Seemor
ProhibitionA-Worth Trying
503 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
· Bar, New American restaurant, Live music venue
· 4.5/5 Google (1018 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
A lively Upper West Side spot for live music, strong cocktails, and better-than-expected New American plates; great for events and nights out, but noise, door policy, and occasional service issues can frustrate.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Prohibition delivers A-grade performance as a neighborhood destination where elevated comfort food and attentive event hosting complement an energetic live music atmosphere. Thoughtful speakeasy design and strong cocktails elevate the experience beyond typical bar fare, though occasional inconsistencies in door service and acoustic challenges in the main room prevent grade A territory. The loyal following and destination appeal for music-centric evenings make it a solid neighborhood favorite.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling, a neighborhood haunt where bands light up the stage and cocktails arrive with a smile. One guest summed it up: "We felt welcomed right away and the band kept the energy high." Expect a high-energy crowd when the music kicks in, plus a cozy speakeasy room for private gatherings. The kitchen leans New American with elevated comfort: maple-glazed bacon steak, a custom-blend burger with truffle fries, burrata starters, and steak au poivre. It is not experimental theater, but dishes are polished and satisfying, with a few fusion touches like tuna poke crisps. Ideal for those who want great drinks and live music with food that holds its own. Families can do well early in the evening. Kids who like burgers, fries, and fish and chips will find familiar choices, though later sets get loud. There is no explicit kids menu, but simple items work; come earlier for a calmer, kid-friendly window.
At a Glance
- Live music and atmosphere create a memorable night out
- Event hosting team excels with weddings, showers, and birthdays
- Cocktails and elevated bar food outperform expectations
- Door and host interactions can be inconsistent at peak times
- Loud acoustics; not ideal for quiet conversation
What Sets It Apart
- live_music_every_night_or_often
- speakeasy_private_rooms
- event_hosting_strength
What People Love
- High-energy bands and crowd vibe
- Attentive event coordination that removes stress
- Cocktails that match the atmosphere
- Food that exceeds typical bar standards
Points of Concern
- Door policy and capacity holds can feel arbitrary during peak hours
- Noise and acoustics can overwhelm conversation during some sets
- Service tone varies; a few reports of brusque management or hosts
- Review patterns show enthusiastic event recaps; experiences may differ on packed late nights
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$58-78 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For a balanced meal: Burrata + Fish & Chips + NY Cheesecake
- Cocktail pairing: Spirit-forward before the band, long drinks during sets
- Kids: Burger and fries or fish and chips in early evening
Perfect For
- Live-music date night with cocktails
- Group celebrations and private events
- After-work drinks that roll into a show
- Out-of-town friends visiting the UWS
Location Insights
Area: Residential, affluent, culture-loving crowd near Central Park; mix of locals and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, steady evening foot traffic on Columbus Ave.
Nearby: Near Central Park, museums, brownstones; bar and dining corridor with nightlife.
Upper West SideThe Upper West Side boasts a diverse dining scene ranging from classic New York delis and casual cafes to upscale restaurants. The atmosphere is generally relaxed and family-friendly, with a strong community feel and a steady flow of locals and tourists visiting nearby attractions like the American Museum of Natural History.
Lincoln SquareLincoln Square is a sub-area within the Upper West Side known for its performing arts venues such as Lincoln Center. The dining scene here includes sophisticated restaurants and trendy spots catering to an arts-oriented crowd, blending upscale and approachable options.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday16:30–00:00
Wednesday16:30–00:00
Thursday16:30–01:00
Friday16:30–02:00
Saturday16:00–02:00
Sunday16:30–23:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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