When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Bob's Your Uncle
Why Bob's Your Uncle is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Bob's Your Uncle is a multifaceted business known primarily for its quirky, fun home goods and creative branding services. Originally founded by a British couple, Martin and Michele Yeeles, the company first gained recognition as a wholesale home goods provider based in Fort Point, Boston. The retail store, Front, located at 25 Channel Center St., offers an inviting space where friends can gather to browse a thoughtfully curated selection of melamine plates, file folders, and other home and gift items, many designed by local artists and popular brands like Chilewich and Thomas Paul. This diversity in products combined with the charm of British-inspired design makes it a delightful destination to meet friends and discover unique gifts. Beyond retail, Bob's Your Uncle is also celebrated for its expert creative branding services, having worked with significant clients such as healthcare operators, delivering comprehensive brand identities, logos, and marketing campaigns. With a reputation for a hands-on, client-responsive approach, the company fosters a collaborative environment that is both professional and approachable. This dual identity—as a creative branding agency and a purveyor of distinctive home goods—allows Bob's Your Uncle to be a vibrant place that appeals not only to shoppers but also to businesses seeking innovative brand solutions.
Here's what people think of Bob's Your Uncle
As of recent, Bob's Your Uncle holds a 4.4-star rating based on 401 reviews.
Customer reviews of Bob's Your Uncle paint a generally positive picture of the business's creativity and service quality across its different facets. On the retail front, visitors appreciate the store's extensive and whimsically curated selection of products, highlighting the unique 'Life is Good' merchandise and other gift items as standout offerings. Shoppers often commend the store's atmosphere and variety, making it a favored spot for souvenir shopping and special gifts. Meanwhile, some dissatisfaction has been noted in areas such as customer service, where a few reviewers expressed disappointment, indicating room for improvement in personal engagement and support. Regarding the branding and design services, clients consistently praise Bob's Your Uncle for their strong creativity, responsiveness, and adherence to deadlines. The team's hands-on approach and ability to align perfectly with client needs, especially in complex projects like rebranding care home operators, have earned substantial recognition. Negative feedback in this domain is rare, suggesting a solid reputation in professional services. In conclusion, while the retail experience occasionally faces critiques regarding customer interaction, Bob's Your Uncle maintains a robust standing both as a creative brand agency and a distinctive retail venue, making it a respected and appealing business overall.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Suleyma Vergara
I love this place!!!! I live across the street and have visited on and off since moving to NY. Then I saw a sign saying they were having a trivia night!!! I was soooo excited! I used to do trivia nights in college with my friends (team name the Brainiacs), and I missed that! I started going to Josef’s trivia nights and had so much fun! I loved the atmosphere, and the bartenders, Alex and Chelsea, made me feel safe and at home! Even when men come up to you and ask if “you come here often,” when you’re just focused on trivia questions. I am here for the fun of trivia nights and the safety of being close to home! Treated like family is a very accurate calling card for this place! 10/10 Recommend!
Rasheeda Eskak
My favorite bar near home! The staff is great, they have board games and shuffleboard, and their beers are top notch! I love going there at least once a week to see the different beers on tap. I brought my sister once here and she loved the Snow White cocktail. We came in during happy hour on Tuesday a while ago and the bartender was super sweet! Made her a cool custom cocktail that she enjoyed. It’s also bring your own food, which is great! Can bring it in or have it delivered. Bob’s will always be my comfort spot for a beer. Also spent new years there, great vibe! My boyfriend also did mention that they once played Akira on the projector. Incredible!
Rachel Bambrick
Great vibe, fun atmosphere, also love the Chokey 😉 Alex is a fantastic bartender! Great drinks and even better conversation!
Mark Franklin
Bob's is a bit of a legend in my friend group. It's a proper neighborhood bar. Good tap selection, standard liquor options, dim lighting, cozy seating, sports on the projector... It fits the bill of the "third place" that is often hard to find elsewhere in the neighborhood. Bob's is just far enough away from Columbia that it doesn't get slammed with undergrad students. Patrons tend to be locals and older Columbia graduate students or veterans. A comfortable spot that I frequented while in school and now a place I get to visit when I'm back in town.
Lana Roman
Nice local bar! Has cheap beer and board games in the back (might have to look around for all the pieces)
How to reach Bob's Your Uncle
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Website: None
Why Bob's Your Uncle may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Bob's Your Uncle with your friends?
Bob's Your Uncle, located in New York City, offers a uniquely welcoming atmosphere that makes it an ideal spot for gathering with friends and family. The bar’s vibe is cozy and inviting, creating the perfect backdrop for a relaxed evening spent socializing. With a solid rating of 4.4 from over 400 reviews, it’s clear that many patrons appreciate the warm, neighborhood bar feel it provides. Whether you are looking to enjoy local beers and ciders or simply want a comfortable place to catch up and unwind, Bob’s Your Uncle delivers a genuine experience that’s both casual and enjoyable. The staff is known for being notably friendly and helpful, often enhancing the visit with personalized recommendations. This combination of quality drinks, approachable service, and a laid-back setting makes Bob’s Your Uncle not just another bar, but a community hub where memories with friends and family can be made and cherished. The simplicity of this venue is its charm—there’s no pretense, just a good time shared in good company.
What activities can you do at Bob's Your Uncle that make it perfect for a group meetup?
Bob's Your Uncle offers a range of engaging activities that are ideal for groups looking to have a fun and interactive night out. One of the standout features is the indoor shuffleboard, which provides a lively and competitive game experience for groups to bond over. Shuffleboard is casual enough for newcomers but fun and strategic enough to keep everyone entertained, making it perfect for gatherings of all ages and interests. Beyond games, Bob’s Your Uncle serves a fine selection of local craft beers and ciders, ideal for exploration and conversation starters among friends who enjoy tasting different brews. The bar’s atmosphere is cozy and intimate, supporting easy conversation without the distractions of loud music or overcrowding. Although food is not served onsite, the staff is well-informed about nearby dining options, ensuring your group can easily coordinate meals with drinks. These elements together make Bob’s Your Uncle a versatile and convenient location for groups seeking both activity and relaxation without the fuss of a more formal setting.
Why is Bob's Your Uncle especially suited for larger groups or family events?
Bob’s Your Uncle has several qualities that make it especially well-suited for larger groups or family gatherings. The welcoming ambiance creates a space where people can feel at ease, allowing guests to focus on socializing and enjoying each other's company. The layout supports communal experiences, giving groups space to spread out while still feeling connected in one cozy environment. The availability of shuffleboard complements this, providing a shared activity that encourages teamwork, laughter, and friendly rivalry. Moreover, the affordability of drinks, such as the reasonably priced Bob’s Pilsner at $5, helps keep the event budget-friendly for everyone involved, making it easier to bring more people together without worry. The attentive and kind staff further enhance group visits by ensuring smooth service and personalized attention, which is especially appreciated when coordinating larger parties. While food is not available at Bob’s Your Uncle, the establishment’s central location in New York allows easy access to many nearby restaurants, letting visitors design a complete meetup experience that fits their preferences.
What makes the atmosphere and service at Bob’s Your Uncle stand out?
The atmosphere at Bob’s Your Uncle strikes a perfect balance between casual and cozy, offering a space where patrons feel genuinely comfortable and welcome. Unlike bustling, noisy bars where conversations can be difficult, Bob’s Your Uncle maintains an environment conducive to relaxed dialogue and meaningful connections. Customers often highlight the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, who contribute significantly to the venue’s charm. This positive interaction helps customers feel valued and cared for, and the bartenders are known to guide visitors toward the best drinks or local dining options when needed. The vibe is decidedly neighborhood-oriented, creating a sense of community that is often missing in larger, more commercial establishments. This authenticity is key to why groups find Bob’s Your Uncle a go-to spot for meetups—it’s the kind of place where everyone feels like they belong, encouraging repeat visits and loyal friendships forged over good drinks and good times.
Can Bob’s Your Uncle accommodate different tastes and preferences within groups?
Absolutely. Bob’s Your Uncle caters to a broad range of tastes within any group, ensuring that everyone finds something enjoyable. The highlight is their excellent selection of local beers and ciders, which appeal to craft beer lovers and those looking to try something off the beaten path. For groups that include both casual and more discerning drinkers, this variety provides plenty of options to satisfy diverse palates. Even though the venue doesn’t offer food, the knowledgeable staff readily recommend nearby eateries, allowing groups to plan complementary meals that meet varying dietary requirements, including options for vegans, vegetarians, and those with allergies. The relaxed setting also suits various social dynamics, from lively group conversations to quieter catch-ups or even celebrating special occasions. Whether your group desires flavorful brews, engaging activities, or simply a fuss-free place to gather, Bob’s Your Uncle thoughtfully caters to diverse preferences and needs, contributing to its reputation as a beloved neighborhood staple.
Why should groups consider Bob’s Your Uncle as a convenient and comfortable meeting point?
Convenience and comfort are major draws at Bob’s Your Uncle for group gatherings. Situated in a bustling part of New York City, it benefits from easy access by public transportation and proximity to many dining and entertainment options. Its central location means your group can gather here before or after exploring other local venues, making it a smart hub for day or evening events. Inside, the seating and space layout promote intimacy without feeling cramped, allowing groups to talk, laugh, and enjoy activities without feeling rushed or crowded. Moreover, the affordability factor ensures that meeting here won’t put undue strain on anyone’s budget, a consideration especially important for larger parties. The overall vibe of camaraderie and casual friendliness fosters a stress-free atmosphere, perfect for reconnecting with family and friends in an environment that welcomes everyone without pretension. For those looking to create enjoyable group memories without hassle, Bob’s Your Uncle offers the ideal combination of accessibility, atmosphere, and affordability.
How does the design and environment of Bob’s Your Uncle support social interaction?
Bob’s Your Uncle’s design is deliberately inviting and conducive to social interaction, helping groups engage naturally with each other. The space incorporates cozy seating arrangements and communal tables that encourage mingling and group conversations. The presence of shuffleboard adds an active element that breaks the ice and gets people involved in friendly competition, which naturally enhances camaraderie. The lighting and décor strike a balance between vibrant and mellow, setting a tone that feels lively yet relaxed rather than overstimulating. This thoughtful environment fosters conversation flow and connection, which are often the main priorities for group outings. Unlike bars that focus solely on drinking or loud music, Bob’s Your Uncle emphasizes social comfort, making it easier for guests to focus on the company they're sharing. In this way, the venue’s physical and cultural design combine to make every meetup feel personal and memorable.
What makes Bob’s Your Uncle a memorable experience for repeat visits?
Bob’s Your Uncle creates memorable experiences that encourage repeat visits through consistent quality in their atmosphere, drinks, and service. Their focus on maintaining a true neighborhood bar feel means patrons come to expect a welcoming environment where they can relax and be themselves. The staff’s friendly nature and willingness to make each visit special by recommending drinks, games, or dining options builds strong rapport with customers. The variety of local beers and ciders adds to the sense of discovery every time you visit, keeping each meetup fresh and engaging. Furthermore, the presence of convertible social games like shuffleboard allows for both casual and competitive fun, which appeals to a wide audience and can accommodate different moods or types of gatherings. All these factors combined—authenticity, quality service, great drinks, and engaging activities—make Bob’s Your Uncle not just a one-time stop but a beloved spot for ongoing social connections.
Why do patrons consistently rate Bob’s Your Uncle highly despite being a simple bar?
Patrons rate Bob’s Your Uncle highly because it offers exactly what a neighborhood bar should: great drinks, welcoming service, and a relaxing atmosphere without unnecessary complications. Its simplicity is a strength, not a weakness, providing a refuge from the often hectic and overly commercialized bar scene. Customers appreciate the focus on quality local beers and the friendly bartenders who contribute to a positive experience. Additionally, the availability of social activities like shuffleboard is an attractive bonus that differentiates it from standard bars. The affordability and unpretentious nature make it comfortable for all types of visitors, whether catching up with old friends or celebrating special occasions. This no-frills approach, combined with consistent service and a community feel, earns Bob’s Your Uncle its solid rating and devoted following.
What tips can help groups get the most out of their visit to Bob’s Your Uncle?
To maximize your experience at Bob’s Your Uncle, consider arriving early or making a plan since the cozy space can fill up, especially on weekends or evenings. Taking advantage of shuffleboard during your visit is a great way to break the ice and add some playful competition to your night. Since food is not served onsite, coordinate nearby dining options ahead of time or ask the staff for recommendations to complement your drinks perfectly. Bring a casual and open mindset: the venue thrives on the community feel, so embracing the relaxed vibe helps you enjoy the shared energy. Finally, explore the variety of craft beers and ciders offered — trying something new can be a pleasant addition to the social atmosphere and make your gathering feel special.
Bob’s Your Uncle shines as a charming and accommodating spot for meetups that prioritize atmosphere, activity, and genuine connection. Whether you’re planning a casual night out with friends or a family gathering, it balances fun, comfort, and community spirit effortlessly.