Seemor
The Red Lion | NYCC+Worth Trying
151 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012
· Live music bar, Bar, Brunch restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (1882 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout
High-energy live music pub with solid bar bites and lively crowds; great for a night out, but watch bills and door policies.
Why it gets a C+ for overall quality
The Red Lion delivers what it promises: nightly live music and a vibrant party atmosphere in a prime Village location. Food quality is solid pub fare—wings, burgers, and tacos executed competently—while the Bleecker Street location and live music draw create genuine destination appeal. However, inconsistent execution, variable service friendliness, and recurring billing complaints prevent a higher grade. Best suited for guests prioritizing live entertainment and social energy over culinary refinement or quiet dining.
Restaurant Summary
A Village standby where the room turns loud and lively as cover bands kick off, this pub is all about the music. Expect a packed bar, a small stage, and a dance floor that fills fast. One guest summed it up simply: "The bands had us dancing all night." However, do note some review authenticity concerns suggesting certain reviews may be solicited or influenced. The cooking leans comfort-first: wings, burgers, tacos, pizza, and a few hearty plates, executed decently with crowd-pleasing flavors. Value spikes during specials like $10 Pizza Wednesday, while late-night covers and surcharges can add up. Go for the energy and expect solid bar food rather than culinary fireworks. Families can make this work earlier in the day when it is calmer and items like pizza, tenders, and burgers are kid-friendly picks. After sunset, the volume and crowds rise, so plan a daytime visit if bringing children; no dedicated kids menu is noted.
At a Glance
- Nightly live bands with a fun dance floor vibe
- Value-forward specials like $10 Pizza Wednesday
- Repeated billing discrepancies and unexpected fees reported
- Door and security behavior criticized in multiple reviews
- Loud environment; not ideal for quiet conversation
What Sets It Apart
- nightly_live_bands
- Village_location_energy
- weekly_pizza_specials
What People Love
- Electric live music that fuels dancing
- Friendly bartenders on many visits
- Village location for easy bar hopping
- Good value during weeknight specials
Points of Concern
- Billing issues: menu vs. receipt mismatches and added tips cited by multiple guests; verify charges
- Door staff and security conduct described as rude or aggressive by several reviewers
- Crowded and loud near the stage; table service can be slow during peak hours
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (some templated language), but overall feels mostly authentic
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$32-46 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Leverage Pizza Wednesday for $10 pies
- Consider Beyond Burger or veggie tacos for plant-based needs
- Wings or nachos for groups; add proteins for a fuller plate
Perfect For
- A high-energy friends night out with live covers
- Pre- or post-show drinks in the Village
- Casual birthday meetups that prioritize music
- Solo drop-ins at the bar for tunes and a pint
Location Insights
Area: Bustling Village nightlife strip with bars, music venues, and late-night crowds; mixes students, tourists, and locals.
Safety: Busy and well-trafficked; reports of disruptive street activity and occasional rowdy behavior late night.
Nearby: Near other bars, pizza spots, comedy clubs on Bleecker and MacDougal; residential units above.
West VillageThe West Village is characterized by its charming tree-lined streets, historic townhouses, and a strong sense of community. It boasts a dynamic dining scene with a mix of upscale restaurants, trendy cafes, and classic New York eateries, attracting both locals and tourists seeking quality and ambiance.
Bleecker Street CorridorThe Bleecker Street Corridor is known for its concentration of popular restaurants, bars, and music venues, making it a bustling nightlife and dining hotspot. It offers a blend of casual and fine dining options, often frequented by a diverse crowd looking for vibrant social experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–04:00
Tuesday11:00–04:00
Wednesday11:00–04:00
Thursday11:00–04:00
Friday11:00–04:00
Saturday10:00–04:00
Sunday10:00–04:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout
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