Molly T.
Yelp
Wilfie & Nell is that friend who shows up for you no matter what. You might not be in touch a lot of the time, but when you do finally talk, you can pick up right where you left off. It's that friend you feel safe and comfortable with. When you're with them, you can take a load off and just be. In my experience, there aren't a lot of friends who fit this description and there aren't a lot of bars in Manhattan that feel this way either. Wilfie & Nell was one of the first non-Columbia bars I went to in NYC after turning 21. Five years later, I've continued to return sporadically and I've continued to feel at home there. It's fabulous neighborhood bar and fits the general vibe of the West Village pretty perfectly: cozy and classy, unpretentious and a safe haven.
I am always shocked at how down-to-earth and manageable everything feels at Wilfie & Nell considering its location. It's as central as it gets in the West Village--right off the Christopher St. stop on the 1, about three steps west of 7th Ave South. Though it's always pretty full during peak hours, it never--in my experience--feels overly crowded. That said, I've never been during the later hours, so it's quite possible it gets packed here. Even when busy, it's relaxed.
The space itself, the lighting and the music are part of what accounts for this relaxed atmosphere. Exposed brick, dim lighting, lots of wood, low ceilings but a fairly spread out space. Warm and intimate but not quite romantic. One thing I love about this place is its versatility. I've been here on a date, with my parents and with friends. It's good for one-on-one occasions and large groups alike. A lot of West Village establishments--at least when it comes to bars--are on the small side. Wilfie & Nell is spread out enough that you could easily bring a group of six here without being relegated to standing room only.
One of the reasons W&N holds a special place in my heart is its focus on whiskey. While this isn't the kind of whiskey bar that boasts hundreds upon hundreds of whiskeys, ranging from the most commonplace to the most obscure, they've got a solid selection and it's approachable. When I first came here soon after turning 21, I had only tried Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit Rye (I preferred the rye, at the time). Here, they recommended Basil Hayden's and it rocked my world. It catapulted me into a love for *both* bourbon and rye, which is as strong as ever now. Baby's first Basil Hayden! It was love. They've usually got Blantons and Willett Small Batch, too. Perfect for a winter night. Pro tip: if you ask for a single ice cube (that's generally my preference), they'll bring you two glasses: one filled with your whiskey, the other with your ice cube. Dilute at your convenience.
Food-wise, lots of fun apps and a good collection of mains. I haven't ordered food from here in years, but I remember liking the Devils on Horseback and the Kale Salad. My dad ordered the Fried Pickled Cauliflower last night, which he liked a lot.
Service is top-notch. Pacing is perfect and they leave you alone when you need it. No complaints there. Truly the perfect neighborhood bar.