The Half King

Bar · Chelsea

The Half King

Bar · Chelsea

505 W 23rd St A, New York, NY 10011

Highlights

A cozy literary-themed Irish pub near the High Line, The Half King serves burgers and brews alongside captivating readings and photography exhibits.

505 W 23rd St A, New York, NY 10011 Get directions

thehalfking.com

$$ · Menu

@eater

"Journalism and literary hub the Half King has officially closed." - Kayla Kumari Upadhyaya

2 Longtime Williamsburg Dives Shutter Tonight — and More Closings - Eater NY

View Postcard for The Half King

@eater

"The Half King, the journalist-backed restaurant and bar near the High Line known for its readings and photography shows, will close at the end of January after 18 years. Journalists Sebastian Junger and Scott Anderson along with filmmaker Nanette Burstein write in the announcement notice that "times have changed and we can no longer avoid financial reality." Since its opening in 2000, the Half King has served as a neighborhood pub with burgers, wings, and a popular daily happy hour. But beyond the typical bar fare and drinks, the restaurant became a destination for writers, journalists, and people in the publishing and film industries. The bar hosts a popular reading series on Mondays as well as other literary and photography events, including slideshows of photojournalism." - Kayla Kumari Upadhyaya

The Half King in Chelsea Will Close in January - Eater NY

View Postcard for The Half King

dave I

Google

4/22/18 update: WE ARE NO LONGER ORDERING FOOD HERE. We ordered the fish and chips for $17, we got two (2) fish sticks and a handful of fries. Really? Two fish sticks? Ridiculous. My GF was speechless. See photo, please. We come here every now and then. It can be hit & miss. Tonight was a hit, two Turkey burgers and two beers. Our server was nice and brought my gf a couple of beer samples due to the two beers listed on the chalk board (she wanted) were out. (They should have been wiped off the board... That's why it's chalk!) Anyway, happy hour is 4-8 every day, $5 drafts, that's the best part ... Anything after that is a bonus.

Anjey Martyn

Google

1. This smallest cocktail costs 12$!!! Ice takes more than half a glass. Does ice so expensive this winter in NYC?! 😡 2. My meal was missing potatoes (as per menu) and instead of potatoes I got the hole plate of greens. 3. Manager was kind of mean during conversation!!!

Emmanuelle Zeesman

Google

Went for Sunday brunch. A great atmosphere with a lovely patio. The inside is large and can accommodate groups. A little pricy if you don't want to drink, but reasonable if you get the specials that come with a Mimosa or Cesar. The food is very good though there are very few Gluten-free choices.

Melanie Wesslock

Google

The location of this place is what I'd say drives business. The last 2 times I ate here was on a Sunday and it was very busy and the servers didn't seem overly interested in pleasantries. When I requested a spicy bloody mary - I was told the mix is one mix. Huh? Fingers on my glass rim as drinks were delivered. Burger was good enough. Wish the staff cared more.

John Davis

Google

Another great bar in Chelsea that is literally steps from the high line. The daytime bartenders are amazing! Crowd is mainly artists (many galleries nearby) and tourists. Good selection of on tap bar and the food is on point. UPDATE! THE BAR HAS CLOSED. WAS GOOD WHILE IT LASTED

Chris J Fry

Google

So - first we had nachos which were pretty much what I'd expect to get at the ballpark while attending a game. However, the salads (main meal) came out next, and they were outstanding. I had the chopped Kale salad, and I would actually go out of my way to have it again. It was THAT good. Plus, this is a great location to sit outside and watch the people go by.

Jonathan Bencosme

Google

Foods good, if a bit unoriginal, no complaints but no great applause either, more of a drinking spot than an eating spot with some nice comfort food. Would have gone 3 stars but the service is terrible, really slow. There not so much rude as busy and a bit indifferent. I suspect they get so much business from the high line they can afford to be dismissive, but there nowhere near good enough or hip enough to justify this attitude. Maybe I'm being harsh as I guess there true to their name, be ready to be treated like Half a King more than a full King.

Brittany

Google

Great food, okay drink specials. However, the service was AWFUL. The waiter literally walked up to our table and just stared at us without saying anything, like do you want us to just tell you what we want, do you even work here or what are you even doing? He checked on us once, and was nowhere to be seen for several minutes at a time, so we had to actually leave our table to go to the bar to order more drinks. If you like being ignored maybe this is the place for you, but if not, probably don’t waste your time.