When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
While We Were Young Kitchen & Cocktails
Why While We Were Young Kitchen & Cocktails is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
While We Were Young Kitchen & Cocktails is a vibrant New American restaurant and cocktail bar located in the heart of the West Village, New York City. This establishment offers a dynamic and stylish atmosphere that makes it an ideal meeting place for friends looking to enjoy both exquisite cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails. Known for its beautifully designed interior with elements inspired by the owner's Floridian roots—such as the wave-like bar and pink velvet couches reminiscent of Bahamian sand—it provides a unique and inviting vibe that completes the dining experience. The menu features a refined selection of contemporary American dishes, with notable highlights like their "While We Were Young" burger, truffle fries, and inventive small plates including smoked Gouda tortellini and crispy Brussels sprouts. Cocktails are a major draw here, showcasing creative blends that balance strong and subtle flavors, such as vodka-based drinks accented with vanilla bean and butterfly pea flower or smoky mezcal tequila mixes. Open from Tuesday through Sunday with extended weekend hours, it is an excellent place to gather for brunch, dinner, or late-night drinks. The venue also accommodates private events, making it a versatile option for celebrations. With reservations available and a welcoming policy for walk-in guests seeking cocktails and small bites, While We Were Young offers a seamless and enjoyable social dining experience that blends visual appeal, flavorful dishes, and a curated drink list.
Here's what people think of While We Were Young Kitchen & Cocktails
As of recent, While We Were Young Kitchen & Cocktails holds a 4.3-star rating based on 303 reviews.
Reviews aggregated from various platforms reflect that While We Were Young Kitchen & Cocktails enjoys a solid reputation with a rating of 4.3 from over 300 reviewers. Patrons frequently praise the restaurant for its stylish, Instagram-worthy atmosphere that creates a memorable backdrop for social gatherings. Positive feedback consistently highlights the quality of the cocktails, noting that they are well-made, balanced, and thoughtfully priced. Guests appreciate the unique food offerings like the avocado toast with its creative accompaniments and the signature burger, often complemented by excellent service from friendly and knowledgeable staff members. The ambiance is recurrently mentioned as a major strength, contributing to a warm and welcoming environment perfect for both intimate dates and group meetups. On the other hand, some reviews mention that the cocktail menu is relatively small and the food selections are limited, which might not cater to those seeking extensive variety. A few visitors found cocktails refreshing but not extraordinary, indicating slight variability in experience. Despite some minor critiques, most guests express strong enthusiasm about the overall experience and the combination of aesthetically pleasing surroundings, tasty cuisine, and curated drinks. This positive consensus underscores While We Were Young as a charming and highly recommended destination for those looking to enjoy contemporary American fare alongside creative cocktails in a memorable setting.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Tom Blomberg
Such a cute spot with great vibes! We had the Burrata and the Chicken & Waffles — both were absolutely excellent. Also, it was no problem at all that we only had tap water. In other places, that might have been an issue, but the staff here was super nice. Perfect place for a relaxed and stylish brunch in NYC. Highly recommend! PS: After several visits, we did notice that the portion sizes can be quite small, so it’s probably not the best spot to come with a big appetite.
Sarah Williams
Great location with attentive service. Cocktail menu barely beats the food menu, highly recommend for a memorable moment. We sat inside and loved the pink vibes. Burger and Burrata were our favs & the Plan B cocktail!
Selina L
I revisited this place last weekend after first coming here seven years ago when I first arrived in the US. It felt both familiar and new at the same time. The clean, stylish decor still makes it a great spot for brunch or a date with friends. I ordered the Avocado Toast with the "While We Were Young" cocktail. The combination of cheese, nuts, and avocado on the toast was amazing - I couldn't help but exclaim while eating! The addition of Cajun sauce made it feel even more unique. The vodka-based cocktail was perfectly balanced - not too weak, not too strong. I was really satisfied with my choices. They even surprised us with a complimentary dessert: a brownie topped with mascarpone and honeycomb. It was exactly to my taste, so I finished it all despite being full! It's been a while since I've enjoyed a meal out this much. The bartenders and servers were friendly throughout our visit, which made the experience even better. Thanks for giving me such a great weekend!😊
Zeeyada Gebru
If I could give this place 0 stars I would. I was given a half full drink that tasted as if it had no alcohol at all. It was called "not your cup of tea" and the main ingredients were meant to be gin, matcha, milk, and strawberry. But instead I was given lemon water with a hint of simple syrup. When I kindly asked why my drink was alcohol-less and just not at all what was described, I was gaslit and told that the alc was clarified in milk, whatever that means. I have added a picture here for evidence. The service felt rushed and my party and I didn't feel taken cared of at all. I am never going back there again. I understand why the drink is called "not your cup of tea" because it sure wasn't mine.
Kiarra Furey
Made reservations for this lovely restaurant, and we were absolutely delighted! My friends and I met up for girls night and let me tell you, the cocktails and food options are perfect for a girls night out. Every cocktail we tried was better than the last and the truffle fries were to die for! I would 100% recommend making reservations, even for a small party, since the restaurant space is small and limited to only a few tables and seats at the bar. The atmosphere was delightful though, and the server we had was lovely. Will definitely be back again :)
How to reach While We Were Young Kitchen & Cocktails
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Why While We Were Young Kitchen & Cocktails may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at While We Were Young Kitchen & Cocktails with your friends? This cozy and stylish West Village gem in New York City creates the ideal setting for gathering with friends or family. The combination of an intimate ambiance, expertly crafted cocktails, and refined New American cuisine makes this restaurant more than just a meal — it’s a shared experience to savor. Whether you're meeting up for brunch, pre-dinner drinks, or a full dinner, the small yet vibrant space encourages close conversation and connection, enhanced by attentive, friendly service. It’s the kind of spot where every visit feels special, with unique drinks that tantalize the palate and a menu designed to please a variety of tastes, including vegetarians and those with gluten sensitivities. The venue’s chic design, paired with its reputation for consistently delicious dishes like avocado toast, burrata, and perfectly balanced cocktails, makes it a magnet for social occasions. People come here not just for the food and drink, but for the warm vibes where memories can be made, all thanks to the inviting, playful decor and the sense of “being together” the place evokes.
What activities should you expect at While We Were Young Kitchen & Cocktails? This venue perfectly blends dining, drinking, and socializing into one seamless experience. First, the cocktail program takes center stage — a mix of classic concoctions and innovative craft cocktails prepared with skill and creativity by talented bartenders. Their signature drinks often come in visually appealing presentations, ideal for starting your evening with style. The drink menu, though focused, offers enough variety to please diverse preferences, whether you prefer a strong martini, a refreshing Aperol spritz, or something unexpected made with fresh seasonal ingredients. Alongside the cocktails, the kitchen serves elevated New American fare. The menu is thoughtfully curated with about eight items, ranging from gourmand favorites like burrata, avocado toast with a nutty twist and Cajun sauce, to expertly cooked steaks and seafood dishes. Small plates and snacks complement drinks, creating the perfect setup for sharing amongst friends. For larger groups or special gatherings, the venue offers private event hosting, further emphasizing its role as a space designed for connection and celebration.
Why is While We Were Young perfect for a group meetup? Although the space is described as smaller and intimate, which creates a cozy atmosphere, it can accommodate groups with prior reservations — especially for dinner or brunch. The staff is known for their warm hospitality, taking special care to accommodate dietary needs such as gluten intolerance, which makes guests feel truly valued and cared for. From navigating allergy-friendly options to offering personalized meal and cocktail recommendations, the servers enhance the comfort of group dining. The vibe here is both chic and relaxed, ideal for laugh-filled conversations or catching up with old friends in a way that feels private despite being in a bustling neighborhood. Moreover, the playful yet elegant decor adds to the event's memorable feel, making it more than a meal — it’s a stylish night out in a beloved part of the city’s West Village. Whether it’s a casual weekend brunch or a late-night cocktail gathering, the blend of great food, delicious drinks, and attentive service makes this venue an excellent choice for hosting friends and family.
What kind of food and drink should your group expect? While We Were Young features a small but sophisticated menu of New American dishes that are perfect for sharing and tasting a little bit of everything. Starters like the kale salad, tuna tartare with spicy mayo, and creamy burrata set a high culinary bar. Main dishes include deliciously prepared steaks and fresh fish options, all thoughtfully plated with seasonal and flavorful sides such as crispy potatoes or roasted squash. The ingredients are fresh, and the dishes show a refined balance of flavors, making them crowd-pleasers for a variety of palates. The cocktail menu elevates the experience, with classics and craft cocktails served in stylish glassware, often praised for their balance and creativity. The bartenders demonstrate a keen understanding of mixology, ensuring drinks complement the food perfectly. For those seeking something sweet, complimentary desserts like brownies with mascarpone and honeycomb occasionally surprise diners, adding a delightful finishing touch to the meal.
How do the atmosphere and service enhance your visit? The ambiance is described as elegant yet quaint, with stylish interiors that feel both contemporary and comfortable. It is a space where every detail—from lighting to seating arrangements—seems geared toward cultivating warmth and conversation. Being in the West Village, the location itself adds to the overall charm, with views out onto bustling streets that can make people-watching an entertaining activity while waiting for the next round of cocktails or dishes. Staff members are frequently praised as knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive, from the hostess to the bartenders and servers. They go out of their way to make guests feel welcomed and informed, especially accommodating special dietary needs and ensuring everyone in the party has a good time. Their recommendation of drinks and dishes tailored to individual tastes adds a personalized touch that enhances the group’s overall enjoyment. The collective effect is a seamless blend of style, comfort, and attentive hospitality that keeps guests coming back.
What should you know before booking your meetup? While this restaurant excels in many aspects, it’s important to note that space is limited and can fill up quickly, particularly for seated dining. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, for brunch, dinner, or larger groups. The restaurant allows booking up to seven days in advance, with a maximum of four guests per online reservation, though larger parties can be accommodated by contacting the restaurant directly. Walk-ins are possible for cocktails and small bites, but seating is not guaranteed without a reservation. This approach helps maintain the intimate atmosphere while managing the flow of guests efficiently. Being prepared with a reservation ensures your group can enjoy the full experience without the disappointment of waiting or being turned away. The operating hours vary by day, with brunch served on weekends from noon, and dinner or cocktail service available in the evenings, making it versatile for various types of social gatherings.
Why do people keep returning to While We Were Young Kitchen & Cocktails? The consistent high ratings and enthusiastic reviews reflect the strong impression this place leaves on its visitors. Many guests comment on its ability to feel both familiar and novel, a balance that makes each visit exciting yet comfortable. People appreciate the carefully curated food and drink pairings, the chic yet inviting environment, and above all, the friendly and attentive staff who personalize the experience. The bar’s dedication to craft cocktails and seasonal ingredients ensures every sip and bite is memorable, creating a go-to spot for relaxed yet refined socializing. Whether for a casual drink, a laid-back meal, or a festive gathering, While We Were Young embodies a slice of New York City’s vibrant social culture, making it a favored destination to rally with friends or celebrate with family alike. Its reputation as a small but mighty venue that promises quality and warmth is what keeps guests coming back time and time again.