In the past month or so two coworkers won free happy hours at Public House (the same is true with Turtle Bay). What impresses me about Public House’s happy hour is that it’s free for 50 members of the winner’s party…not ½ off drinks like at Turtle Bay and not $20 all you can drink like at Black Finn. We’re talking free drinks for 2-3 hours for 50 people.
What disappoints me about Public House is the incredible sea of people you have to wade through to reach the bar, the general crowd (both the size and type of people), and the noise level. And I definitely do not like it when the bar ends the happy hour special early. Last time I was there they ended it 10 minutes early, and let me tell you, people were pretty pissed. I was one of them. I was there for an hour and only had one free drink.
On the other hand, they do have some specials for all to enjoy throughout the week, including Wednesday night’s ½ priced martinis from 5pm – 12am. Of particular interest to me is their Tuesday night Bottomless Wine Dinner. On Tuesdays from 5-11 pm you pay $35 for three courses and unlimited wine. Right off the bat that’s a better deal than traditional Restaurant Week options. However, I’m not going to pretend that Public House’s food is of the same quality as say The Modern or Le Cirque. Public House’s online menu doesn’t tell you prices, so I’m not sure how much of a bargain it is on its regularly priced apps, entrees and desserts, but again, limitless wine will help make any dinner taste good. If you go (reservations are recommended), please let us know how it is!
The Basics Name:Â Public House Location: 140 e. 41st Street between Lexington and 3rd Avenues Who to take: Friends, Co-workers Price: Depends – 0 at a free happy hour, $$$$ for Tuesday night’s special Overall: Â Haven’t made up my mind yet. 3 Stars.
