The Hamilton

This bar is a unique find in the neighborhood… I feel so welcomed and appreciated when I walk into the door… The bartender Joe reads my mind and introduces me to new wines and spirits and it is the reason that I come back time and time again he’s really amazing. I love this place.

Small dark space - incredible whiskey selection and a couple great beers. Some really good cocktails as well. Space is very intimate but it was easy to find a spot. We had the penicillin and were pretty into it. Prices are normal. Great spot in the uws.

Yelp reviews mentioned their specialties which lived up to the hype. Each time I come, the staff impresses me. Each item satisfies hunger and the location saves travel time. The experience feels cohesive. I'll certainly return to this restaurant.

Their maple old fashioned was absolutely delicious! Good beer selection on tap, an extensive whiskey list and the bartender was really nice.

I love the Hamilton’s attention to detail and creativity. I would have never thought to garnish an old fashioned with a dried Peruvian sand worm, but it was brilliant! Kudos to the team at the Hamilton.

If I get handed a $33 dollar drink - even if it’s already being discounted. And I say it’s the worst drink I’ve ever had. I would expect to be able to send it back instead of just be handed the bill.

This place deserves more credit. It's well-situated with courteous employees. Nearly everything tastes carefully prepared. Team members add joy to the dining experience. The place ensures a good experience.

Loved this place! Went for a late night bourbon and glass of Malbec. One bartender joint - very friendly and familiar ambience with great lighting and nice table options

The team here remembers preferences. Order various dishes and enjoy them all. The staff delivered prompt assistance with polite and supportive attitudes. You'll find satisfaction in their food. Those interested in expanding their taste preferences should visit.

Good happy hour every day till 7pm ,,I got a seat at the bar , Place is a bit small inside , they have a good whiskey list ,,they only have chips and nuts as a snack , but definitely a date night here !

Good food good drinks. Definitely a premier packers bar of Washington DC, saw a few other fans cheering along while I watched my packers put on a show. GO PACK GO

I come here when I want to actually have a conversation--nice environment and not loud. Limited seating but not usually a problem on weekdays. Good for small gatherings, dates, even getting some work done. Known for their whiskey and bourbon selection.

Amazing little bar that blends unassuming elegance with some spectacular cocktails. This is the neighborhood gem you keep returning to when your friends visit. (In this case I was the friend.) You're missing out if you stray from the whisky or bourbon offerings, which are exceptional -- especially given the size of this place.

Amazing cocktails, low key ambiance, great service and good prices. Not sure you could ask for much more - UWS severely lacks cocktail bars, but The Hamilton hits the mark and is a great neighborhood spot to grab a quality drink!

Open for outdoor dining as of August 2020. The Hamilton is a great restaurant in Morningside Heights! There's a straightforward menu with a reasonable number of options for starters and main courses. Portions were good for sharing if you're not especially ravenous. The tuna tartare was delicious, I definitely recommend it. The cocktail menu had some interesting concoctions - I had a vodka drink with pomegranate, which was good but STRONG. Maybe that's why the food orders come with such large portions. All in all a good spot with reasonable prices, and great service.

Good scotch, good service. Large selection of whiskey and scotch, was able to try out a new scotch that I haven't had before. Chill and old school vibes.

This is the kind of bar I'd expect to find in Washington DC- cleverly themed with Alexander Hamilton references without being tacky or gimmicky. It's got an unfussy, comfortable dive-bar feel but with a dash of hipster flair and a touch of intimacy that makes it a good date night pick. They also have a food menu, so this could be your all-in-one date destination, too. Went by on a weekday and they were staffed by a single sweet lady who managed to keep up with all patrons and keep a smile on her face. The drinks were tasty and fairly priced at $12/each. The Bee's Knees lived up to it's name while the Perfect Storm and Blackberry Bramble(?) were also good bets. Don't be fooled by the fresh garnishes and well-balanced flavors though, the alcohol content will still knock you on your ass.

Bartenders are great, regardless of the very limited food options. They are attentive with a full bar regardless of regulars in their bar or newcomers. Depending on the bartender the music selection is always different, it doesn't hurt to request a song but it is more of a speakeasy (for those unaware: that means, "house rules only"). Would recommend as quiet place for a first date or a recurring escape from the norm.

This is a solid little cocktail bar. So I am a big fan of all things Scottish; golf, a pension for higher education, modern medicine...hills to get engaged upon. But my favorite thing about my heritage is our whisky (put an "e' in there and you'll be cut..as in -1 star). The Hamilton is the sister bar of The Caledonian*, and let me assure you, this place knows how to make a solid drink. The penicillin I had (scotch, lemon juice, ginger and a float of more whisky), was 100% on point, as was my fiance's bramble (gin-based, as per usual). Really the only downside is that they didn't have a scotch egg or any food really when we stopped by due to point of sale issues, but hey you can't win them all. ___________ *aka the people of Scotland during the Roman times - suck it, Hadrian

Not sure what's up with 5 star reviews here. Came here with my cousin, his girlfriend and my sister. I go out pretty often in LA since all my friends are from the nightlife scene. I can surely say I know the difference between a good drink and a bad one. I ordered Moscow Mule for $14 and I don't think I saw it on the menu. If I order Moscow Mule usually it's served in a copper mug, I see fresh ginger and fresh mint leaf. The alcohol is strong but light enough. And usually the taste of spicy ginger and lime is in the drink as well. At The Hamiltonit was served in a very sad glass and a straw. Almost no taste of ginger and no alcohol at all. I complained and the server told me they just mix Ginger Beer and Vodka. And to solve that problem she just added more Ginger Beer to it. Great now there is no Vodka in my drink and all I taste is a lemonade kind of drink. SO SAD! And $14? Yes the drinks of the others were not strong either. Overall a place that I would not recommend. There may be only me who gives it 1 star rating and people are still convinced by the good reviews of others. But if you wanna have a great time.... NYC has so many amazing bars to offer.

It was a definite good time. We both terrified and entertained our mixologist, Dave. He, in turn, gave us mind blowing, tasty drinks. The old fashioned was divine. Beware the strength of the sazerac. They also offer beer and wine. Everyone was happy. Ordered the chicken liver pate that also came with a side of bacon jam and crusty, delicious bread; two pickled carrots were part of the presentation. Paté is made in-house and was smooth with a hint of sweet. Yum. (I heard and smelled good things about the steak sandwiches --next on my list). Laid back atmosphere, great for a quick stop or a longer stay. The restrooms are tiny but efficient. Happy hour is a must. Crowd is mixed but interesting. Worth the visit--and a repeat.

Boyfriend and I came here for a date night on a chill and rainy Friday evening after dinner. It was intriguing to us because it is a whiskey bar and boyfriend is a self-proclaimed whiskey aficionado. From the description and pictures we were expecting a dimly lit almost swanky bar with velvet seats and jazz music playing in the background. This was not the case but we were pleasantly surprised by the casual demeanor! It's very similar to a dive bar and most of the seats are bar stools with long beer hall style tables in the front and a couple of tables in the back. We found a couple of independent chairs and snagged those. I ordered the lavender gin beverage which was delicious and SUPER strong. Boyfriend ordered a whiskey on the rocks (he ordered 2 but I can't remember their names, but he was thrilled with both and gave the impression that one can't go wrong choosing anything on the menu). The music was American folk/classic rock -- think Pink Floyd, Queen, etc. It was great, we spent most of the night reminiscing about our college youth days and swapping drinking stories. It was a wonderful evening. Would recommend for a chill date night where you'd like to get to know the other person in a less formal environment.

This is a nice, "cute", spot on Amsterdam Avenue, but the drinks are very overpriced. This is based on the serving size. I had a gin martini partially filling a small champagne coupe glass, and can attest that neighboring bars have double or triple the size of martini served for about the same price. I know they focus on whiskeys, but I saw two high-priced Manhattans (at least they were asked which rye they wanted) being served in small champagne coupe glasses - like the small champagne coupe glass I had. Service is not unfriendly, but it isn't particularly friendly. I will not return here. And, I not cannot recommend this place to anyone. The drinks are too small and underwhelming for the price.

This place is now the home of the best Manhattan I've ever had in my life. I was initially put off by the fact that on Friday night they were slammed but there was only one bartender. However this guy rocked it like a pro and never let the pressure make him give any of the patrons a 'tude. Then when I tasted the Manhattan I was officially sold! I've been to so many whiskey bars but none of them made drinks as good as this place. They also have some nice craft beers on tap for those who aren't super into whiskey or want to switch over, but if you don't come here for the whiskey I can say you are genuinely missing out. TIP: Don't be put off if the place is busy, people tend to just stop in and move on to other spots so seating opens up relatively quickly.

Fantastic service and whiskey selection. Our go-to place for a quiet night with friends who appreciate great drinks.

This is a not so secret gem but it easy to overlook on a bar crawl. Let me be clear...YOU SHOULD TOTALLY STOP HERE! The mix of the intimate vibe and the great choice of spirits makes it a great find or a great regular stop.

I still remember when the old pace was closed and Hamilton was under construction, I was kinda sad and worried since I visited the old place a lot. But it turned out to be better. I like the vibe with fewer people than before. We tried chicken liver and scotch egg. Both were unique and unforgettable. Drinks were very good as well. I miss those days living in UWS.

Definitely one of my favorite bars on the Upper West Side with one of the most extensive whiskey menus in the area. They make a great cocktail! My favorite is the Penicillin. Their cocktails are definitely pricy for the area, but well well worth it in my opinion! I come here often to grab drinks with friends, since it is quiet enough to actually have a conversation with others! They also have a pretty good food menu, kind of overpriced, but everything I've tried is good! They also have a decent happy hour deal on their beer and wines. Such a great spot in Morningside Heights! P.S. Read the rules located in the beginning of the menu! P.P.S. They will give you a discount if you are on a Tinder date!

Very cute whisky bar. We came around 11:30 pm on a Saturday, it wasn't too packed. The bartender was very friendly. We ordered Nikka Taketsuru neat, Macallan 12 neat, old fashioned, and a penicillin. The old fashioned and penicillin were a bit on the sweet side. Especially, the penicillin, I couldn't taste the scotch from it at all. But other than that, the whiskey were really good. It's a perfect spot to hang out with friends or go on a date. If you are a whiskey lover, then this is the place. It has a wide variety of whiskey.

I love this bar!! I am one of the many completely obsessed with the Broadway musical Hamilton and was thrilled to discover this upscale bar that pays tribute to our forgotten founding father. Located on the far UWS, it's a bit of a random spot and definitely a hike for anyone who doesn't live in the area, but I think it's worth a stop! I've been here several times with my boyfriend (also a Hamilton fan) and am always shocked at the great service we receive. Even when it seems crowded and there's only one bartender, he makes sure we have drinks and food. The cocktails are typical NY prices but are totally worth it! I highly recommend the Bee's Knees. In terms of food, the menu is fairly small, but everything I've tried has been excellent! Their grilled cheese is pretty awesome and a great compliment to any drink. They also have some great brunch deals, which I definitely want to take advantage of. In my opinion, the Hamilton can be either a great meet up spot for friends, an intimate date spot, or the perfect way to impress your history buff friend.

I went here to see the Super Bowl and have become a regular. The owner, Mickey is likely behind the bar and make sure you engage with him - he has great stories and a great Irish accent. Everyone is having a blast there.

Excellent whiskey bar near Columbia. It's small, fairly quiet, and the cocktails are great. It's definitely a welcome addition to an area dominated by college dive bars.

Not really sure what to think of this place...when we went, it seemed weird (but maybe not in a bad way?) that there was this cozy space with Revolutionary War decor up on the walls, but with obscure 90's hip hop playing in the background. Drinks were fine, with cocktails on the pricier side for the size of the drinks.

Stopped in post-Columbia lecture around 9pm on a Friday night. No problem getting a table, our waitress came by when our drinks were low and kept the water glasses filled. I'm not really a "cocktail" person but I tried the Oaxaca Old Fashioned--with reposado tequila and mezcal. Quite tasty and reasonably priced. Cute little place and I left with a nice buzz. Keep up the good work, Hamilton.

The Hamilton is a small, seemingly upscale bar, tucked away on Amsterdam ave. (several blocks from Columbia University). I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in, with it's mood lighting, and grandeur decor. It was busy for a random Wednesday evening, but my friend and I found a table for two in the back, and we were approached for our order within a reasonable amount of time. We both ordered the grilled cheese (which might sound like an odd finger food to include at a fancy joint like Hamilton) but it was actually a very satisfying and fancy grilled cheese with caramelized onions and what not. It was pricier than I often have money for but worth the visit. If I win the lottery anytime soon, I might just come here more often!

This is a fantastic bar with a diverse selection of bourbon and Scotch! Apparently they just opened last week and the food is great. We tried the chicken liver pate and warm scotch egg (pork belly sausage wrapped around an egg) which were both delectable. We especially loved the baked mac and cheese though which was creamy and decadent with a great crust! Mike was manning the bar and was extremely friendly, offering recommendations on all of the drinks. It especially helped a bourbon newbie like me try something new. Looks like I'll have to swing by again the next time we're in NYC!

The Hamilton is a small, hole-in-the-wall establishment in Morningside Heights. It's pretty new to the area and seems like it has great potential for longevity. If you are a whiskey connoisseur, it's an absolute MUST. Our bartender Dave was very friendly and kept us entertained during happy hour and beyond. They have many specialty cocktails, house rules that should be written into our Constitution, and some really lackluster food. (Note: apparently the steak sandwich is amazing- and smelled it- but we didn't order that). I had both the Old fashioned and the Penicillin cocktails. Both were well-made, strong, and pleasing to the eye. I'd recommend them. I had a bite of Julio's warm Scotch egg and I wasn't terribly impressed. The sausage surrounding the egg was quite dry. Julio's steak frites was decent, considering the bar atmosphere and probably the best food we sampled all night. Mardory claims the chicken liver pate was excellent, but I wasn't able to try that, either. :( Finally, there was my burger, which was disappointing. I'll give them a bonus point for tossing my fries, which were perfect, in truffle butter. However, the burger itself looked like Wendy's but tasted like White Castle. Not acceptable for $16. If you're looking for a solid time, and you enjoy whiskey or Alexander Hamilton, you should check this place out. They offer a laid back atmosphere, a warm staff, and great cocktails. The prices are great during happy hour and maybe the steak sandwich is worth ordering, but I'd probably opt for dinner elsewhere. I look forward to my next drunken experience here.

Love this neighborhood place. If you're a bourbon lover, you must try the Penicillin. It is the best drink ever!!

Was very disappointed to see the addition of a television to this little gem of a bar (hoping I don't have to say former gem). When we want to watch TV, we stay home. We come to the Hamilton to be out on the town, have some very tasty drinks and chat with the friendly bartender. That was not possible with the all-engrossing TV show taking up all of the space and attention. I give three stars because of the experience I know this place normally offers (which is worthy of five). I hope this is a one off.

When Jim Morrison sang "Show me the way to the next whiskey bar" this was the place. This is THE quintessential whiskey bar.

Great cocktails, great whiskey selection, solid and comforting food and snack options. Love to come here for an intimate date night or friend catchup. Bar is beautiful and if I recall, they don't have a TV--and if they do--it's discreet (a plus, IMO). A neighborhood standby.

Stopped in for a cocktail and decided while in Manhattan get a Manhattan. Must say, best Manhattan, if there was only a cherry.

Drinks were very good... Especially the Manhattan, which makes sense since we're in Manhattan. I really love this place. Raul the Bartender has probably forgotten more about whiskey than most people will ever know....answered every question we had about whiskey, bourbon and scotch.

A couple of friends and I were in the neighborhood and decided to stop by. Had so much fun with Raul (the bartender). Despite me being a complete whiskey/scotch/bourbon novice, he was very patient and knowledgeable. Answered all of our questions and introduced us to some amazing new drinks. FYI. The deviled eggs and friend pickles are delicious

First time at the Hamilton and I enjoyed it!! Raul who was the Bartender really knew his stuff! I was there with a couple of girls and he literally answered every question we had about whiskey, bourbon and scotch. The deviled eggs and fried pickles were delish!!

Went here for the first time back in August on a Tuesday thanks to an unexpected detour, and my gamble to hit up The Hamilton paid off. The Penicillin is awesome, the chicken and liver appetizer is sufficient for one as dinner, and the whiskey is on point. Oh and of course, the Hamiltonian shiz! There isn't much Broadway Hamilton stuff as there are more paintings and wall decor. I guess I was expecting costumed men, a la Colonial Williamsburg, but maybe it's better it's not that, hahaha. I imagine it must be a hot spot during the academic calendar (I sensed there were a lot of Columbia kids/UWS yuppies), but when I went, I was one of two customers at 7pm, and it got busier when I left at 9. I'll be back next time I'm in the area.

A really cozy and comfortable whiskey bar! Came here on a Thursday evening for happy hour. Wasn't too crowded and the atmosphere is laid back and casual without being divey. More often than not in NYC, whiskey bars seem to be either more divey or more upscale. Hamilton lies in between - casual but still classy. Service was quick and courteous and the happy hour drinks were a good deal. I've also heard they have whiskey tastings every once in a while as well. Will come back if I'm in the area again in the evening.

Great whiskey bar on the UWS! I stopped in because I'd read the reviews a few weeks ago, and I was not disappointed. A hike for someone that doesn't live in the area (I live in Greenwich Village), but that's what Via is for, right? Anyhow, Alan fixed me up with some great cocktails and then some great whiskey. All in all, a great night!

Well, this was a helluva good place to meet my very good friend after six months. Small, fun and not pretentious, with a focus on brown spirits. I also need to call out the great service from Mr Bartender. He was so good, I never got his name but you'll know if he's behind the bar. Probably a Scottish fellow. We sampled the Old Fashioned, the Sazerac, the Boulevardier, the Manhattan, the Aviator and ran out of gas. Needless to say, loved 'me all. The food was also excellent where went back in time with a grilled cheese, Scotch Egg (pork belly egg thing) and something else that I'll have to update...yeah, it was charcuterie. Inside is nice with just about ten tables and the bar. It's a good place if you want to have a conversation. Not loud but certainly jovial.

The drinks were great. Had the premium old fashioned. Went for dinner and drinks with a girl friend of mine. Ambience had a good smokey romantic feel. Ordered the burger and a side salad. DO NOT ORDER THE SIDE SALAD. I don't usually complain but the first and only bite of the salad left my mouth feeling like I was chewing on sand. What kind of food leaves you with that kind of texture?? I spoke with the server and she let me replace the side dish with the fries but I still don't know what I ate... For the next ten minutes I was trying to wash down the sand with my old fashioned cocktail to no avail.... Overall average. And super disappointed with my first bite. #crunchingawayonthatsand

One of the best grilled cheese sandwiches I've ever had! The Hamilton had great food, nice decor, great service and a great drink selection. Stopped in for dinner before a show this time, but I can't wait to come back again to hang out and have a few drinks.

Wonderful place with an amazing selection of whiskey. Probably not great for groups of more than six. Must go for whiskey lovers.

What a gem this place is. I have been here quite a few times and will return again and again. From the servers to the bartenders, all of the staff is wonderful. They chat you up just enough with a smile that gets anyone in a good mood. Though having good staff is almost the most important, the food is what brings us here. IMO the neighborhood doesn't have the greatest food options..but this is by far one of the best in the area. The Philly Cheese steak is delicious and I never ever leave a fry behind. The grilled cheese is also one of my favs. Whiskey bar or naht I get the gin. Bees knees is the bees knees for sure. I absolutely love the dark cherry garnish. My boyfriend loves the bramble and gets that every time. We try to sneak into the awesome elevated corner seat in the back. You can't miss it. Best seat in the house Go here!!

I'm so glad The Hamilton opened up in the UWS. There are very few places to get a really good cocktail in the neighborhood but now there most certainly is. It's small, dark, and intimate. Exactly what a neighborhood cocktail bar should be. One of my favorite aspects of the bar is the wall of whiskey behind the bar. It's an impressive sight and sets the mood right away. My fiancee and I sat at the bar and chatted with our bartender who was friendly but not intrusive. We settled on the Bees Knees (New Amsterdam gin, lemon, honey, lavender bitters)(for her) and the Penicillin (Bank Note scotch, ginger, honey, lemon, spritz of Bowmore 12 (for me). Both drinks were delicious. At the $13, the drinks are not cheap but they're well worth it and within the standard price range for a well-crafted cocktail in Manhattan. We got a little hungry and ordered the Deviled eggs and they were really good. So we decided to stay and have dinner. I got the chicken sandwich and she got the grilled cheese and we were both happy. The food is solid. The Hamilton is perfect for a date, a drink with a friend, or a nice casual meal. It's a wonderful addition to the UWS. New York City now has two Hamilton's. One of them is pretty well known and hard to get into. This one isn't (yet). So go check them both out and decide which is better.

I have only been here once but have to say that it was a really great experience. A little small and not a ton of seating but was not too busy anyway so that wasn't a problem. The drinks are great and not too expensive. The ambiance is really great and the bartender was very friendly. I was in a group and this place says that it is not good for groups but we had a table to ourselves by the window and it was a great time. We also ordered food which was delicious and it was not too loud either so it is a great place to chat with friends while grabbing a drink and some food. I would definitely go back.

Took my boo for an after show nightcap. He is OBSESSED with Hamilton the musical, so I thought we'd stay with the theme. The place FAR exceeded my expectations! The service was attentive, but not annoying. The drinks were strong and well made. Its a whiskey bar. Don't ask for lame drinks. And the bread pudding dessert we had plus ice-cream was mind-blowing. SO unexpected! Can't wait to go back. Especially on a week night since it's small!

This is an amazing whiskey bar tucked away in Morningside Heights. The bar tender has an amazing knowledge of single malt scotch and bourbon. Some of the single malts here are hard to get and some of the best I have had outside of Scotland. It is a very low key, relaxing bar. The food is just chips and nuts, but those hit the spot just fine with whiskey. The Hamilton is definitely worth a trip to the northern end of Manhattan.