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Draught 55B+Worth Trying

Name: Draught 55
Address: 245 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022, New York, United States
Rating: 4.4

245 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022 · Bar, Hamburger restaurant, Salad shop · 4.4/5 Google (1318 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

Lively Midtown East gastropub with strong happy hour, solid burgers, and popular group-friendly atrium; service can be slow at peaks and food quality varies on a few items.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Draught 55 delivers reliable pub comfort with strong food quality anchored by praised burgers, fries, and fried items, though inconsistent execution on burger doneness and occasional misses prevent higher grades. Service varies with crowd levels—friendly and welcoming during happy hour but occasionally slow during transitions. The attractive atrium and late happy hour value make it competitive with respected neighborhood spots, though it functions better as a group destination or after-work gathering than a sole dining draw.

Restaurant Summary

The scene at Draught 55 leans warm and bustling, with a long bar, vintage photos, and an atrium that steals the show for parties. After-work crowds fill the room for happy hour that runs late, and servers are often described as friendly and welcoming. One guest summed it up: "Great beer list, lively music, and a team that gets you settled without fuss." The cooking is classic American pub fare with Irish touches—think burgers with garlicky fries, beer-battered fish and chips, Guinness beef stew, and shareable apps. It is more comfort-forward than experimental, and portions tend to satisfy. Most diners praise the burgers and fried items, though a few point out misses like an overcooked patty or a flatbread that felt underwhelming. If you want reliable pub standards with a strong drink program, this fits the bill. Families can do well here thanks to kid-friendly staples like mozzarella sticks, chicken tenders, flatbreads, and straightforward burgers. The energy can be loud during peak hours, so earlier visits work best with children. There is a vegetarian black bean burger and several meat-free starters, but gluten-free choices are limited to simpler salads.

At a Glance

Late happy hour with strong beer selection and solid value
Group-ready with attractive atrium and downstairs space
Burgers, fries, and fried apps earn consistent praise
Service can be slow to greet during busy or off-peak times
A few food misses (flatbread, burger doneness) reported

What Sets It Apart

late_happy_hour_till_8pm
atrium_event_space
broad_draft_beer_list

What People Love

Happy hour value that stretches to 8pm
Generous bar snacks and crisp fried items
A welcoming team and lively soundtrack
A pretty atrium that photographs well for events
A wide draft beer selection

Points of Concern

Greeting and table service delays occur at times, even when not full
Occasional kitchen inconsistency, especially burger temperature
Noise levels rise at peak hours, reducing conversation comfort
Flatbread quality and value questioned by several diners

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$47-64 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Vegetarian diners: consider Everything Bagel Hummus, Brussel Sprouts, Mozzarella Sticks, and Black Bean Burger.
Gluten-avoiding diners: Baby Gem Salad is tagged gluten-free; confirm fries and dressings.
Families: Chicken Tenders, Classic Cheeseburger, and Margherita Flatbread are the safest bets.

Perfect For

Post-work drinks that roll into dinner
Office parties and birthdays in a stylish atrium
Casual meetups before a Midtown event
Solo bar bites with a good draft list

Location Insights

Area: Busy Midtown East corridor serving office crowds and residents; after-work energy with strong happy hour culture.

Safety: Well-trafficked, generally safe with steady foot traffic and lighting typical of Midtown avenues.

Nearby: Near offices, hotels, and residential towers; convenient for group meetups and private events.

Turtle BayTurtle Bay offers a mix of residential calm and commercial activity, with a variety of dining options ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. The area is known for its proximity to the United Nations and a steady flow of international visitors, contributing to a diverse culinary scene and a generally safe, accessible environment.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday16:00–00:00 Tuesday16:00–01:00 Wednesday11:00–02:00 Thursday11:00–02:00 Friday11:00–02:00 Saturday11:00–02:00 Sunday11:00–01:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

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