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The Ten BellsDProceed Cautiously

Name: The Ten Bells
Address: 247 Broome St, New York, NY 10002, New York, United States
Rating: 4.4

247 Broome St, New York, NY 10002 · Wine bar, Oyster bar restaurant, Restaurant · 4.4/5 Google (830 reviews)

Reservations · Takeout

Bustling LES wine bar with lively happy hour and tapas; great vibe and wine, but inconsistent oysters and uneven service—come for drinks and select small plates, not a seafood splurge.

Why it gets a D for overall quality

The Ten Bells delivers lively ambiance and strong happy hour value, but safety concerns with oysters—including temperature issues, grit, and contamination reports—combined with unreliable food and service consistency prevent a higher grade. Recent quality deterioration in oyster execution and service attentiveness further undermines confidence in core offerings, making this a risky choice despite its charm.

Restaurant Summary

A cozy LES spot where the front bar hums and the back opens to a communal table and patio, The Ten Bells leans into warm, lively energy. Expect a crowd at happy hour and a wine list that keeps regulars returning. One diner summed it up: "Great carafe deal and a fun vibe, even if the food can swing." Do note that oysters draw mixed reactions from ecstatic to wary. The cooking skews classic tapas with comfort hits—papas bravas, croquettes, tortilla—plus charcuterie, tartares, and raw bar. It is a produce- and tradition-forward approach with a few twists rather than showy technique. Pair a couple of small plates with a glass or HH carafe and you will see why the room fills quickly; just steer clear of oysters if you prefer pristine, icy presentations. Families may find a few friendly items like mac and cheese and tortilla, but this is primarily a wine bar for adults. Portions run small and the room gets busy; kids who enjoy simple flavors might nibble, yet picky eaters could struggle. There is no clear kids menu, so plan accordingly.

At a Glance

Lively ambiance with cozy back room and patio
Strong happy hour value on wine and select bites
Oysters frequently criticized for size and temperature
Service inconsistency from warm to brusque
Gluten cross-contact reported by a celiac diner

What Sets It Apart

popular_happy_hour_carafes
communal_table_back_room
semi_private_event_spaces

What People Love

Happy hour carafes at a good price
Papas bravas with addictive sauce
Mushroom or ham croquettes
Atmospheric, bustling LES vibe

Points of Concern

Oyster quality is inconsistent—reports of tiny, warm, or gritty shells
Service can be brusque during peak hours; some reservation mishandling
Portions are small relative to price outside happy hour
Review patterns show signs of polarization around oysters and service; expect variability

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$42-$62 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Build a shareable set: papas bravas, croquettes, cremini mushrooms, and tortilla; add boquerones for a briny counterpoint; finish with churros or sweet burrata.

Perfect For

Casual date over wine and tapas
After-work happy hour with friends
Small group gathering at the communal table
Solo sip and snack at the bar

Location Insights

Area: Trendy Lower East Side block with bars, casual dining, and late-night energy; popular with young crowds and date-night traffic.

Safety: Generally busy and well-trafficked; typical urban grit but comfortable for most visitors, especially evenings.

Nearby: Near Orchard/Ludlow bar scene, galleries, and indie shops; easy hop to other LES spots.

NolitaNolita is a fashionable and lively neighborhood with a strong emphasis on boutique shopping, art galleries, and a diverse dining scene ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. The area attracts a hip, creative crowd and offers a mix of intimate dining experiences and bustling street life.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday17:00–00:00 Tuesday17:00–00:00 Wednesday17:00–00:00 Thursday17:00–01:00 Friday17:00–01:00 Saturday15:00–01:00 Sunday15:00–23:00

Available: Reservations, Takeout

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