Kristen Wlazelek

5/8/2025, 4:38:12 AM

It bums me out to write this because I really like this place and have had lots of other good experiences here- but the last time we visited the staff was downright hostile towards our group (which included young kids). We were told no less than three times that it was a bar and not suitable for kids. I get it- and ordinarily we wouldn't have chosen this place but it was close by and I've always enjoyed their cocktails and food. It was also 5pm on a Saturday and- but for another table full of kids- completely empty. Service was inattentive at best.

L.

1/15/2025, 4:14:52 AM

Drinks weren’t bad but not the greatest. Good vibes!

Hugh McAnany

10/24/2024, 9:20:07 PM

Was there for a private party in the back. The vibe and ambience was appropriate for that part of Chelsea. The food was good and the beer was excellent. I’m planning to go back.

Ramon Sukhai

4/8/2025, 8:08:45 PM

We traveled to NY in March to hold a wedding celebration party for about 25 friends and family in the area. We found Porchlight while on a venue scouting trip last October and really liked the Southern vibe of the place. Debbie and the entire team were great to work with and were very welcoming. We rented out the Game Room for a few hours and everyone had a great time. The drinks were very good and the food was amazing! While some Southern staples like the biscuits and the po'boys were obviously good, the surprise hit was the tofu banh mi wrap! It was light and flavorful, and offered a good balance to the burgers, dips, etc. (which were all tasty). Next time I'm in NY, I'll happily visit again.

Nicholas

10/12/2024, 1:59:10 AM

Porchlight is the perfect blend of Southern comfort and NYC cool, with cozy booths and a back game room that adds to its laid-back vibe. The cocktails are the real star here—creative and potent with a Southern twist. While the food is more snacky than full-on meals, the sugar & spice popcorn and burger are definitely worth trying. It can get a bit crowded and loud, but the friendly service and relaxed atmosphere make it worth a visit.

Michael Jones

12/13/2023, 7:19:50 PM

Had an incredible night at Porchlight. The team was so attentive and friendly (even letting us sit 15 minutes before our reservation), and the drinks and food were tremendous (especially their holiday menu of drinks!). I was also deeply impressed at the service given that there were a ton of Xmas celebrations parties happening concurrently. Really enjoyed Porchlight and would absolutely go back for cocktails and bites/meals.

Latisha G

6/7/2024, 11:56:43 PM

Happy Hour was fantastic. Although the menu is limited for happy hour, overall menu is really great. Really enjoyed the service received at the bar. It was surprisingly packed and the atmosphere was wonderful with people spending time with their colleagues, friends etc. I really enjoyed how the bartenders made the drinks, it made me feel like I was witnessing mixology bartending. Definitely felt the drinks were crafted with such care. I cannot remember the name of the bartender that serviced is, but she was wonderful and knowledgeable.

Eric Holzmann

12/18/2024, 4:38:04 AM

A fantastic cocktail bar with seasonal drinks and excellent small plates. Styled after a ski lodge and the ambiance was perfect.

Kathy Nguyen

6/6/2025, 1:21:43 AM

Food was really good for bar food! I loved the firecracker chicken. Atmosphere and service is really nice as well. Calm place to chill and relax with friends.

amanda pupino

1/31/2025, 3:26:00 PM

Had a few cocktails which were delish! Lively and cool atmosphere. Highlight of the night were the friendly af servers including Noah and Brad- two gems from Ohio! Really friendly, warm, and made us laugh :-) what a pleasure :-)

Glen Handley

4/7/2025, 11:17:38 PM

We found this when the bar we wanted to go to was a big disappointment. It seems like a bro bar almost, but I love a bar, when I ask for a blood & sand, they know exactly what it is and make it right away. Our bartender made me another obscure drink I was talking about, without even asking me, and gave it to me for free to see if it was done right, it was perfect. Of course we ordered another drink for my girl, which she really liked, We will be back many times

Forest McKenzie

12/6/2024, 10:31:38 PM

Service was insanely slow. We had to wait over 35 minutes after we finished our apps to even order our mains. The pimento grilled cheese wasn’t even toasted, literally buttery/greasy bread. I don’t think there was even pimento cheese in it. We could only find two very small pieces of pimento so it had no flavor. Tasted like a grilled cheese with American cheese. Our drinks were great! The mushroom sandwich was so good, like how was it just a touch of spice but wasn’t hot. And the hush puppies could make me commit crime. But disappointed in too many things about our experience. we wanted dessert but didn’t trust it would come fast enough to make our plans and we gave ourselves three hours for dinner.

Daniel Groh

7/7/2024, 8:19:39 PM

I went to Porchlight with an old Army buddy of mine. Although we only had drinks, the hospitality we received was top-notch. The manager was exceptionally accommodating, even taking back a drink that didn’t taste quite right. To top it off, she surprised us with some complimentary Jell-O shots and thanked us for our service. I highly recommend this place for its great atmosphere and exceptional experience. Next time we plan to try the food too!

Sakshi Deshpande

11/22/2024, 6:49:29 PM

Editing my original ratings to review. I really loved the ambience and the service was good. The drinks were interesting, but I think some things could be better: 1. More food quantity for the price 2. I ordered the salty dog drink and it was served in a plastic cup the ones used for water, which was a sad experience. Also for the readers, water is served in a glass cup! So in general, could be better in the customer experience department! P.S. Food and drinks taste really good!

Cindy Hao

1/29/2024, 3:30:02 AM

such a good vibe!!! happy hour 3-7pm and ALL DAY sunday like what ($11 drinks!!) salty dog is surprisingly really good, even as someone who doesn’t love vodka : D plenty of seating AND board games too damn

Kamil A.

5/24/2024, 10:59:58 PM

Cool spot, even though currently there is some road work going on outside or something (just makes it look a little less welcoming). Got in early in the day, but just in time for the happy hour, to get off my feet and grab a drink. Order a mint julep, nachos and beer from the hh menu. Everything was okay, NY prices being NY prices, but the cocktail. I was pulling air for 30 sec out of a straw sticking out of a cup of ice, wondering whether they just forgot to put the drink into it. Eventually moved the straw around.. so I got a good 4-5 solid sips out of it before "the drink is done" sound. If you're going to serve a shot glass worth of drink in a cup of ice to save money, just take the cocktails off your happy hour menu. Otherwise the place is worth checking out.

Danté Gray

2/23/2025, 8:31:53 PM

Really loved this spot! I definitely want to come back. Drink prices were reasonable and the waiter was quick. Didn’t take any pictures unfortunately, but the ambiance was great and I’ll make sure to let others know about this spot. Bathrooms were immaculate! Like that was a great downtown bathroom experience lol. I had the shrimp po boy and it was delicious. The fried oysters was great as well!

Mason Horn

6/21/2025, 2:49:18 AM

The only reason I’m giving the atmosphere a 4/5 stars is bc of the questionable location (I kind of like it) but many would not. I think everything else about this spot is absolutely perfect!