Paul’s Casablanca

Overrated, dying spot. I went here to meet up with some friends, but I was individually refused entry for seemingly no reason. Had not been here in YEARS. It made zero sense, and the whole thing was frustrating. I wasn’t planning on going there anyway, but I was looking forward to catching up with my group. Instead, they had to leave, and we ended up going somewhere else. Extremely lame experience all around.

First off a standard cocktail here is 27-30 $ which is extortionate, will not be buying a drink here again. Second, one of the bouncers /security guards lured my female friend into the bathroom and showed her their genitals without consent, that employee should be fired and this establishment is awful

We went here thinking the drinks would be cheaper. Surly a bar wouldn’t charge the same as a high end club…. But no I was charged $28 for one cocktail which wasn’t even strong. I would suggest going elsewhere.

I got there last night with my girlfriend and sat down with on a table. The waitress took our orders everything seemed ok. Until 1hr later someone else came in and bought our table for $1,100 According to the manager. We had to leave unless we pay him $800. The staff and manager was rude and unprofessional

Flamboyant staff that guards the line. They selectively screen and force certain people to pay a $300 bar tab by holding your credit card while others can go straight in. Funny how I had 6 other friends in there already and they tried to pull this stunt on me. They lost over $400 that night after my group decided to leave and we ended up in other cooler bars in the area. Avoid this obnoxious dying bar.

So much fun. Service was quick and on point. Drinks were okay but the whiskey sour I ordered was pretty sub standard. Music was so good and the vibe was dope.

Absolutely horrible staff, the woman at the door was extremely rude to me and my friends. It was my birthday and the door people treated us with no respect whatsoever. All the other reviews are accurate, do not go to this place unless you wanna ruin your night. Not sure what pedestal the staff thinks they’re on and where the aggression is coming from!

I loved this place!!! Jenny, the Head Bartender, was so kind and made great drinks!!! Laurence also was fantastic!!! (Apologies if I misspelled your names) All staff was attentive and friendly, and the lounge itself is just beautiful. I know there’s bad reviews on here but if you’re respectful of the staff that’s serving you and aren’t afraid to drop a big buck or two, you’ll see why I gave Paul’s 5 stars too!!!

Bouncers only allowed a $1500 table service for a group of 5. The other reviews speak for themselves. Prices are just ridiculous even for Manhattan.

Don't believe the bad reviews lol. I just came here and it's sooooo much fun :) the place is amazing, friendly bartenders, beautiful crowd and the drinks soooo good. I will come back for sure :)

I literally just wanted to chill. The VERY PUSHY cocktail waitresses made me order an immense number of cocktails. I'm literally here right now and I'm 14 cocktails deep. I'm not happy about this but I cannot stop ordering them. I'm an average looking tech professional but I feel like Leo tonight.

Super hip and fun environment! Great staff and the doormen were very professional and a delight to get to know. We appreciated the good hospitality and overall vibes here. The inside is gorgeous, perfectly candle lit and inviting. Really hidden gem we are glad we found. The last time we visited it was called Sway and had a different owner. Thanks for a fun time!

Not great, simply. Overhyped, odd crowd, and under delivers unfortunately. It's a thirsty vibe & sadly more hype than an experience.

Don't go. There are so many nice places in NYC the bouncers are extremely rude. They only let in people they know and are extremely judgmental.

Best club. Best ambience, music, and crowd. It's a hard door for a reason. Once you're in, you'll see why - the place is tiny! Love Paul's - keep it up.

Charged my credit card extra tips which I didn't give. Was very pushy for tips. Horrible service will not go back

Tried to grab some after dinner drinks here this evening. (Saturday) but unfortunately ran into this group of bouncers, was asked if we had a reservation and we did not (nowhere on the website does it say reservations are even available...) so the "bouncer" asked if we wanted one l, we said sure...he told us that reservations start at $3,000...not sure where exactly ANY of this information was provided but definitely does not give off chill, cool, post dinner drink vibes as the other reviews suggest. Sadly yet another pretentious try hard spot in NYC. PS. We called this supposed cell # on the website to get info ahead and nobody answered after 3 calls.

Unless if you're friends w the guy in the yellow coat, they won't let you in. It's the most pretentious bar in all of NYC. The bar makes you wait on a 45 minute wait if you don't know him even if the bar is completely empty.

Sucks in there, vibes are awful. You'll probably get roasted at the door too LOL. Super young - Very NYU vibes in there. Dont listen to the hype

This place is sadly racially biased! It was a Wednesday night and I show up with a group of 7 friends and we split up. 2 of our white friends got in right away while the rest of us(a mix of Latino/Asian) friends waited an hour outside and still didn't get in. There were three bouncers, 2 black and 1 white and the white one kept letting his regulars skip the line, who, you guessed it were white! Anyway, any non white people going here...don't! There's a possibility you won't get in. It doesn't surprise me this bar has 2 stars :( Peace and good vibes

Waited in line over an hour with a large group who was not "white ethnicity " and the bouncer kept ignoring us despite being in front of line for 45 minutes. Only letting "White people " despite having a large party

Never going back there. On New Years Eve, I witnessed quite a disturbing transaction while I waited on line. The bouncer took a bribe from someone who said they didn't have their vax card on them. When seeing this within the brief amount of minutes I arrived, I wondered how many other people this already happened to, and would happen to. I could not believe my eyes and ears and took my friends and our money elsewhere.

Accurate for the 2 star rating average on Yelp. Honestly, I love checking new places out with a happy attitude, but the attitude I was greeted with at Paul's today was ABSOLUTELY unacceptable. I had asked a simple question about where the line started and the security guard told me I was being disrespectful and that I would never be allowed in the club again. I asked why, and he said it was because you didn't listen to me. I asked what I didn't listen to, and he said it was because I didn't step 2 steps to the right (I was listening to someone else yelling at our face). I was really excited to enjoy a New York night but I'm disappointed to right a bad review! I haven't written one below 4-5 stars. Sorry Paul's!

The best. Nuff said. Best food and service and best lighting and cultural ambiance. Long live casa

Hands down racist establishment. There was basically no line - me and my Hispanic girlfriend tried to get in, but they were letting all the white girls in. finally, one of the white girls in the line started standing up for us (go queen) and the black bouncer started sparking a conversation with me. After hearing I had taken the bar exam that day l, the bouncer tried to get the racist door guy to let me in - so thank you to the bouncer! Once inside, it's a cool environment but I'm a light skinned Indian woman and I was the ONLY person of color there along with my white passing Hispanic friend. Btw, on a Friday night. Nyc has become such a mess. Prob won't go back here.

Love the atmosphere of this place. Lounge-like with a DJ and dance floor. Interesting juxtaposition tbh. Got here WELL before the crowd so my first drink, a strong old fashioned with rye whiskey (couldn't tell you which one tho), was good and strong, with a definite kick. The drinks are what I'd consider VERY expensive ($18) but then again this is Manhattan on a Saturday night so maybe that's the norm? Idk, I was living though. For my second drink I got a Moscow mule with rum (also $18). Then the crowd started coming and that place got REALLY REALLY packed. Surprisingly not HOT like many clubs get but then again this wasn't a club, just a cocktail bar with a dance floor. The music was the second MOST confusing thing and the reason this place gets a star off. My brain is confused as it is, so when my body gets confused too because you're going com 90s Britney Spears and Spice Girls to 2018 Cardi B to 2000s Usher to late 90s Shakira, it's hard to keep up. So I'd say to stay to one genre maybe for longer and letting the songs play out a bit more. We'd finally get a decent dance song and then some unknown random song would come on immediately after. They did have a change in DJs at one point and the second one was much better... Regardless, that's be my recommendation. Overall I had a great time with great people. The crowd demographics was also interesting. Let's just say I was in the VERY minority. But hey I'm used to it so that doesn't change my definition of fun regardless. I'm not sure if they do covers but we got there and 11pm and didn't pay one so that's what matters.

This place is a joke host wearing Joseph Abboud vest trying to act like they're a fashionable spot. Hostess wearing Jimmy Choo shoes from beacons thinking she know fashion with an H&M dress. No one is even inside the venue. LMFAO If I could give zero stars I would. Paul's Baby Grand is 10x better.

I'm Elite so if I say it, then it must be true. This place sucks an egg. Waited patiently and respectfully for over and hour while group after group in front of us were let in. The bouncers are essentially a group of frat boys; they only care about how many girls you have with you and how much money you're going to spend. If this is how the people outside act (which from looking through the other reviews I'm definitely not alone) then inside can't be much better. Don't bother giving these pricks your money. Ear Inn is just down the street and has good drinks and nice people.

Look, I understand that the door people are doing their job and have to be jerks to an extent, but the night I came to see my friend's DJ set, the bouncers treated us like absolute garbage, wouldn't let us in or acknowledge us, slammed a door in my friend's face, and I was reminded why I don't go to places like this and waste my time and money. I've been in nightlife for a while, and that was truly some of the worst treatment I've ever received to the point it was almost comical. I would've loved to review the actual place but I didn't get a chance to spend my money so I'll be spending it elsewhere. What a joke.

Content warning: drugging. I somehow passed the line to get in, paid an absurd amount of money for an admittedly delicious drink, then went to the back room to dance. I ended up being drugged later in the night, I suspect by a patron, not an employee. I completely fell asleep in a booth. I was woken up by an employee who did not seem to suspect that I was drugged, instead thought I was too drunk. She did help me find my friend to help me. Once outside the bar, we realized I didn't have my purse. The same employee was outside and I asked for her help. I communicated to her that I realized that I had been drugged. That did not seem to surprise or particularly concern her. I was a total wreck. She went in to find my purse to no luck. She wouldn't let me return inside to get it myself, saying I would be triggered. She took my phone number down and said she would call when they found it. The next day, nothing. I called the number on the website five times throughout the day. No answer. No mailbox. Just a long ring and a loud beep. I went down to the bar at opening and spoke to someone setting up. I told him I had been drugged and he brushed it off, but did help me get my purse which had been found (despite my not getting a call to notify me). All of the cash was gone from my wallet and my keys were gone from the purse. I think the keys being missing is oddly suspicious considering that no one would have use for them.

Absolutely not! Arrived at this place after a big event. Stepped out of our UBER with our masks on as required by NYC mandate and were informed by the "bouncer" (I use quotes because this disgrace of a human wasn't bouncing anything...they wouldn't be capaable lasting a five minute shift as a hostess at a Cheesecake Factory... poor child) informed us we would only be let in if we REMOVED our masks. We were confused. We replied, ok, I guess, because you are gonna check our vaccine status. They replied... sure or I just "trust" you ... wink wink. We did not stay. Absurd. How embarrassing. And now seeing how racist they are... wow! Shut this racist non-compliant venue down and DRAAAAAAAAAG that abhorrent "hostess". #noway

Contrary to previous reviews a shout out to bouncer " Bryant Holmes" for helping us connect the dots in a friends missing hours ! Thank you Bryant for caring and helping us ! You are truly an asset and an inspiration at Paul's Casa Blanca !

One of the few places in New York that still curates a crowd and that's why it rocks. People get mad because it's hard to get in but that's why it's so much fun inside; everyone knows everyone pretty much and they don't allow photography inside so people aren't flashing phones in your face all the time. One of the few sanctuaries left. Drinks are pricy but worth it.

This place was holistically awesome however the front doorman wretched of old spice and BO to the point that I was thinking of it for 20 minutes post entering the club (at least. 2.5 beat drops). I'm sure this place is great but I was really off put by the middle schools axebomb I was presented with at the front by the door guy.

I showed up on a Saturday night with five girls, and I've never had worse customer service and/or have been treated the way by a "bouncer" in my life. The three guys at the front we're egoistical, cocky, and used their power to diminish women. It was disgusting. This "club" promotes and emphasizes male power, and I can't believe an establishment is running this way in 2021. I wouldn't wish this experience on my worst enemy.

Worst experience in NYC I've ever had. They certainly pick and choose who they want to come into the bar. They let my bf in and his friend, but not my friend & I who are female. I understand it's a gay bar but we were certainly targeted. An hour went by and we left out of anger, they were never going to let us in. It was fucked up. Just don't go here.

They keep a line outside even though it's empty inside. Seems kind of desperate to keep a buzz. Drinks were fine, standard NYC club prices - literally 50-100 more fun bars/clubs to go to in NYC.

very unique place... I can understand why most of the reviews are about the bouncer. He seems like he could be tough to deal with but part of his job is to make sure the place is chic and cool. It adds to the aura of the place when it is difficult to get in. If you dont understand that you dont understand NYC! The place is very cool inside and the crowd all seem to be loving the place. There is dancing in the back and lounging in the front. Music is on point and the bartenders pour a stiff drink. Not much else you can ask for in a club. Fyi, no pictures allowed here! They stop you from taking pictures! Love it! We had a great time and would definitely come back.... if we can get in!!! Hah

Look, let me save you the trouble. Go if you know someone or if you're on the cusp of trading in your Bottega for some Lululemon. It's a place to dr someone or to get dr'ed. If you're a POC don't even bother.

Snooty door people if you dont dress a certain way even if you bring females. Vibes and music inside are good but there are endless options in the city so recommend going elsewhere where hospitality and being welcoming matter

We visited again and had a great time - great drinks - great and friendly staff and a great vibe - some complain their bag or jacket got stolen - that's a shame - but this is a great nightclub and we had a ball and who cares if ur bag gets stolen - it's worth it

They let in who they want, and that's not wrong. I adore this place, and I love how picky they are. They're curating the precise crowd they want on any given night, and as much as YOU want to attempt to control everyone and everything, you can't control the door guys at Casablanca, and it k i l l s you.

Casablanca is completely shady. I got my purse stolen from the booth while my friends were sitting there. "Security" and management there were completely unhelpful, kept telling my friends to shut off their phone lights while we all searched for the stolen bag. The thief stole the purse from the booth and walked out easily with it and I would not be surprised if they are working with the rude "security team". Another friend got her purse stolen as well earlier in 2018. I will never go back here and I recommend anyone who does find themselves there for whatever reason to hold on to their belongings very tightly. This place is a magnet for thieves looking to steal wallets and purses and it is happening with a lot of frequency.

Rude and racist, the music and vibes were on point but after reading all of the reviews it's clear that they need to improve their customer service or at least learn basic respect for people supporting their business

I was sexually assaulted here, I told the managers and went back months later with the assailant still as an employee there. He's a bathroom attendant and it's ridiculous that the manager I told was a woman, who did absolutely nothing. Avoid this place at all cost, it's not worth it.

So shitty. I am never coming back here again. The bouncers are so rude and aggressive. Like who do you think you are? They are on a power high... let me tell you. I have never been so disappointed in my life. We were 4 pretty girls trying to go somewhere for good drinks and good music... trying to spend our money. I guess for these pretentious people we were not worth it. I do not recommend this place at all. I asked for the manager's information to understand why my friends and I were not let in, and they told me they were not allowed to share that information. OK, sure. I do not believe that one second. Never coming back here. Do not waste your time.

Not sure what the point of this place is. The most impressive part is the line outside, maintained for the sake of it. Inside there is nothing worth mentioning

For context, I have never had trouble with ANY club, no matter how 'exclusive', in London, HK, Miami, LA, Singapore, Paris, and other cities. Here, the head bouncer/owner (not sure I was told his name is fabriz?) felt extremely racist. I saw groups of POC have to break up into small groups because he doesn't seem to allow large groups of POC in. He didn't allow my group of POC friends in, and looked visibly disgusted when the other bouncer pointed at us to let us in, and I saw him immediately say "no". We were all well dressed, and as mentioned before, never have trouble getting in anywhere. He then looked past us, and let in a group of white people behind us who were noticeably less well dressed than us, and wouldn't look us in the eyes or acknowledge we were there. I only saw white people get let in, aside from a couple of individual POC (no groups, these people were only let in after they separated, dispersed, and got in one by one - so bizarre). I felt extremely uncomfortable in line, specifically as a non-white passing POC. Not sure if it was just the time I came, but wanted to share my personal experience. It definitely left a very very very weird feeling with me, and wanted to warn other POC/allies. I've never felt discriminated against like this in any other club, in any city. Can't believe this guy hasn't been held accountable, in this day and age. Will be staying far, far away

Went on a Sunday night. Wasn't allowed to get in due to uneven ratio. Not sure what that even entails? I wouldn't come here if you are LGBTQ, seems like thats what the uneven ratio means. My friend that is a girl came out and stated the music is whack and the people are pretentious. Seems like a pretty clear consensus. Poor choice of door people/bouncers. Will not be returning. Thanks for making me feel like an uneven ratio.

HORRIBLE a service. Went for a smoke, bartender took a drink away after 5 min. He was very rude when I asked him about it. By the way, the drink was $22. Not coming back. On top of that music was very lame and outdated.

This is by far the best bar I've never been able to get in. I feel had I been able to get past the three bouncers on a Sunday night, the sheer excitement I'd have experienced would have been too much for my heart. They were smart enough to turn me away because I knew no one in the bar. 5 stars. Best curb I've seen in New York.

loooooive! best people music and vibes! love the bouncer go here if you're cool and dance

This place is pretty lame and overpriced. It's like a restaurant pretending to be a club, but with worse music and terrible service. I often book events for groups of 20+, and I wouldn't recommend this place if you want to guarantee actually having a good time. Luckily for me, my friends are actually fun, so it wasn't as miserable, but I can't imagine otherwise

The bad reviews of this place are all true. Do yourself a favor and find literally anywhere else to go.

We were 2 gay men, and the guy at the entrance, with a colorful shirt, said to us that he did not have space. He let in, like 30 straight-looking people, and he never even offered us an explanation. None of this people had a reservation. It was purely based in looks and assumption.

im literally standing in line and no one but White ppl have come out or come in. if your POC dont even try. waste of you're time, lmk if im wrong!

Pretentious and expensive, yes. The drinks are strong and the atmosphere inside is right. The establishment as a whole would benefit from security maintaining their dignity and offering grace and respect toward those waiting in line.