When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Break Bar
Why Break Bar is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Break Bar stands out as a unique destination in Midtown Manhattan, combining the excitement of a rage room with the vibe of a well-stocked bar. This innovative venue appeals particularly to young professionals and groups of friends looking for both fun and relaxation. The main attraction is the Throwing Range, where guests smash empty glasses against a wall, offering a cathartic release from daily stress. For those seeking a more intense experience, The Wrecking Club lets visitors demolish household items like printers, monitors, and dishes. Beyond the smashing rooms, Break Bar offers a lively bar scene with a variety of beers, wines, and creatively named cocktails such as "The Barbra Streisand." The staff are friendly and welcoming, enhancing the overall experience. Whether celebrating a bachelorette party, unwinding after work, or simply looking for a memorable time with friends, Break Bar provides a fun and safe environment that turns breaking things into a communal, exhilarating event.
Here's what people think of Break Bar
As of recent, Break Bar holds a 4.6-star rating based on 985 reviews.
Reviews consistently praise Break Bar for its unique concept and enjoyable atmosphere. Visitors frequently highlight the fun and cathartic experience of smashing items, noting that it offers a refreshing alternative to traditional bars. Positive reviews often mention the welcoming and attentive staff, with many appreciating the variety and quality of the drinks, including inventive cocktails and a good beer selection. The venue's ability to balance entertainment with a relaxed environment where guests can also watch sports or socialize comfortably is another common highlight. On the downside, some guests have expressed that service can be slow on busy nights, and occasionally the music level or crowd density might be less appealing for those seeking a quieter experience. However, these issues are generally minor, and management is regarded as responsive to concerns. In conclusion, the overall sentiment is highly favorable, with most visitors recommending Break Bar for those seeking a distinctive and exciting night out in New York City that combines friendly bar vibes with an unprecedented smashing experience.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Billy Flynn
Had a great night a few days ago at Break bar, fun place with a great atmosphere. Will definitely be returning. Was a busy night but Shannon’s service was top notch. Very personable and attentive even though it was a busy night, had a great time chatting! She definitely made our stop here a great experience. Drinks were tasteful and well balanced, highly recommend! If you’re in the area and in the mood for a drink definitely stop by, super fun time!
Gabriella Giordano
Good concept but it drops there. We got a ‘bar snack’ for $8; half a ramekin of jarred Tostitos salsa & broken, stale pieces of tortilla chips. Our $14 pickle backs tased like watered down pickle juice, no bourbon at all. As someone who’s in the industry it’s clear management is missing opportunities here. We would’ve done another round of smashing, 3 buckets for $35, if we had a decent snack & drink to hold us over. Also as Covid ramps up again I hope they consider precautions such as sanitizing the buckets, bottles & safety goggles. Probably won’t be back :/.
Richard Schmitt
Very fun bar that is 10 minutes from Times Square. Great atmosphere, fun to smash your glass / bottle, and the staff is great. Definitely recommend if you're in the area !
Travis Pierre
Don't worry about that's breakable everything is! You can drink all the drinks you want fill out the waiver and unload some stress by shattering in the shatter zone area. It's a cool vibe spot to checkout and enjoy.
Madison Baines
This bar is my favorite bar in New York! I absolutely adore the bartender, Shannon! She makes excellent drinks and was so kind to me and my family when visiting! Would recommend this bar to anyone in the city! Can’t wait to go back soon(:
How to reach Break Bar
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Website: None
Why Break Bar may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Break Bar with your friends?
Break Bar is the ultimate destination for gathering with friends when you want to break the usual bar night mold. With a stellar rating of 4.6 from over 980 reviews, it has quickly become a favorite spot in New York City for groups looking to mix fun, excitement, and a bit of cathartic release. The main draw? Here, you don’t just enjoy your drinks — you get to smash the empty glasses afterward, turning an ordinary night out into an extraordinary, stress-relieving adventure. Whether you’ve had a tough week at work or simply want to add an energetic twist to your social hangout, Break Bar creates an environment that’s both welcoming and exhilarating. Its lively, industrial atmosphere complemented by friendly, attentive staff makes everyone feel at ease and ready to have a blast. It’s perfect not just for casual meetups but also for special occasions like bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, or even office happy hours, offering a unique way to connect with your group and create memorable experiences together.
What activities can you enjoy at Break Bar and why is it perfect for a group meetup?
At Break Bar, the activities go far beyond the typical offerings of a local pub. The star attraction is the Throwing Range, where guests collect their empty glasses from finished drinks and launch them against a designated wall covered with targets projected onto it. These targets can be anything from bells to images of public figures or personalized photos, adding a fun layer of interaction and friendly competition. This smashing activity serves as a remarkable stress buster and conversation starter, ensuring that no two visits are ever the same. The bar also features The Wrecking Club, a private room where groups can book sessions to demolish household items such as printers, TVs, monitors, and dishes. This intense activity is great for groups wanting a more immersive and cathartic experience. Besides smashing fun, patrons can relax by the bar and enjoy an extensive drink menu with a wide selection of beers, wines, and innovative cocktails—such as the crowd-pleasing Old Fashioned or uniquely named cocktails like “The Barbra Streisand.” The entire experience is rounded off by a friendly vibe and an industrial-chic design that encourages casual mingling, making it ideal for meetups that blend socializing and entertainment seamlessly.
How does Break Bar accommodate different group sizes and preferences?
Breaking away from the traditional bar environment, Break Bar has cleverly designed its space and activities to accommodate a wide range of group sizes and social preferences. Whether you come with a small squad or a large party, the spacious and industrial setting allows everyone to find their perfect nook. Large groups can enjoy group bookings for The Wrecking Club for a shared smashing experience, heightening the camaraderie. Smaller parties or individuals who prefer to take it easy can head to the main bar area to sip craft cocktails or local beers, watch sports on one of the numerous screens, or engage in lighter activities like social games and chatting. The diversity in options means that everyone in the group can enjoy their own preferred pace and intensity of fun, from the thrill-seekers smashing glass and electronics to those who enjoy relaxing with well-crafted drinks. This versatility ensures that gatherings remain dynamic yet inclusive, making Break Bar an ideal destination for family meetups, friend reunions, or even corporate team-building events.
What makes the drink and food offerings at Break Bar stand out for groups?
Break Bar excels not only in entertainment but also in its thoughtfully curated drinks and food menu that caters well to groups looking for both quality and variety. The bar is stocked with a broad selection of beers on tap, including local craft brews and popular favorites like Coors Light and Miller Lite, alongside a full suite of cocktails that are both classic and creatively named. Cocktails can also be customized into mocktails, ensuring everyone in your group, including non-drinkers, can partake in the experience and get their own smashable glass afterward. For food, Break Bar offers bar bites that are perfect for sharing, such as Bavarian pretzels, chicken bites, and chicken fries—all priced affordably to keep the group well-fed without breaking the bank. This combination of tasty, shareable snacks and strong drinks makes it easy to fuel long sessions of fun, talking, and smashing without the need to move locations. Additionally, the friendly and attentive staff are often praised for their personalized service, helping make the drinking and dining experience smooth and enjoyable for groups of all sizes.
Why is the atmosphere and location of Break Bar ideal for a fun meetup with friends?
Strategically located in Midtown Manhattan on 9th Avenue, Break Bar benefits from an accessible and vibrant neighborhood that adds to the overall experience. This prime location is easy to reach via public transit or car, making it convenient for groups coming from different parts of the city. The bar’s interior boasts a large, industrial-chic design that balances an edgy vibe with comfortable social spaces, making it feel like an urban playground for adults. The lively energy is further enhanced by music, jovial bartenders, and the communal excitement around smashing glass and electronics. TVs and projectors scattered throughout the venue enable guests to watch live sports or participate in visual target games, adding layers of engagement tailored to your group’s interests. Guests frequently mention the warm, welcoming staff who create a friendly and inclusive ambiance where everyone feels part of the fun. This powerful trifecta of great location, vibrant atmosphere, and interactive entertainment options makes Break Bar a superb venue for bonding, laughter, and joyful memories with friends or family.
How is Break Bar suitable for special occasions and corporate events?
Break Bar has positioned itself as a top choice for those looking to host special occasions or corporate gatherings with a twist. The venue’s unique selling point — the option to smash glasses, bottles, and household electronics — offers an unconventional alternative to traditional party activities, making events truly memorable. Bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, and even office happy hours have found a natural home here, where groups can release stress and celebrate in a high-energy setting. The bar staff are well-experienced in managing large groups and corporate bookings, offering customizable event packages that include exclusive use of The Wrecking Club for private smashing sessions. The ability to hang up personalized targets, such as photos or company logos, adds a personalized flair that attendees appreciate. Break Bar also hosts celebrity meet-and-greets and themed events that add an extra layer of excitement for groups. For companies wanting to encourage team bonding or clients looking for an unusual entertainment experience, Break Bar provides the perfect mix of fun, release, and socializing that makes every event stand out.
What do visitors say about their experience at Break Bar?
Public reviews paint a consistently positive picture of Break Bar as an engaging and fun destination. Guests commend the friendly and welcoming staff, noting how they contribute significantly to the night’s success by offering attentive service and a fun, laid-back vibe. Many visitors highlight the thrill and release provided by the smashing experiences, whether at the Throwing Range or The Wrecking Club, describing it as a cathartic and unique way to unwind after a stressful day or week. The quality of drinks and food is also frequently mentioned, with cocktails like the Old Fashioned receiving special praise. Patrons appreciate the variety of entertainment choices, spacious layout, and engaging atmosphere, often saying they would return again and recommend it to friends. This widespread positive feedback consolidates Break Bar’s reputation as a must-visit spot for those seeking a lively and unconventional night out in New York City with friends or family.
In sum, Break Bar offers a distinctive, interactive experience that combines the best aspects of social drinking with the novelty of controlled smashing. Its well-rounded offerings of entertainment, drinks, food, setting, and service make it a standout venue where groups can bond, laugh, and create unforgettable memories together. Whether you seek release, celebration, or just a fun night out, rallying at Break Bar ensures your meetup is anything but ordinary.