When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
The Rum House
Why The Rum House is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Rum House is an iconic cocktail bar nestled in the heart of Times Square, New York City, offering an authentic, classic New York experience with a modern twist. Known for its old-world charm, the bar features wood-paneled walls, copper accents, and a warm, candlelit ambiance that invites guests to unwind and enjoy expertly crafted cocktails. Live piano and jazz music play nightly, creating a lively and intimate atmosphere that sets it apart as a perfect spot to meet up with friends. Whether you're looking for a nightcap after a long day, a pre-theater drink, or an evening of revelry, The Rum House provides the quintessential vibe of Manhattan through its rich rum selection and a broad cocktail menu. It is especially renowned for its exclusive offerings like the Santa Teresa 1796 rum, which is aged up to 35 years and prized by connoisseurs. With its proximity to Times Square and a reputation for excellent cocktails and top-tier live music, The Rum House is a standout destination that blends tradition and vibrant nightlife for memorable social gatherings.
Here's what people think of The Rum House
As of recent, The Rum House holds a 4.4-star rating based on 2020 reviews.
Reviews of The Rum House reveal a generally positive consensus, with patrons praising its lively atmosphere, prime location near Times Square, and superb live jazz and piano performances that enhance the evening’s ambiance. Many reviewers appreciate the bar’s expertly crafted cocktails and the cozy, nostalgic décor, which evokes classic New York City bars. Positive feedback often highlights the friendly staff, quality of drinks, and the bar’s unique blend of a downtown sensibility with an old-world aesthetic. However, some negative reviews mention issues like limited seating, occasional wait times, and the bar being crowded or noisy, which may affect the experience for those seeking a quieter setting. A few guests expressed disappointment when service did not meet expectations, or when the pricing felt steep. Nonetheless, the overall sentiment remains favorable, with most guests considering it an excellent venue for socializing, enjoying quality cocktails, and experiencing live music in an iconic New York setting. In conclusion, The Rum House is widely regarded as a premier cocktail bar that delivers a compelling combination of ambiance, entertainment, and expertly mixed drinks, making it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Alyssa Kearney
My husband and I came to The Rum House before a Broadway show and had a great experience. The space has a classic Cuban-meets-Old-Hollywood vibe. We sat at the bar and the bartender was knowledgeable and attentive. We arrived during happy hour and started with drinks from that menu. For our second round, I ordered a Painkiller (the Painkiller is my favorite rum cocktail), from the full menu and it ended up being one of the best I’ve ever had! I had to stop myself from ordering more—I didn’t want to be crawling into the theater. Overall, it was the perfect spot to kick off our evening!
Maroun Younan
We wanted to enjoy some jazz and the place was nearby. We went around 9 the place was full couldn't have a seat. We had to stand by the bar. The barman was great. The drinks he made were amazing. Have dinner before you go as they have limited menu options. It was a good evening.
Richard Santillan
Wow! This was a fun cocktail bar! Got lucky and came in right as Jazz band was setting up! Band was great, perfect for a date night! Try their rum drinks, super tasty! Seating near jazz band was limited, would recommend getting there early! Table service was quick, our server was great! Would recommend for a nice vibey night!
Hruthika Reddy
Such a fun spot to end the night! Amazing cocktails, live jazz, and an old Hollywood vibe that makes it feel timeless. Definitely a go-to when we’re in New York. 🎶🍸
Marcelo Silva
This is one of the coolest places in New York to finish your night out in great style. The atmosphere is incredible, the music is great and the drinks and the service are impeccable. We’ve been here many times, they are usually very kind and try to accommodate us. Highly recommended 🍾
How to reach The Rum House
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Why The Rum House may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Rum House with your friends?
Gathering your friends at The Rum House is an invitation to immerse yourselves in an unmatched blend of vibrant atmosphere, exquisite flavors, and genuine camaraderie. This venue offers more than just food and drinks; it transports you to a tropical Caribbean state of mind right in the heart of the city, making every meetup feel like a mini-vacation. The ambiance is lively yet welcoming, designed to spark joyful conversations and shared laughter. Whether you are looking to unwind after work, celebrate a special occasion, or simply enjoy quality time with friends, The Rum House creates the perfect setting. Its reputation for indulgent, chef-created tacos and authentic tropical cocktails means your taste buds are in for a treat, complementing the social energy that flows through the space. Essentially, rallying here is about breaking free from routine and embracing an experience that combines great food, expertly crafted drinks, and a laid-back yet exciting environment that everyone in your group will appreciate. It’s a destination where memories are made — over drinks, bites, and good vibes with the people you care about.
What activities make The Rum House perfect for a group meetup?
The Rum House excels at creating a range of activities that appeal to groups looking for a fun and engaging night out. First off, the star feature is their specialized menu of Caribbean-inspired tacos paired with exceptional tropical cocktails. Sharing a variety of these tacos allows everyone in your group to sample diverse flavors, making the meal both communal and interactive. The themed cocktails, mixed with fresh ingredients and expertly crafted, keep the spirits high and conversations flowing naturally. Additionally, The Rum House regularly features live music, especially jazz and piano performances, that add a rich auditory backdrop without overwhelming conversation. This kind of entertainment sets the tone for an evening that’s festive but intimate, ideal for friends or family gatherings. Besides dining and music, the venue offers a cozy yet vibrant interior with a classic, wood and copper décor that elevates the group's experience. Their happy hour specials and occasional themed event nights provide extra reasons for groups to gather, enjoy exclusive deals, and make the most out of their meetup.
How does the atmosphere at The Rum House enhance social gatherings?
The atmosphere at The Rum House is thoughtfully crafted to evoke the feeling of “Island Time,” a relaxed pace that encourages guests to slow down and savor the moment with their companions. The warm, tropical decor, featuring rich wood tones and copper accents, creates an inviting and stylish environment that is both casual and classy. This balance makes it suitable for all kinds of meetups, whether you’re looking to dress up for a night in the city or just unwind in a cozy spot. Ambient lighting and the steady rhythm of live jazz and piano music contribute to a sophisticated yet approachable vibe. The buzz of friendly chatter mixed with the soft background music sets a perfect soundscape that energizes your group without distracting from meaningful conversations. The staff also enhance this atmosphere with their welcoming and knowledgeable service, catering to the needs of groups of any size. All these elements work together to cultivate an environment where guests feel comfortable, excited, and connected, making social gatherings more memorable and enjoyable.
Why is The Rum House’s menu ideal for groups?
The Rum House’s menu is a key reason why it’s an exceptional choice for group meetups. It features an impressive array of indulgent, chef-crafted tacos rooted in Caribbean and Latin flavors, which are easy to share and sample among friends. This shared dining experience fosters a sense of community and makes it easy for groups to try a variety of flavors. The fresh warm tortillas, vibrant and creative fillings, and balanced seasoning speak to both adventurous eaters and those who prefer familiar tastes. Besides tacos, the menu is designed to accommodate different dietary preferences, including gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, ensuring that every guest feels included. Complementing the food, the cocktail menu stands out for its creative, tropical-inspired drinks made with quality rum and fresh ingredients. These cocktails perfectly match the vibe of the venue while elevating the group’s experience with well-balanced and refreshing flavors. The combination of diverse, tasty food and expertly crafted drinks makes it easy to cater to all tastes in your party, enhancing the joy of community dining.
What special events or promotions help groups gather at The Rum House?
The Rum House regularly hosts events and promotions designed to attract groups and make meetups more appealing and affordable. One of the highlights is the weekday happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m., offering attractive drink specials that provide great value without compromising quality. This is a popular time for friends to unwind together after work or kick off an evening out. Additionally, their favorite day of the week features $4 tacos, beers, and sides, alongside drink specials ranging from $5 to $8 all day — perfect for larger groups eager to enjoy enhanced value while sampling the menu. Moreover, The Rum House offers live music nights, including jazz and piano performances that turn an ordinary outing into an engaging cultural experience. These regularly scheduled events bring an elevated sense of excitement and create a shared experience that groups deeply appreciate. The venue’s willingness to accommodate walk-ins throughout the week, plus the option to reserve tables Wednesday through Saturday, adds flexibility that groups value when planning meetups. These features make The Rum House a dynamic spot where every gathering feels special.
How accessible and welcoming is The Rum House for various group sizes?
The Rum House is well equipped to accommodate groups of varying sizes, from intimate gatherings to lively celebrations. Its layout balances open, communal tables with more private seating areas, allowing groups to find their ideal spot whether they want to be at the center of activity or enjoy a bit more seclusion. The staff are experienced in managing group dynamics and offer attentive service that ensures everyone is comfortable and well cared for. In terms of accessibility, The Rum House is located on Magazine Street in Uptown New Orleans, making it easily reachable by public transport, ride shares, or car. The venue accepts credit cards and caters to diverse dietary needs, displaying an inclusive approach that makes all types of guests feel welcome. Walk-ins are welcome every day, and for larger or more formal gatherings, reservations are available on busier nights, offering peace of mind when planning ahead. Overall, this flexibility makes The Rum House an excellent venue for groups who want a hassle-free, enjoyable meet-up experience.
What aspects of The Rum House’s location benefit group gatherings?
Situated on the vibrant Magazine Street in Uptown New Orleans, The Rum House benefits from a lively yet relaxed neighborhood environment that is conducive to meeting up. Magazine Street itself is renowned for its eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and entertainment options, providing plenty of opportunities to extend your outing beyond just the restaurant. This means groups can easily plan multi-stop evenings or laid-back day meetups with a variety of nearby attractions. The area is well serviced by public transportation and ample parking options, which reduces the stress of logistics for group members arriving from different parts of the city. Its location away from the densely crowded French Quarter yet still within easy reach means you can enjoy a more relaxed setting without compromising access to New Orleans’ unique cultural flavors. Being on a lively street also adds a street-side energy to your gatherings, especially on weekends when the neighborhood buzzes with local life. This blend of accessibility, atmosphere, and neighborhood charm makes The Rum House a strategic choice for groups looking to combine good food, good drinks, and a fun urban experience.