Bar near 71st and Columbus

[roze]

I'm having dinner tonight in this area of the city which I hardly ever go to. Can anyone give me some recs for a bar for before/after dinner that's fun and not a frat house scene. I know Bin 71 is right there but I fell like that might be packed. Any other recs? I was thinking the new Columbus Tavern to try out their duck fat cashews but I haven't heard very good reviews about the service there.

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Bin 71
237 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023

Columbus Tavern
269 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023

[colfaxBee]

Shalel, on 70th, just east of Columbus. It's kind of a loungey wine bar (not only wine though), sort of cavernous, several small, cozy rooms. It's very chilled out, so I'm not sure if it will meet what you are looking for by "fun", but it's definitely unique and feels more downtown than uws.

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Shalel Lounge
65 W 70th St, New York, NY 10023

[roze]

Thanks! All great recs. I think we'll try Shalel.

[boredough]

Graffit on 69th just east of Broadway. Very nice bar -- you may wish to stay for tapas and/or dinner....

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Gastroarte
141 W 69th St, New York, NY 10023

[Simon]

the bar at Cafe Ronda is very tiny but pleasant if you can snag a seat

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Cafe Ronda
249 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023

[roze]

That is actually where we are having dinner:)

[H Manning]

How about the bar at Cafe Luxembourg?

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Cafe Luxembourg
200 W 70th St, New York, NY 10023