When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Motel No Tell
Why Motel No Tell is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Motel No Tell is a vibrant bar and restaurant located in New York City's East Village that offers a unique throwback ambiance reminiscent of a 1980s Palm Springs motel. The space is decorated with neon signs, disco balls, vintage furniture, and even motel-room-numbered bathrooms, creating an immersive and nostalgic atmosphere perfect for socializing with friends. Guests can enjoy a range of craft cocktails, including frozen drinks like piña coladas, cold beer on draft, and an interesting selection of small plates and wood oven pizzas, ensuring there are tasty options for everyone. With comfortable seating and ample space for mingling, it’s an ideal venue for groups looking to relax and have fun. Motel No Tell also hosts special weekly events like Trivia Night and Mixtape Bingo, adding to the lively and welcoming vibe. Brunch is served on weekends, offering a chance to dive into that signature motel mood during the day. The venue’s hours are designed to accommodate both early evening gatherings and late-night outings, making it a versatile spot. Whether you’re sharing a pizza or savoring one of their signature cocktails, Motel No Tell’s distinctive theme and friendly atmosphere make it a compelling destination to meet up with friends in a memorable setting.
Here's what people think of Motel No Tell
As of recent, Motel No Tell holds a 4.5-star rating based on 213 reviews.
Reviewers generally appreciate Motel No Tell for its retro, themed decor and enjoyable atmosphere, with many highlighting the authentic 1980s motel vibe created by elements like neon lighting, vintage furniture, and unique details such as room-numbered bathrooms and a small, ornamental TV playing a casino DVD screen. The frozen drinks, especially poolside-style cocktails, and the quality of wood oven pizzas receive consistent praise for enhancing the overall experience. Positive reviews often mention the social and interactive events like weekly trivia and bingo nights as highlights that bring patrons together and create a fun, engaging environment. Patrons also value the spacious seating arrangements that accommodate groups comfortably, making it a perfect spot for friends to gather. Conversely, some negative feedback touches on occasional service slowdowns during peak hours and the relatively small size of the venue, which may feel crowded or limit privacy. A few reviewers found that the music volume can make conversation challenging, and others mentioned limited menu variety beyond pizzas and small plates. Despite these critiques, the majority view Motel No Tell as a charming and lively spot with a distinctive theme and solid food and drink offerings. Overall, the reviews paint Motel No Tell as a well-loved East Village bar and restaurant that balances nostalgia with good hospitality, resulting in high satisfaction among visitors.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Chesara Delvalle
Ordered Piña Coladas for the Happy Hour and it did NOT disappoint. Got a great buzz off of two. I went on a Wednesday and honestly the vibe was immaculate and the bar had a healthy amount of folks coming in and out. Audrey and Dillion were amazing as hell bartenders and great company. Great experience overall and will def come back on the weekend.
Carlos Melgar-Petrain
This place is so much fun. Great service by Heffa (I’m sorry if I didn’t spell that right). She was awesome right from the start! Food was mediocre as the chimichurri lacked flavor. The music was loud which made it hard to talk to my party. Otherwise, it was such a great spot!
cey
Happy hour is really happy! Amazing food, amazing drinks, amazing atmosphere with outside tables in the sun or in the shade. The service was great and I can’t wait to come back from Trivia night on Mondays!
Kirsten C
The happy hour was a great deal. Loved the $10 Margarita pizza! Trivia night was fun and the servers were nice with great energy.
Angie Chan
Just hosted a birthday party here and everything was great! Colin was super easy to work with to plan the event and Alexa was helpful on the day of making sure things went accordingly. They put sparklers on the cake which was such a fun special touch. There were a couple other small parties happening at the same time and the whole place just felt fun and lively and had great energy without being too crowded or loud. Everyone at the party loved the vibes of the bar and the fun decor and had a great time! I would recommend hosting a party here!
How to reach Motel No Tell
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Why Motel No Tell may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Motel No Tell with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a memorable night out is all about finding a spot that combines a unique atmosphere, great food and drinks, and plenty of fun activities to keep the energy high. Motel No Tell, located in the vibrant East Village of New York City, fits this bill perfectly. As a retro-inspired bar that looks and feels like a quirky 1980s Palm Springs motel, it offers an unforgettable setting filled with neon signs, vintage furniture, and disco balls — even hanging in the bathrooms numbered like motel rooms. The ambience alone makes it a perfect rally point to escape everyday routines and dive into a night full of nostalgia, laughter, and shared moments. Whether you're catching up over frozen cocktails served in playful paper cups or savoring one of their wood-fired pizzas, the space invites conversation and celebration. The combination of its intentionally kitschy, colorful décor and a lively vibe ensures that every visit feels like a mini-vacation, making Motel No Tell an excellent choice to bring friends or family for relaxing, social, and genuinely fun get-togethers.
What kind of drinks and food can you enjoy at Motel No Tell?
Motel No Tell is celebrated for its strong focus on drinks, featuring an impressive array of cocktails that keep the party going. Their signature frozen drinks, often served in whimsical ways such as tequila poured into paper coffee cups as shot glasses, add an element of surprise and delight. Classic brunch cocktails like espresso martinis, mimosas, and Aperol spritzes are available, especially appealing during their popular weekend brunch service. The brunch menu is surprisingly extensive for a bar, boasting a variety of options that range from hearty steak and eggs to indulgent Nutella pancakes, making sure every taste and appetite is satisfied. For those who prefer savory over sweet, delicious wood-oven pizzas and a selection of small plates and sandwiches are on offer, perfect for sharing amongst friends. This balance between robust drink offerings and well-crafted bites ensures that groups can indulge in both food and beverage, keeping everyone energized and happy from the first sip to the last slice.
What activities and events make Motel No Tell ideal for group meetups?
Motel No Tell is more than just a bar and eatery; it’s a hub for interactive fun designed to foster social interaction and group enjoyment. One of its standout events is the lively trivia night held every Monday, providing a perfect excuse for groups to team up, challenge their knowledge, and enjoy spirited competition in a casual setting. Tuesdays bring “MixTape Bingo,” an entertaining twist on a classic game that encourages guests to mingle while enjoying a playlist rich in ‘80s hits and nostalgic tunes that complement the overall theme. The venue also offers generous happy hour deals Monday through Friday, and again on Sunday evenings, featuring reduced prices on poolside frozen drinks, select wines, beers, and cocktails, plus discount pizzas that make group dining accessible and fun. With a flexible floor plan, a dance floor, and a stage, there’s ample room for dancing, mingling, or even booking private parties or special events. These community-focused offerings create an environment where friends and families can bond, celebrate, and make lasting memories.
How does Motel No Tell’s unique décor and ambiance add to the group experience?
Stepping into Motel No Tell is like stepping back in time to a glamorous yet kitschy 1980s motel, complete with neon signs blinking vibrantly against a backdrop of vintage furniture and quirky décor sourced from what looks like a defunct Palm Beach social club. Every detail contributes to the immersive experience — bathroom doors numbered like motel rooms, scattered disco balls, and a tiny TV stuck on a classic Casino DVD, creating an eclectic, playful atmosphere. This uniqueness plays a huge role in bringing groups together, as it sparks conversation and encourages photo-worthy moments that amplify the fun. The lighting and furniture arrangement make the space feel cozy yet energetic, offering plenty of seating along the walls and a welcoming couch in the back area that looks like it's been preserved from another decade — a perfect hangout spot for friends to relax and enjoy one another’s company. The visual vibe combined with upbeat music curated to fit the theme ensures an engaging multisensory experience that’s difficult to find elsewhere.
What amenities and services enhance the convenience and comfort for group gatherings?
Motel No Tell prioritizes guest comfort and convenience in ways that make it ideal for group gatherings of all sizes. It accepts online reservations for parties of up to 10, which makes planning easy for casual meetups or celebrations. For larger groups, the establishment provides direct contact options to arrange special accommodations, ensuring a customized experience. The venue is equipped with WiFi, a full bar, and a patio, allowing groups to spread out comfortably and stay connected or enjoy the fresh air while socializing. The flexible floor plan accommodates different types of events, from casual brunches and cocktail nights to private parties or even weddings, making the space versatile and appealing to a broad audience. Additionally, the staff is known for its friendly and attentive service, which enhances the overall experience and helps groups feel well taken care of throughout their visit. The extended hours from early brunch on weekends to late-night service on Fridays and Saturdays also make Motel No Tell an accommodating choice for both daytime and evening gatherings.
Why is Motel No Tell rated highly by its visitors for group outings?
With a strong rating of 4.5 stars from over 200 reviews, Motel No Tell clearly resonates well with patrons, particularly those visiting in groups. Customers frequently highlight the bar’s energetic and colorful setting, which is perfect for a lively night out with friends. The playful and somewhat nostalgic cocktails, along with the expansive brunch menu, consistently receive praise for quality and variety. Visitors appreciate the quirky décor and attentive staff, which contribute to a memorable and upbeat atmosphere that easily adapts to casual meetups and celebratory events alike. The combination of unique theme, engaging events like trivia and bingo, and fantastic drink specials generate repeat visits and enthusiastic recommendations. Such positive feedback underscores Motel No Tell’s reputation as a top destination to rally together, making it feel less like just another bar and more like a shared experience that builds connection and fun in the heart of the East Village.
How can you make the most of your visit to Motel No Tell with a large group?
To maximize your experience at Motel No Tell when visiting as a large group, early planning is key. Booking a reservation in advance, especially for parties around 10 or more, ensures you secure the best seating in this popular venue, such as the iconic back couch area that’s great for a cozy group setting. Taking advantage of the happy hour specials and themed event nights like trivia or MixTape Bingo can add a fun layer of entertainment and a competitive spirit that brings everyone closer. Ordering shareable dishes like their wood-fired pizzas and small plates encourages conversation and a relaxed dining style that’s perfect for groups. Consider splitting rounds of cocktails or sampling from their extensive frozen drink menu to keep the party vibe alive without overspending. Lastly, embracing the retro ambiance by capturing photos and engaging fully in the quirky, neon-lit environment will make your meetup not just enjoyable but truly memorable.
What makes Motel No Tell a standout choice in the East Village bar and restaurant scene?
Motel No Tell stands out in the crowded East Village nightlife scene because it offers more than just food and drinks — it provides a vibrant, immersive experience rooted in a distinctive theme and a community-focused spirit. Unlike generic bars, its 1980s Palm Springs motel motif is carried out with attention to detail that invites guests to step inside another era, creating a playful escape from the ordinary. The varied event programming, including Monday trivia and Tuesday bingo nights, adds social value and incentivizes repeated visits. Its willingness to accommodate groups large and small with flexible spaces and reservations enhances practicality, while the quality of cocktails, brunch offerings, and wood-fired pizzas satisfy culinary cravings. This combination of atmosphere, entertainment, and thoughtful service culminates in a venue that feels welcoming, fun, and unique, making Motel No Tell a go-to spot for anyone in search of a lively, memorable group outing in New York City’s East Village.