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Mother's Ruin

Cocktail Bar and Gastropub$$$$

NoLita, New York

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Mother's Ruin

8.6^/10

1,918

ratings

Ranked #1 for cocktail bars in NoLita
The experts at Time Out New York and Eater recommend this place
"And get the fried chickpeas!! Great vibe here too!"(8 Tips)
"Come during the summer & order whatever is in the slushie machine."(10 Tips)
"Slushies, waffle fries, michelada are all great."(13 Tips)
"Their french onion soup grilled cheese"(5 Tips)

323 Tips and reviews

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slushies
trendy
fried chickpeas
good for singles
casual
spicy food
grilled cheese sandwiches
bar
good for dates
happy hour
picklebacks
hipster
hot toddies
brunch food
chicken
micheladas
cute
great value
tequila
French toast
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EaterFebruary 19, 2013
Here the menu changes frequently, bespoke requests are encouraged, and the operation, run by T.J. Lynch and Richard Knapp, is kept down to earth with frozen drinks and cocktails by the pitcher.
Noah WeissFebruary 22, 2015
Been here 25+ times
Sneaky great brunch with boozy cocktails to waste away a weekend day with. Breakfast sandwich with bacon, egg, cheese, and roast tomato on a croissant. Sausage gravy egg and biscuits. Coma.
Sam BrownJune 26, 2015
Been here 10+ times
Get the dressed tecate, lime juice, salt, and hot sauce, on the top of a can of tecate! There you go, you got a drive through liquor store version of a michelada.
Tasting TableNovember 7, 2014
After you've downed one too many boozy slushies, it's nice to know this cozy but stylish bar has some everyday edibles. Get the spicy fried chickpeas ($5), or the cayenne and salt, duck wings ($12). Read more
7th.ListAugust 14, 2012
Low-key cocktail bar adds a welcome neighborhood feel.The menu changes frequently, bespoke requests are encouraged. The drink menu is kept down to earth with frozen drinks and cocktails by the pitcher Read more
Melissa YuJuly 17, 2016
Been here 5+ times
This bar has some great edibles — however I'd be content just having the Tecates dressed (like, hot sauce & salt) and waffle fries (chipotle ketchup & chopped onion creme fraiche dip).
EaterJune 22, 2017
Mother’s Ruin serves Old Bay-spiced waffle fries in a big pile. The waffle shape means a high ratio of crunchy exterior to potatoey interior, while the Old Bay is spicy without being overbearing. Read more
LisaSeptember 2, 2018
Been here 5+ times
One of the best straight up GOOD bars in the neighborhood, and in Manhattan in general. No gimmicks, just chill, and a touch divey but with great cocktails.
Harlem’s HungryDecember 8, 2016
Treat the barkeeps good and they show it in awesome delicious drinks in return. The turn up is always real from open to close so any time is a awesome time. Ask them to make you something sexy!
The Corcoran GroupOctober 9, 2013
If you're looking for a great, low-key cocktail bar, this is your spot. Come during the summer & order whatever is in the slushie machine. The food is not to be missed either - get the grilled cheese!
Kayleigh HarringtonSeptember 22, 2017
It doesn't get better than one of their seasonal slushies and a seat at the bar.
Dean SilfenFebruary 7, 2020
Love it all. The drinks are strong,love the fun hot sauce on the brew dogs. Have also had brunch & lunch there. The chicken sandwich is 👍, as are the breakfast nachos and the burritos. 10/10
AmateurConciergeJanuary 22, 2017
This is a quintessential "soho" bar to pass thru. Good tunes, good crowd, they manage to do good mixology despite the fact that it's a crowded bar. Bar snacks are quite good as well
Dan DickinsonDecember 11, 2015
Been here 100+ times
Whatever is in the slushy machine is always a solid bet, but my ordering strategy - order whichever drink name makes you laugh the most - has never lead me astray.
Anna FrenkelJune 19, 2012
Been here 10+ times
Favorite bar right now. The decor, music, atmosphere, munchies -- all rad. Tell the bartender what your preferred liquor is, and the mood you're in. S/he will make you a delicious cocktail. Trust.
Giovanni D'PalmaOctober 8, 2016
Great cocktail spot with fun, tasty drinks and a good selection of food. The atmosphere is perfect for meeting friends or a casual date
@thirstyJuly 8, 2016
Not only does Mother's Ruin now serve all day brunch, they have a rotating selection of potent frozen slushy cocktails on draft, one reason this spot is a favorite of bartenders all around the city.
Jen RiosNovember 18, 2017
This place never disappoints. Food is the star and I love the cocktails, slushy drinks are a plus and not your average watered down pina colada. Gets crazy busy some nights. Give brunch a go!
ConnecTheWorldJuly 28, 2014
The good thing about Mothers Ruin a part of the amazing food, is the friendly athmosphere and the casual awesomeness. You will feel at home. Find the other Top Hidden Bars in NYC, click the link. Read more
LukeJuly 11, 2017
Weekday any day brunch with a cool cafe vibe on weekdays and a daylight party vibe on weekends. Get the Bloody Mary and whatever looks good
Mike NickersonMay 29, 2018
Fun, lively spot for some cocktails. Bartenders are super friendly. Grab a window nook!
Garrison PriceMay 30, 2016
Awesome scene for singles. Great bartenders. Always have the frozen house cocktail. Always... and waffle fries. You didn't expect such delicious food.
Nicole FormicaJanuary 29, 2016
Here in the morn?.. BLOODY MARY. Here in the summer?.. Anything frozen. Here in the winter? Hot toddy..
Jake SmithMay 20, 2016
I know, I know, I know, this is a cocktail bar. But the tap list isn't too shabby either. If beer (or wine!) is your thing, try something on draft.
Douglas EllimanJuly 15, 2014
A popular lounge with great vibes. We love stopping in with friends for happy hour to enjoy delicious signature cocktails. The grilled cheese is a must!
Andrea HongNovember 6, 2013
Been here 10+ times
French onion soup grilled cheese, holy crap. Get the slushies or ask the bartender to make you something with tequila - it will be awesome / you'll stumble out happy.
Amy CummingsJuly 19, 2017
The service was a little slow around lunchtime, but the drinks and fried chicken sandwich were delicious! Ask for the French onion and burger sauces for dipping.
Alberto SimonNovember 4, 2018
Dope bar for after work drinks. Not cheap but tasty
Jeremy FisherMarch 14, 2014
Been here 10+ times
This bar is great, and it's the only good option in this part of town. Very good cocktails and very good food (get the French Onion Soup Grilled Cheese)
PUNCHSeptember 24, 2015
Cheap beer, strong whiskey and a consoling ear can all be found here. But Mother’s Ruin also flies under the radar as one of the most inventive cocktail bars in the city. Read more
Parker ChambersFebruary 4, 2017
Been here 10+ times
Spicy gin drinks and bros in button downs. For the win though
Lauren MacApril 29, 2016
The fried chicken sandwich with seasoned waffle fries were perfectly done, and at $13, reasonably priced (especially considering I paid the same for a cocktail).
Prad NelluruMay 21, 2017
The fried chicken sandwich was excellent. Great coleslaw and mayo sauce. Fries were spiced well!
Time Out New YorkOctober 5, 2011
Try the fried chickpeas, tossed with a savory mix of salt, cayenne pepper and pungent garam masala. It’s one of our #100best dishes and drinks of 2011. Read more
Michael CristeApril 12, 2015
Great bar, has a good mix of people. Can get a little crowded and loud in the front but the back is usually better. Also try a Blood Stream just for fun.
Foxxy BFebruary 9, 2017
Been here 50+ times
Food's very filling, drinks are good, & the slushies are usually excellent. Expect to be squeezing through crowds & unable to hear much anytime post 8pm Thurs - Sun. Great scene on random weekdays.
India KMay 13, 2015
So cute, and perfect on a nice day. Sunday evening it's not too crowded and they have a great happy hour. Try the slushie.
Ranu RajkarnikarOctober 8, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Great cocktails. Cozy but lively spot. And have you tried the spiced chickpeas? Do it.
Kevin ChiuMarch 27, 2015
Slushy machine. Do it. I had something that was sweet and slightly spicy. A spicy slushy! Life changing!!
Ashley ChanApril 8, 2017
Attracts a very eclectic crowd, mostly SoHo hipsters. The bartenders are impressively attentive. Drinks don't taste very unique but the place is lively & crowded. Decent cocktail bar to hang out at.
Sonny ByrdOctober 27, 2013
Super fun and delicious place for brunch and probably any other time. Amazing fried chicken, grilled cheese, and breakfast sandwich. Friendly staff.
Jack OsborneOctober 1, 2018
It's a 9.0 for a reason. Good music, food, people and drinks. Enjoy!
AndrewApril 27, 2016
You'll be lucky to grab a decent table here because it's so good! Wide range of drinks, good crowd and a lovely place to hang out with your mates.
Branzino BandiniJune 13, 2012
A peaceful haven from Soho’s shopping-bag-toting hordes, this light-filled Nolita bar feels especially welcoming during daylight hours, when it’s scarcely populated and offers a neighborhood vibe.
Karl With A "K"September 5, 2014
Nice bar - rustic feeling and great bartenders. Try their hand crafted drinks, although they have some great beers on tap as well.
Liz MMay 26, 2015
Been here 10+ times
Their french onion soup grilled cheese might be one of my favorite bites in New York.
Public House WineAugust 26, 2014
Awesome singles bar on the weekends, and a great date spot Su-Wed. Drinks range from sweet to strong but they're all delicious.
Tony XerriDecember 2, 2012
Been here 5+ times
Quite possibly had the best old fashioned in NY here. Out of the.countless spots, these guys get it right. Expertly crafted and personable service. Love this joint.
Chris EvansOctober 12, 2015
Cozy atmosphere that does get a little loud at night. They do a watermelon and fennel cocktail that really packs a punch.
Nate BeattyDecember 30, 2015
Been here 5+ times
Don't let the witty cocktail names fool you, or the magnetic letters on the slushy machine. These bartenders take mixology seriously and the results speak for themselves

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Mother's Ruin

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