Waiting on a Friend

I celebrated my birthday at WOAF and had such an amazing time! The only upfront cost was a $250 deposit, which was fully refunded after the party, so my friends and I just paid for our food and drinks. We chose to do separate tabs, but they also offered an open bar option that was surprisingly affordable. They let me bring my own cake and decorate our section, which made it feel really special. The music was great, the drinks were good, and overall it was such a fun experience!

My favorite bar in NYC! Always a great music and crowd. Amazing cocktails, too. I have had my birthday party here and have been to a bunch of events here and it's always a blast! 11/10

We really loved the happy hour drinks (and prices), the vibes, and the bartender. He even remade my friend's drink happily after she realized she didn't like the one she chose. Would return again!!! Not too many seats but we snagged an amazing seat so we were quite content.

Had such a fun night hosting a 50ppl wedding afterparty in the backroom! Had our own bar and the drinks were sooo good. The room was super comfy for 40-60ppl, had space for ppl to dance and some seats in the back for ppl who get tired. The staff were also friendly and accommodating. Overall super successful event with immaculate vibes ✌🏻

This is hands down the single best place to host a birthday party in NYC. The atmosphere, drinks, and service are all top-tier and made our celebration seamless. It’s honestly the only spot in the city actually worth waiting on a friend for—even that one friend who says they’re “around the corner” when they haven’t even left their apartment yet. Highly recommend!

Waiting on a Friend isn’t just a bar—it’s a vibe, a mood, a place where time politely slows down and your problems decide to stay outside. From the second you walk in, it feels warm, intentional, and effortlessly cool without trying too hard (the hardest thing to pull off). The drinks? Thoughtful, balanced, dangerous in the best way. You order one, swear it’s your last, and suddenly you’re on your third talking about life plans like it’s therapy hour. The bartenders actually care—about what they’re making, who they’re serving, and whether you’re having a good night. Rare. Appreciated. Music is dialed in. Lighting is perfect. Crowd is the ideal mix of locals, regulars, and people you might end up friends with by the end of the night. It’s the kind of place you come “just for one” and leave with stories. If you’re waiting on a friend, meeting a date, or just hanging with yourself—this is exactly where you should be. Easily one of those spots that becomes your spot without you realizing it. I’ll be back. A lot.

Fun, open space that is great for hangout of any sizes. Drinks were decent but have a variety of options from the standard to creative cocktails. Staff were friendly. Can get very loud but that is both a plus and minus I guess!

Great space - very clean. Drinks are great and the staff were kind. The music was nice and at an appropriate volume to still maintain conversations. We enjoyed ourselves.

Heard about this place on Tiktok and came on a date with my partner. The seating arrangement is nice and good for dates, but the drinks are not that strong. We tried the martini and the matchapeño. Happy hour runs from 5-8pm and all cocktails are $14 along with other discounts. No reservations accepted unless a large party.