Caledonia Bar

This place is a nice little walk from the Met. It’s a local hangout - cool and dark. We had a great bartender and despite their incredible whisky selection, couldn’t resist trying their cocktails. Feels like a secret find!

My favorite whiskey/scotch bar in New York. Great selection of drinks and friendly staff.

My husband and I really like this bar, we like to come here for a drink and a speak in a relaxed environment.
I'm glad there's such a great bar with good taste in this area.
Best wishes

What a great bar! Met a friend after work for a drink. It was the perfect atmosphere, quiet and low key. The bar has a really great selection of whiskeys/whiskys. The bartender was super knowledgeable and really knew her stuff (which was great for a novice like me). For those in the neighborhood, it's such a fantastic place to grab a drink and learn more about whiskey/whisky.

Limited selection of beer and wine - but good selection of whiskey. Bartender was knowledgeable and friendly. Atmosphere is cozy and intimate

nice cocktails but nothing that stands out in the area. pictured are their Bee's Knees and Islay Old Fashioned cocktails

I am not a whiskey drinker myself, but I came to Caledonia to arrange a curated tasting for my parents as a gift. I was put in contact with the owner, Alan, who in spite of welcoming a child into this world (congrats to the happy couple) was very accommodating and helped put everything together. I got to name my price range and we settled on a date and time. My folks got to sample 5 whiskies new to them, with a complimentary cocktail to start and a second pour of their favorite to cap off the evening.

The guide, Kevin, was extremely friendly and patient. As I bore witness, being the designated driver, my parents got to have their fill of increasingly tipsy conversating and drinking both. Kevin prepared something of a small presentation about each whiskey, giving some interesting background facts as well as his own professional opinions. I also spoke to Rachael via text beforehand, to whom I sent an encyclopedia-length list of all the whiskies I knew my parents have tried, liked, and keep at home, to better offer them a selection they wouldn't have had before. With success! Everything was new to them, and not only that, but they both found a whiskey they liked enough to want to introduce into their daily selection to sip at home. They also both raved about the place afterward and expressed an eagerness to find a reason to come back.

And this last bit is a personal thing, but my parents (especially my mom) both have pretty thick accents, and when I'm out with them I often notice people will be impatient or outright rude to them because of it. I'm pretty sensitive to it, as I hate to think that they are being given disrespect or worse service for the crime of speaking two languages. And naturally, being a bit drunk doesn't improve the communication situation. However, Kevin remained positive, attentive, and kind throughout the entire tasting. Not a single "I don't understand your english" or looking to me to "translate". It might not be a big deal to some, but I appreciate that they were treated with courtesy from beginning to end.

Overall, a 10/5 experience, and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in whiskey, expert or novice. They'll have something for experienced drinkers and newbies alike, and the kind of quality service that warrants a thousand-word review.

Really like this place! Amazing whiskey selection, and the staff is SO knowledgeable. We even joined the Whiskey Club by the end of the night! Loved the Redbreast Irish whiskey.

Extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff, with an impressive selection of whiskey. A small but excellent menu of cocktails, as well as an assortment of beer and wine selections. Great date spot or for a small gathering.

I live close to this place and it's quickly turning into my favorite spot. The bartender is friendly and it has a great vibe. Perfect spot for a date as well. Great cocktail and whisk(e)y selection.

I love their Old Fashions.

Pretty decent bar with vast collection of whisky. Would definitely recommend the working class flight and the grilled cheese!

Amazing service, atmosphere, and drinks. "GRAHAM" the bartender is amazing. He knows his stuff.🥃☝️ Wonderful spot for relaxing night of legitimate whiskey and scotch and impressive and dim lit great "date spot" as well! :)

This bar has some of the best customer service I've ever seen. We first went on New Years for 2016-2017 New Years and drinks were fine but it was way too busy and popular that night to sit, let alone stand and obviously the bartenders were busy so while we enjoyed the drinks, we did not get the full experience.

While searching for a bar to visit last night, my boyfriend suggested we try "Caledonia Bar" again when as he remembered the wonderful selection. This time was even better.

I tell you, go when "GRAHAM"is bartending on the weekends and Monday's. As previous reviews already mentioned, THIS MAN KNOWS HIS STUFF! He took the time out to explain things like what the "peat" process is, and was able to recommend a cocktail for me. I learned so much about liquor yesterday and Graham was not bothered at all to educate us thoroughly in their origins etc. On top of that he is handsome, funny, witting, and charming. He had the whole bar laughing and literally "in good spirits". He goes above and beyond.This bar is the best whiskey and scotch bar in Manhattan I've experienced yet.

My boyfriend who is a bartender as well did not complain ONCE about any of the drinks and tried a new beer that was suggested to him as well. He tried the "small cheese plate" which consisted of "French Brie, Gruyere, and a White/Yellow Cheddar Mix". He had bread with honey as well. He finished the whole thing himself as I am vegan.

Thank you for such a wonderful experience. They have found loyal customers. We will DEFINITELY be returning.☺️

5/5