The Gordon Bar

The Gordon is a chic loungey bar annexed to the Sixty Soho hotel. It has a distinct dark library feel that seems to adsorb the energy and vitality from its few patrons.

On the positive side, the actual space is is very cool and there are a few semi-private nooks in which one can escape to have a private conversation. Also, while their beer "selection" is modest -- in the most polite sense -- the actual beers available are quite good, including Bell's Two Hearted Ale, which might be the best IPA in America.

Unfortunately, the negatives prevail. The Gordon still subscribes to the theory that to be cool, it must treat its guests as though they are incredible fortunately to enjoy the opportunity to overpay for the experience. It is clear that the waitstaff is instructed to perform a certain awkward disinterested dance somewhere between ignoring and detesting the customers.

Finally, while I fully understand that the New York "experience" comes with New York prices, $28 for a beer and mixed drink is pushing it.

Swanky wine bar with table service. It was extremely hot in here and they didn't turn down the heat. Nice decor and art on the walls. Drinks service was a bit slow but not too bad. They have an amazing Harland Miller in the lobby, worth visiting just for that.

Showed up to meet a friend at this bar last night. Was not even let into the hotel lobby. The bald black security guard/doorman with a thick beard was extremely rude. He blocked the doorway and when we gave the name of the person throwing the party we were told that list was closed because there were too many people. Not 1 minute later a group of about TWELVE WHITE PEOPLE show up and are immediately let in. We then ask if we can just go up for a quick drink and to say hello to our friend who is visiting NY. The only reason we were even there. He rudely says "it is not going to happen" and doesn't give any real explanation. We try calling our friend to try to resolve. It became clear that they DO NOT WANT PEOPLE OF COLOR AT THIS PLACE. We stood in the vestibule of this place, not even allowed into the hotel lobby, and watched as large groups of WHITE PEOPLE were let up to this bar. This happened multiple times. Finally people from the party, also people of color, came down and were also severely mistreated by this doorman. It seems as though there were already TOO MANY BROWN PEOPLE at the bar and they would not let any more in. I am a 32 year old native new yorker and HAVE NEVER BEEN treated this way. It was disgusting. They clearly want WHITES ONLY at this bar. It was also really sad and upsetting that this black man was fulfilling this racist protocol. I am still so upset about how my group of THREE brown people was treated. I am probably going to look into how to report this business further. I woke up this morning still so very upset about this mistreatment. I wish I would have recorded this ordeal on my phone to post on the internet.

Racist establishment.

My organization hosted a small event here back in January. The staff were extremely helpful and accommodating (especially Marcella? - hope I'm getting her name right!). The space itself is beautiful - elegant but also cozy and inviting. We didn't get to try too many different foods and beverages, but what we did have was excellent. I would definitely return here, either on my own or for another event.