Quiet bars in Manhattan

December 29, 2014 1:31 PM

I'm sure this has been asked before but the answer is always changing. Please suggest your favorite places to meet for a drink and conversation at normal volume in Manhattan, places that (a) don't play loud music and (b) don't get too crowded. Thanks!
posted by neat graffitist to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (7 answers total)

The bar at Leopard at des Artistes is very nice, if you're okay with a restaurant.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 1:36 PM on December 29, 2014

Hotel bars are great for conversation, the chairs are cushy and it's no kind of pick up scene. You can do the bar at the Plaza, or at the Marriott.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 1:36 PM on December 29, 2014 [2 favorites]

My go-to is Jadis, on the LES.
posted by functionequalsform at 1:44 PM on December 29, 2014

Best answer: Hotels are always good, but my go-to is the Temple Bar on Lafayette at Bleecker. It's small, has good service, and is extremely quiet. Not good for large groups, but perfect for 1-3 people, and fine for four. Broadly appealing too -- I've seen people there on first dates, pitching investors, and unwinding after long days of tourist shopping. It's a bit of a hidden gem: looks unappealing from the street, but lovely once you get inside.
posted by Susan PG at 3:06 PM on December 29, 2014 [4 favorites]

Best answer: Burp Castle!
posted by fox problems at 3:19 PM on December 29, 2014 [2 favorites]

I had the most perfect couple of hours at Isola a couple of weeks ago - gorgeous bar, impeccable service, great grazing menu, awesome wine list, soft music, ambient lighting.
posted by shazzam! at 8:34 PM on December 29, 2014

The Magician, LES. The front can be a beast, but the back is never crowded (I have never seen all the tables full), although I think the music can occasionally get too loud on the weekends. Extra bonus, happy hour until 8pm, including weekends.
posted by Hactar at 11:51 PM on December 29, 2014