Katra

Had my wifes birthday party here over the weekend and all I can say is that KATRA made this one of the best parties we have had for her. The service was second to none, Waitstaff and barstaff were amazing and attentive. The food was beautiful as promised and as you can see from all the other reviews that this spot KATRA is different from everywhere else. They put the capital "S" in service. The owner is hands on which you never see anymore and he made sure everything was perfect. Ten out of Ten

Pros: To many to count

Cons: Very Busy

Posted 06/04/07

I was at Katra on Saturday for a big girls night out and bachlorette party. Chris completely hooked us up with a great booth...we had few tapas early on which were tasty....and the waitress (even though I believe she just started working there) was great about keeping the drinks flowing and getting all the different drink orders from all 15 of us. The music just go better and better as the night went on that we almost didn't want to leave! Not to mention there was an amazing belly dancer who put on an amazing show..and the hottest bartender who pours a mean dirty martini. Got to thank our man Chris and everyone at Katra for making it such a memorable night.

Posted 05/28/07

we attended a private party last weekend at katra and were very impressed by the service and staff. food trays were great and happy hour drinks are a steal in the city, we'll be back to plan our own party in their downstairs bar/lounge

Pros: great place for a party

Cons: none

Posted 05/22/07

We have had a number of parties in Katra in the last year and when I was told about the review on the place I was very surprised as all our events were wonderful and we found the staff to be very polite, the food excellent and the management attentive. This is a great spot and I have promised Chris weeks ago to write this and now I have.

Pros: Staff, decor, food and the music is amazing

Cons: V. Busy

Posted 05/22/07

nice drinks. that i have to say, but i do agree with some of the other reviews on here about the service. I live in Westchester and eat in manhattan all the time, but i really doubt i would come back to this place. I actually had to go get dinner with my wife after we left the party i was at because there was so little food at the party due to such slow service. My wife was starving the whole time we were there and we did not see much passed around besides french fries with a mayonnaise based dipping sauce.

Pros: very nice atmosphere

Cons: left hungry and service seemed to be extremely slow

Posted 05/22/07

my boyfriend and i live in brooklyn and stopped by katra when we were wondering around bowery. the bar was very romantic and we were invited to sit in one of their cabanas for either dinner or drinks. the bartender greeted us and dropped off menus with no sales pressure. we both got mojitos at her reccomendation and ended up staying for dinner as well. the food was refreshingly exotic and the drinks were made with fresh raspberries.. we'll be back again with friends.

Posted 05/22/07

Yikes is all I can say. The food came out very slow and I felt badly for my friend who paid a lot of money to have a party at Katra. He was not happy at all with the service. VERY slow. Very slow.
I would not suggest this place for large parties. The night was o.k. but there was a lot of tension over the food coming out so slow. But one thing I have to say, if you like french fries, this is the place to go. They served a lot of them. They must get them on sale at Cosco Wholesale.

Posted 05/22/07

I threw a reunion party with all of my old college buddies and their wives at Katra a few weeks ago. I ordered a buffet that everyone ended up loving, the lamb dishes were interesting and fun. We had the entire downstairs, which is nice since upstairs gets pretty crowded. We had bottle service for all the tables, the waitresses were good looking and professional, they tended to our every wish - even when Matt ordered more shrimp about every 15 minutes. The owner made sure we got our entire party in quickly so no one had to wait outside, then he bought a round of shots. The atmosphere was great, the music was fun, got everyone dancing. Wasn't too loud to reconnect with the buddy who used to pass out on your couch every Saturday, but is now a trader at Barclay's (how the hell did that happen). I'll def be considering Katra for my birthday this summer, just hope the waitstaff doesn't change and place doesn't book up too fast...guess I better go get on that. -John-

Pros: Ambiance / Attentive and Attractive Waitstaff

Cons: Gets Busy - Get there Early - Tip your bartender, she remembers you.

Posted 05/22/07

We had a party at the last minute here on Sat night as this place was where my friends had a party last month. We were told they would take care of us at 12 due to a private party downstairs . When we got there at 12 we were brought to our table downstairs by the manager where we ordered food and drink. The food was excellent and the drinks were very good.The Lychee Martini was out of this world. My friends and I had a really good time as the staff really took care of us and even gave us a free champagne for my birthday. The only downside was the snobby party that was finishing downstairs. They were so rude and made us feel that they were better then us. One woman pushed me and told me I was in her space. They soon left however and we really had a good time. I think Katra is very nice spot and the easy door policy is really a breath of fresh air in New York

Pros: Food/Music/Staff and most of the people who were there

Cons: Snobs

Posted 05/21/07

I was at Katra this weekend and I have to say this place is rockin. The Irish owner made sure we had a nice cabana space upstairs as we did not have a reservation we were acommidated anyway. Our waitress was great she was ontop of everything. The DJ was amazing and we danced all night long. I haven't seen a place like this in a long time. Katra is the best hidden secret. I would definitely be returning to this amazing hot spot!!! Thanks Katra!!!

Pros: Great cocktails/Great Service

Cons: None

Posted 05/21/07

I was invited to a party here this past weekend and me and my girlfriends could not believe how SLOW the food service was. I even asked the host throwing the event if there was going to be any food, because he told me in the invitation there would be appetizers and he said he was waiting for over an hour for them to start passing some around.

People were waiting a long long time for food. That was very annoying to all of us who came there hungry at 8 pm and didn't eat for over an hour and half after that. Too bad.

Pros: the drinks were very expensive but good

Cons: the service was slower than anything I have seen in a long time

Posted 05/20/07

I was at Katra this past weekend. The place looked nice but the service was horrible. The waitress was grumpy and rude. The service was slow. i ordered appetizers and had to leave before i was even served. No one seemed to care. Swanky looking place but i will not be coming back.

Pros: swanky place

Cons: expensive, weak drinks

Posted 05/20/07

I have been to this lounge several times and must say it is one of NYC's greats. First off, the management is wonderful. The manager was not your typical NYC manager who doesn't give a dam about you or your guests. He accommodated us nicely and was very open to our concerns and requests, if any. This is what made Katra stand out! Reasonableness and not hot headed! They provided us with a nice table, which was different from most other places in NYC. The music on the top floor was great and they played the right type of music all night. In addition, the drink prices were very fair and the multiple bartenders took care of business. Everyone had a great time. I would recommend it to anyone for a birthday or special event!

Pros: Great Staff - they actually care

Cons: Croweded - but is this really a con?

Posted 05/06/07

Set It Off Thursdays
doors open at 6pm
Weekly drink specials from 6-8
Music by Tivoli Movements

AND

Grown & Hip Fridays
doors open at 10pm
Music by World Famous
Da Beatminerz DJ Evil Dee and Mr. Walt

@
Katra Lounge
217 Bowery St. and Rivington

Pros: Great music, great crowd. Awesome DJ's

Posted 05/01/07

This very busy spot on the Bowery deserves the praise it is getting. My birthday was wonderful and I was treated very special by all the staff at Katra. I have had a few parties in varius clubs in NY but the service here was second to none. From the door staff to the music and drink, the music to the waitstaff everything was great. Thank you Chris for keeping all your promises and making my event wonderful.

Pros: Lots of good things to many to write

Cons: The line was down the street

Posted 04/30/07

Had dinner here with a large group of friends and I am happy to say that katra is a beautiful, warm and welcoming lounge with tastey food, amazing cocktails, nice music and great service. Its refreshing to walk into a restrauant like this and feel so welcomed and treated like we were special. Try the hookahs!!!

Pros: ITs Perfect

Cons: Its in the Bowery

Posted 04/19/07

Thank you to Katra and the staff at katra for showing us such a wonderful night. We came for late night and were running very late but they still kept our table until we arrived at 12. It was very busy but no line and so none of my friends had to wait as we were promised by the owner. The owner is this funny cute Irishman and he made us all laugh as we srrived but he still took care of business he was everywhere. He made us feel so welcome and then he put us to this girl called Niki who made sure everything was right for us at outr table. She was amazing and I know some of my male friends eyes popped out as she is so beautiful. Michelle then became our waitress and she was also really good and she took care of my party for the rest of the the night. The owner sent us over a bottle of champagne for my birthday which ws such a nice thought. I give 9 out of 10 to Katra for its staff/decor/food/service. The one I take away is location. P.S I would normally not write these sort of things but we thanked the owner this was his only request was if we were totally happy to do this. Well Yes I was

Pros: Great Place

Posted 04/14/07

I held my birthday party at Katra this past Saturday and had a great time. Alot more people showed up than I had anticipated, but the owner Chris was very understanding and accommodating, and allowed all my guests to enter with no hassle. My party filled the VIP section, and waitresses were very nice. Music was mainly Hip Hop, and the DJ had no problem taking requests from my guests. I definitely recommend holding parties at Katra. You won't be disappointed!

Pros: Great staff, Great music, Great customer service

Cons: Limited dance floor

Posted 04/03/07

I had my birthday party at Katra and it was FANTASTIC. We all had so much fun!!! Chris (the manager) was extremely helpful and friendly and he got all my friends in with no problem. The place is very "sexi chic" and decorated nicely. Loved the booths with the colors and cushions! We had a booth closer to the back and even though it was crowded (not not overly so) and busy, our waitress was always around ready to cater to anything we needed! The crowd was also a nice mix and nobody stuck up or anything; this is definitely not a pretentious place! The DJ span some great music (R&B, Hip Hop, Pop, Rock & more), something for everyone! This is the place to go if you just want to have fun! I'll definitely be back... thanks Chris!!!!

Pros: Great service, nice atmosphere, good music

Cons: None

Posted 03/31/07

I went to Katra last night with my boyfriend and a few friends. We got in very quickly, even at 12am, no problems. However, I am surprised that they were letting people in that quickly considering the place was so packed to the point where you could not move. Crowds are fine, that is part of going out, but this place was SO crowded that I started to feel slightly claustrophobic. We went downstairs to see if it would be a bit better there, and it was just as bad. Nobody was dancing and we could not move at all; very boring. Then we were leaving around 2am and tried to go back downstairs to pick up our coats from the coatcheck and the bouncer said that no one was allowed down there any longer. He did let us go when we explained that we were leaving and just picking up our coats. The staff seemed courteous and friendly, even wished us a goodnight as we were leaving. I think I would like to check this place out on a night when it isnt so croweded. It was a little disappointing that we couldnt even move, not to mention dance.

Pros: Good looking place, mature crowd

Cons: way too crowded

Posted 03/31/07

I had a great time in Katra last night and the crowd was very beautiful and not rude. People all were very merry and happy. Staff were si friendly and our waitress was very attentive. Barstaff were very lovely if not all with wifes. Owner Chris made our party worth it and treated us very special which was very important. No problems at the door as owner had promised and no cover. Great fun and highly recommended.

Pros: Lots of fun and the hookahs

Cons: Very Busy but no more then any club

Posted 03/31/07

Two of the most beautiful barmen in New York work here!! Chris and Jason my girls and I think you are the best. Also Katra is Cool too.

Pros: Chris and Jason

Cons: They are not single

Posted 03/12/07

This place is beautiful with warm and inviting decor which is the best Moroccan style lounge I have seen in New York. the staff are wonderful and put a capital S into service. The doorstaff are polite which you do not see anywhere. The owner is helpful and makes you feel that it is his privlage to have you as a patron not like other places who make you feel like you are lucky to be there!! The food is tasty and pretty cheap. The drink is the same like most places but bottle prices are a little cheaper. Music was perfect. There House DJ rocked the house. This place is pretty unknown even though I see all the reviews but I am sure it will be one of the next top five hotspots in New York

Pros: Everything

Cons: Nothing

Posted 03/11/07

I have read all the reviews and I can only say that this place delivers on all there promises. Chris the manager with his nice little Irish accent showed us a really good time and our waitress Michelle was perfect and polite. We all had a really good time and my whole party found Katra to be a gem on the Bowery. Just a shame the clocks went forward or we would have had another hour to party. Try the Hookahs!!! P.S Other clubs and bars should take note on how to treat there customers as this is the way it should be. P.S My brother thinks the two barmaids downstairs are the best and most beautiful in New York

Pros: Staff/ Service/ Food and Drink/ Doormen/ Decor and the list goes on

Cons: Daylight savings time

Posted 03/10/07

I am so glad we chose Katra to have our party. Everything was excellent from the service, food, music, drinks, decor, and especially the management. What I really enjoyed was how nice the management is at this restaurant and nightclub. There are so many places in Manhattan that are just so unprofessional when it comes to treating their customers and I truly believe that it is the reason most places fail. Katra is definitely the exception to the rule which make this place so successful and different from the rest.

I also rarely take the time out to write a review but I hope that other people will read this and choose to try this place. If you are looking for a place to get together with friends or celebrate any occasion trust me and try out Katra for yourself.

I recommend you order the Mojitos they are delicious and try their awesome Mediterranean Tapas menu and don?t forget to get a Hookah mango flavored is a good one.

Pros: Service, Food, Drinks, Ambience and Theme

Posted 03/03/07

This place is alot of fun and everything they write about it is pretty true including the hot and I might add really hot owner mister Dave. Did not like the coatcheck charge but still lots of fun

Pros: Mister Dave and Katra

Cons: VERY BUSY ON SAT NITES

Posted 01/28/07

Me and my freinds came to this place as other friends had told me they had great parties here. To my surprise we had a wonderful time and found Katra to be unique among all the places we have had parties i New York. Most of my friends are Europeen and we are generally given a hard time gaining entry to most clubs. Here there were no problems with the doorstaff being very courtious. The manager who is also Europeen I think Irish or English was very good and gave us great respect and made sure all our party came in. We got a table and what seems to be rules in NY clubs you have to buy bottles. We bought three btls and surprising enough were bought one by the manager. Our waitress was authentic Moroccan was very good and had great manners. We enjoyed the music and had a wonderful night and experience even though this place was really crowded and busy. Line outside is very quick. Other places in NY should pay attention to this place as this is how a place should be!!!!!!!

Pros: Great place to party

Cons: Very Busy

Posted 01/27/07

Katra is not only one of the best lounges in New York, but the staff is second to none. I had my birthday here in November and have been back several times. I had a Happy Hour Party in the VIP area, and my friends and I ended up staying until well after 2AM. Chris and the waitresses catered to our every request. Since then, I've been back with dates and cuddled on the couches. If you're looking for a great place to have a party or have a quiet drink, Katra is your place. It's sophisticated and fun!

Cons: Parking can be difficult

Posted 01/10/07

This place rocked on New Years Eve with all the Jets and Giants. Katra was the perfect place for this party and it was alot of fun. Food excellent, service excellent, Chris the bartender excellent and !!!!!!!! Best New Years ever

Pros: Great place to Party

Cons: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted 01/05/07

Had party here on Friday Night and we reserved the VIP area for 40 people and six bottles. As the norm when we come in from London we have done this previously at Guest House/ Home and Pache. I have to say even though Katra is not that well known they know how to treat there spenders. First of all our waitress Michelle was amazing making sure everything was perfect and having the humour to match. I cant tell you how many times we have had server who all they think about is getting our card and then basically not caring which I feel is the norm in NYC. We booked our six bottles and were then informed by the Irish owner that we had two Grey Goose on the house whick I have never seen before only when promoters give us that bottle that no one likes as a comp. One of my friends got a little drunk and rude I might add and he was taken outside by security. This I thought would kind of ruin the night as his girlfriend was one of the birthday girls but 30 minutes later he was escorted back in after he had sobered up and apoligised. I have never seen that before and was well impressed with the security. We had our own security and waitress all night and we were very happy if not a little hammered. Great show by Katra and I hope all cllubs take note. My only problem all evening was that it was relly busy but I am sure that is because no one had to pay cover which is stupid when you are spending three thousand dollars on an area.

Pros: Perfect Spot

Cons: Very Very Busy

Posted 12/25/06

When I ask the owner if there was ever anything I could do to promote Katra after our wonderful Company Christmas Party he said to write a review on citysearch and tell people what we thought.. Well all I can say is that Katra is a breath of fresh air from all the other venues we saw and even the ones from previous years. The food was beautiful and the staff was very very happy. The service was even better with the wait staff and the bartenders being the most friendly we have come across in New York. The fact that we paid for what we got and there were no hidden charges was amazing. The belly dancer was amazing also and really got our party started. Finally I have to say Christopher the lovely Irishman who helped me set up my event made me look good! He pretty much planned everything for us and made everything perfect and so here is my review and also my thanks. I recommend this place to everyone! You will have a good time

Pros: Great fo Parties

Posted 12/14/06

My friend and I decided to throw our party at Katra Sat. Dec 9th, and I am sooo glad that we did! Chris, who organized our table--the one with the Irish accent ;) -- was absolutely amazing. At any given time, you can get in touch with him via email or phone. He will listen to everything and make it happen! I couldn't believe his promtness and eagerness-esp. being in NYC! Not only was Chris wonderful, but the staff as well! The waitresses, bartenders, door guys/bouncers-I've never met such friendly, outgoing people working in the night scene in my life! I can't wait to come back to NYC, because when I am, you can find me at KATRA!!!!!!

Pros: Service, Ambience, Music, Food and Drinks

Cons: It can get crowded on the weekend nights-but it's FUN!

Posted 12/12/06

Had a fantastic birthday party on Friday night, complete with complimentary belly dancer, extra bottles, hookahs and awesome music. Hassle free organizing thanks to Chris, awesome atmosphere thanks to the bar tenders and table staff, accomodating door policy thanks to attitude-free bouncers. Perfect combination for a great party. Hard to come by in NYC.

Pros: atmosphere, drinks, staff

Cons: none

Posted 12/08/06

Thanks to Christopher and all his staff at Katra for taking care of our company Christmas party. The professional staff and management made this party our best event in NYC over the last six years. The food was amazing, the waitress was very attentive, the bartenders were fast and friendly and the owner with his "don?t stress about it and everything will be grand attitude" was spot on. You will see us again Katra and Thank You!

Pros: Perfect for a party

Cons: Nothing

Posted 12/07/06

Everything was great from waiting to get in, they have a room so your not freezing, to the drinks to the overall party. I was very happy there, everything was really great!!!

Posted 12/05/06

Excellent words for Katra in throwing our event. All my friends and family were impressed by the service of the staff and the great food. Your ship is run very well and I say thanks to Kris for taking care of us so well and being so accomadating after are party was cancelled elsewhere.

Pros: VERY GOOD

Posted 12/03/06

This place is crazy busy and we had alot of fun. All our list got in and we had no problems.Doormen were nice which is really unusal. Barstaff were excellent and very very very cute!!!!! The waitress was also at the top of her game and we were in need of nothing. It was relly busy and the line was pretty long but I suppose when you dont have to pay cover that happens. The owner bought us a bottle of champagne which was really nice of him and he had this really cute Irish voice. Definately at 10/10 and 9/10 for music.

Posted 11/19/06

Found this new spot in the Bowery called Katra. This place is great and the staff were wonderful. The food is excellent and drinks tasty. A fun place to have a party.

Pros: Everything including Alia

Posted 11/16/06

I threw a surprise bday party last saturday night and everyone had a blast! Great place, wonderful service, and amazing food! I would highly reccomend this place to anyone looking to have an unforgetable time in the big city!

Pros: great food, great service, the place had character

Posted 11/07/06

Had my birthday there last saturday and everything was wonderful...things ran smoothly, i was taken care of well, music and dancing was great, and food is very delicious...Defenitley recommended for a birthday or simply a very fun night out...thank you...

Pros: good vibes and good service

Posted 11/01/06

This place is da bomb! Great place with everything from the staff to the management, doorstaff, decor, drinks and food were phat

Pros: Excellent

Cons: Busy

Posted 10/29/06

Simply put! Katra is amazing and has all the personality of a hot club with little or no Attitude . We loved this spot and had a great party there . We wish it was bigger and you do have to book well in advance. All our guests were given free entry even though some were friends calling friends but the door staff were very flexible. This place is great

Pros: Beautiful in NY

Cons: Size

Posted 10/28/06

I held my birthday here last night and I have to say "Thank You" Katra for a wonderful night. Everything was wonderful from the food to the service and the easy door policy. Even though it was very very busy which is normal for Halloween you still made my night very special. Will be sure to have more parties here.

Pros: Door Policy, Service

Cons: Very Warm

Posted 10/28/06

The best Friday night I have spent in a long time. Seductive music, delicious cocktails, and some seriously hot people. My girlfriends and I took a cabana and drank right through the gorgoues drinks list --Babylon Garden, with stawberry and vodka my fav! Yummy...and don't get me started on the cutie behind the bar....I'd live here if they let me!

Pros: Ambience, Service, Drink Menu

Posted 10/18/06

Just had my 40th birthday party in the private lounge downstairs. It was fantastic. The room is beautiful and the staff were wonderful. Chris the manager was great to work with and made everything very easy for me. Thanks! The food was delicious too!! I've had a great response from all my friends who loved it. I can honestly recommend having a party here. Thanks to everyone!

Pros: Great party space, service, food and drinks.

Posted 10/16/06

I celebrated my birthday party here last Saturday and had a great time! The owner Chris made sure we had everything we needed at all times. As soon as we arrived the staff promptly set up for my party and we had a corner to ourselves which was great. We had a great waitress who was very attentive and friendly. The best thing about this place is that its initmate which makes it ideal for a bday party and the decor is just beautiful. Also the no cover, fair dress policy, good music & friendly staff makes a trip to Katra worth taking. I usually do not hang out downtown but this place is definitely worth the trek and I will be going back again.

Pros: ambience, staff, value

Posted 10/12/06

Katra is the best and in fact, I hesitate to write this because I'd like to keep it a secret. Beautiful decor, delicious food, really good drinks and fun music. The staff, and especially Christopher, the general manager/owner could not have been more accommodating. I held a birthday party there last weekend and really enjoyed myself. Great fun, cool vibe...

Posted 10/10/06

Compliments to Katra and its staff for a woderfull party this week. The professionalism and value out party was given was amazing. Thanks you guys and the service was top class. The Irish owner was very conscientious and made sure everything was perfect. This was the same as a top rated hotel space without the huge price. Thanks you guys.

Posted 10/07/06

My compliments to Katra's management, specifically Christopher for running a tight ship. I planned a surprise birthday party at Katra late last month and was quite pleased with the service and attention our group was given. Despite last minute changes in reservations, Christopher made sure we were well-accommodated. Overall, Katra is an ideal venue for private events due to it's layout, atmosphere, and pleasant staff. The space didn't get uncomfortably packed and safe to say the crowd was mature and orderly. All in all, an enjoyable experience and I would recommend Katra as a fun tasteful lounge, with good music, tasty cocktails, and quality standards.

Pros: Atmosphere, service

Posted 09/27/06

This is a beautiful spot on the Bowery with fine food and great service. The decor is authentic and warm which brings you back to the North African countryside. Effort and time have been put in this business and it shows. Also the running of the place is very efficient and you can see that by how it is kept and how the staff are to the patrons. This is a beautiful edition to New York's late nite scene and will definately be worth another trip

Pros: Beautiful

Posted 09/26/06