Sarah Wasloski

10/3/2024, 3:46:12 PM

I was so bummed to have a terrible experience here. I live very close by and have been eyeing this place for a long time. Finally went in and ordered a cocktail off their cocktail menu (the rosebud). I was super excited, it’s supposed to be rose, lemon, and vodka. It tasted like a vodka lemonade. No rose at all. Here’s the part that has made me write a review. I told the bartender (after I took one sip) I didn’t like it and asked to changed it out for a margarita. She told me absolute not. I ordered what I ordered and there was nothing wrong with it. Specifically she said “it’s a vodka lemonade if you didn’t want that you shouldn’t have ordered it.” She then offered me 50% off the margarita if I still wanted it. I would understand if I ordered a vodka soda and tried to return it, but I ordered a cocktail off your menu that tasted horrible and not as described. So disappointing!

Tony

4/21/2025, 6:33:59 AM

Fresh/tasty cocktails. Welcoming bartenders. Dark/comfortable/laid-back vibe. Happy hour (weekdays 3-6pm).

Tony D'Antonio

4/21/2025, 6:33:59 AM

Fresh/tasty cocktails. Welcoming bartenders. Dark/comfortable/laid-back vibe. Happy hour (weekdays 3-6pm).

Cristina A

4/20/2025, 2:32:21 AM

This might just be the perfect neighborhood bar. I’ve lived across the street for months and finally stopped in a few weeks ago—wish I had come sooner. The staff are consistently warm and welcoming, and it’s the ideal spot to pop in for a beer or linger for a few more.

Wook Chung

9/5/2024, 11:52:24 PM

Straight forward Manhattan bar with friendly vibes, decent beer selection, and cocktails. The bar tender was extremely friendly and accommodating. At the end of the day, you go to a bar because you're able to grab a drink with a friend or two and have a good time. Gadfly was perfect for having a good conversation with friendly and lively vibes. Wasn't crowded and had a decent number of tables. Only reason for 4-stars is that it was a bit too dank for my taste, as well as not having much character that makes it stand out. It really feels like there's another 100 "Gadflys" across Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Ekene

11/9/2024, 8:45:14 PM

Was excited to come here based on reviews but left completely dissatisfied. Cocktail was just OK borderline bad - definitely did not taste as described, watered down, and on the pricier side for what it was. After taking our drink order the server legitimately disappeared so getting another drink or any food was out of the question. When she finally resurfaced she spent time chitchatting with some tables while completely ignoring our attempts to grab her attention so we could just pay and leave. Such an odd experience

Robert Mitchener

5/25/2024, 9:17:29 PM

The Gadfly bar is a fantastic little enclave that offers amazing cocktails and service. Hugo the bartender was phenomenal and attentive ensuring I was not without a drink. I ordered the Fawlty Sour (great name) and the Cup'o Joe. Both cocktails were amazing in different ways. Then Fawlty Sour had a similar flair to a Clover Club, but rather than raspberries it was strawberries. The Cup'o Joe was a very creative twist on an espresso martini that used cold brew and put itself into a tumbler rather than a martini glass. Both drinks were delicious and easy to drink! I would definitely recommend going here if you want decent cocktails or even some bar food.

Christopher Brown

3/26/2025, 8:07:41 PM

One of the only spots I’ve found 3 Floyds beer in NYC, which is great if you haven’t tried it. Service was friendly and fast. Didn’t have any food since I’d just eaten before coming in for some suds, but all the plates I saw around looked very tasty. The food on the plates I mean. Not the actual plates. I don’t eat plates. That was just a rumor started by my arch rival who’s after my inheritance. Also it has a cool atmosphere. Bathrooms were decent if you’re picky about that kinda thing in a bar. Well curated beer selection. Good crowd- lively but not like nuts. In a cool area so you can pop in for some drinks and be on your way to some other fun. The place was clean and the music was good. Good beer, good music, good vibes, good location, I don’t eat plates, bathrooms aren’t a war zone. Had a great rating already and lived up to it in my visit.

Luke Litowitz

8/4/2024, 5:13:48 AM

Drinks were okay. Atmosphere was great. But the service was kind of okay. The server was not very nice. She kept getting frustrated when we asked for anything extra. We asked for some salt after getting shots and she said "I don't think we can do that." I proceeded to ask if she could ask someone and she said "but I'll have to go ask in the back." I told her "I could ask the bartenders if you don't want to" and she said "okayyy" with a kind of rude undertone. Tip was automatically included which was not good. Overall mediocre experience and the service was worse than average. Recommend going somewhere else.

Chip Waite

5/6/2023, 3:04:59 AM

Great cocktails and atmosphere. Our bartender Regina was fun to talk w and made me a couple great Manhattans. Definitely would try to come back on my next New York visit.

Anthony Mejia

9/9/2023, 6:40:31 PM

Overall, I had an okay experience at Gadfly. We arrived during happy hour, where drinks are 2 dollars off. They had a great drink menu, and we ended up getting a variety of different cocktails. Mix of hits/misses, but that's expected when trying new cocktails. I would give the drinks menu a solid 4/5. Food on the other hand was pretty disappointing. The smash burger was incredibly underwhelming, especially when you can get tons of better ones nearby for a fraction of the price. It didn't pack much flavor and the burger fell apart while I ate it. Their French fries were excellent, which did make up for the subpar burger. The hot dog was okay but nothing special. 3/5 for the food. Service was decent and they were fairly attentive. Slowed down a bit when the place got more busy but nothing to complain about. They have some games in the back as well as special events throughout the week. I'd probably come back for happy hour, but would eat elsewhere.

Briana Sperry

12/11/2024, 10:52:51 PM

Fun and lively bar with unique beer selections! We love coming here after stumbling upon it, friendly service and found Cherry Chouffe! The chicken tenders are also soo so good!

Anastassia Fisyak

1/18/2025, 12:39:14 AM

Hi! Don’t do this often, but my friend and I randomly picked this place to catch up. Staff are great and check in on you often. Love the real plates, glasses, etc. to reduce waste. Would love to see the plastic straw optional to reduce waste.

Harrison Taylor

5/10/2024, 2:53:35 AM

I’d like to give a shoutout to Gadfly Bar. My group and I came in without a spot in sight to sit, so we left for a moment. As we went outside, the manager came out and greeted us, offering a spot we didn’t see in the back. We went back in and well and behold there was a spot for us. Later on, he gave us two free drinks for our patience and the service couldn’t have been better. If you’re in area this is a great bar to go to.

Paige W

3/8/2025, 5:15:08 PM

We walked in on a busy Friday night and they were able to make space for us. Such a cute spot with a great vibe and excellent drinks.