasonable price. I would recommend it to anyone.

Pros: Food, Ambiance, Cost

Cons: Crowded

Posted 12/14/05

Right after being seated, the waitress spilled an entire tray of drinks on the table (that weren't even ours). When she came back, she didn't bother to dry it off, nor did she even bring a towel so we could dry ourselves off. She proceeded to ask us "What do you want?" and then stood there like we were annoying her. We ordered our drinks, got them shortly after, and every single drink was wrong. At this point, we asked for the manager, and he was abrasive, smug and made the situation even worse. When we got our correct drinks, they were absolutley terrible and undrinkable. Wouldn't recommend to a worst enemy.

Posted 12/09/05

I live across the street and love this place so much I have been there the last 3 Tues nights. The service is spectacular, the scene is classy but laid back, the live jazz on tuesday is an added perk. The place is underated likely bc of its location in the upper east. I adore the intimate setting and wonderful lighting. The 20 dollar wine bottles do not hurt (on Tues nights also).

Pros: food, live jazz, beautiful lighting

Cons: location

Posted 11/30/05

I've only ever dined at Uptown and have always been extremely pleased with my experiences. The bourbon burger is fantastic (and satiates even my boyfriend's big appetite!), the salads are hearty and delicious, the nachos are HUGE, and even brunch is good. Back in May I hosted a dinner party at Uptown for my roommate's birthday and we were extremely well-accomodated. We were given a quiet corner, our waiter was polite and attentive, and I felt as if we were treated like a priority in the restaurant. I hadn't realized until reading the reviews that Uptown was such a nightspot as well...I am definitely interested in seeing the other side of this restaurant!

Posted 11/09/05

My friends and I went to the Uptown Lounge based on their Zagats and Time Out NY reviews. When we first arrived we asked to have dinner at the bar/window area. The hostess informed us that it is louder at the bar area and more intimate (quieter) at the dining room and "skylight bar". However, it was al little to loud for dinner conversation. We asked to change tables and were quickly accommodate by a very gracious manager. We had dinner for 6 at a large circular booth in the dining room. Everything was perfect. Our meals and apps were delicious. The entrees we had were better then more highly rated places (plus they are all under $20). The service was spectacular. Uptown has a great appeal for both an upbeat bar scene, group dining, and a quieter lounge scene at the back bar. Great night out !

Pros: upbeat classy scene, great food, nice people

Posted 10/29/05