Tile Bar

Food was straight up amazing. You can tell they actually care about quality. Great spot to eat, relax, and enjoy some seriously good food. Ridwan and agnes good excellent serviced

The establishment was clean, cozy and not loud, save for a few rude guests behind us who were taking a business call during dinner... Our server was polite, and came by often to refill waters and ask how we were doing. The food: Salt and Pepper Squid - 3/5 - Tender and crispy the shrimp could have been great, but I felt like it was under salted and could have even used additional spices like white pepper or some of that pink peppercorn in such a dish. Tangy Glazed Shrimp - 4/5 - nicely sweet and sour, this Shrimp came in a good portion and had a nice bite to it too. It came on a bed of these jelly noodles, which seemed unnecessary, and were too slippery and too tender, slipping out of our chopsticks or breaking. It did carry the orange flavored sauce decently well though. Black truffle steak cubes - 5/5 - Great dish, you can taste the black truffle and onion sauce, the steak was tender enough for me, although could have been a bit more tenderized somehow. It came with mushrooms and snap peas that were great in breaking up the flavor and texture. Crispy fried chicken - 5/5 - another great dish, the skin was flavorful and crispy, and the meat tender. Not much more to say other than the chef did a great job with the prep and plating, no bones in the meat and pre sliced akin to Peking Duck. Sesame ice cream - 5/5 - simple tasty refreshing. If you like sesame you'll love this. Fried milk custard - 5/5 - served with some sticky condensed milk, this blew my mind. Crispy on the outside but with the texture of flan or custard inside. I don't know how they did it but the condensed milk added the perfect sweetness I will think about this dessert for a long time to come.

Came here with a friend for lunch and had a wonderful experience. The restaurant has a cozy, homely vibe (at least to me)—clean, comfortable, and welcoming. We sat by the window, which gave us a great spot to enjoy both the food and some quiet, natural light. We ordered the double-cooked pork belly, which was rich, savory, and had just the right touch of heat—paired beautifully with nutty purple rice. The cucumber salad with garlic gravy was one of those deceptively simple dishes where less truly means more: crisp, refreshing, and appetite-opening. We also tried the jellyfish salad. It was light, delicately seasoned, with that perfect chewy texture that makes it such a satisfying cold dish. The service was incredibly friendly and courteous. We were even treated to lychee ice cream on the house, which was a lovely surprise! I ordered the tea-smoked duck fried rice to go, and the waiter thoughtfully came back to confirm whether I wanted the regular portion or the lunch special (which I did)! A small gesture that showed real attention to detail! I truly appreciate this level of care and hospitality. Great food and great service! I’ll definitely be back!

I noticed a $14 lunch special that was too good to ignore. A main dish, white rice, two mini egg rolls and a side of pickled cucumbers—what a fantastic deal for NYC. That sign is what pulled me into Twilight Lounge, a newly opened Sichuan and Cantonese restaurant in the East Village that’s already showing serious promise. For the lunch special, I ordered the Kung Pao Chicken, which came with white or purple rice, egg rolls and pickled cucumbers. The chicken was tender with just the right amount of wok-seared edges, tossed in a glossy sauce that struck a nice balance between sweet, savory, and just a hint of spice. Crunchy peanuts gave it texture as well as the egg rolls w plum sauce and the cool, vinegary cucumbers on the side refreshed the palate between bites. For $14 in Manhattan? A steal. I came with family and we ordered a few dishes off the regular menu to share. The Spicy Cumin Lamb was a standout. Sliced thin and stir-fried with whole dried chilies and cumin seeds, the dish had a smoky, earthy depth that lingered in a good way. It packed some heat, but it was the kind that builds slowly—warming, not overwhelming. The real surprise for me was the dry-style Sichuan Beef Noodle. I usually expect something heavier or soup-based, but this version came tossed in a savory, umami-rich sauce that clung beautifully to the chewy noodles. The marinated beef slices were flavorful and tender, and the overall dish felt comforting yet bold. It’s the kind of meal you could crave on a rainy day—or after a long one. The Twilight Fried Rice also deserves mention. Unlike typical fried rice dishes, this version arrived with a crispy bottom layer—almost like a socarrat from paella—adding a delightful crunch to each spoonful. It was savory, aromatic, and loaded with bits of egg, scallions, and diced vegetables. It's a clever and satisfying twist on a classic that I didn’t expect to love as much as I did. We also tried dishes like the beef pancake roll, which was like a scallion pancake rolled around savory beef slices, the wife and husband sliced beef in chili oil, spicy shrimp, and the spicy fried fish filet, both of which leaned on the hotter side, so be warned if you’re spicy –sensitive (or tell them to adjust the spice level). I found the lotus root stir-fry refreshing and light, with its mix of squash, wood ear mushrooms and lotus root slices. And a special shoutout to Jonathan, who took care of our table with warmth, efficiency, and always with a smile. Twilight Lounge an East Village gem that brings the heat, flavor, and hospitality. Definitely one to watch.

So happy this place opened up. We love Sichuan-style dishes but don’t always feel like waiting for a table to open up at some of the bigger places up at St. Marks. Great food, we got the crispy sichuan chicken, cumin lamb and the green beans. Authentic, great flavor with a good spice level. They serve beer/ wine too. Love the vibes, I plan to visit again with friends and family. The owner JC was friendly too.

This was one of the best Chinese food spots I have been to in a long time! Everything was so good. The beef pancake (perfectly juicy meat and the outside was crispy) and duck fried rice were especially memorable to me. Highly, highly recommend this place to anyone!

emilia ezeta

great place with really kind staff, I left my purse there and it was still there when I came back to get it. thanks again!!

pvogeler

Classic east village bar. Strike up a convo with arty film people. Great bar staff. Watch the bros wither away ;)

Lela M

Had a great time as always, served by Jackie, so sweet and quit to cater to us. Great spot, great happy hour, and even better pour. Tip them well! they gotta deal with all the New York crazies. Easy place to stop by and get a couple drinks at a great price all week!

JC Pompey

Great happy hour prices, no frills service, and local feel vibes. Couldn't recommend it enough!

Angie Mari

Love this place. Great happy hour. Chill bartenders. Yay

Laci Kim

This is hands down the best bang for your buck for happy hour. $4 well drinks and they aren’t skimping either. This is the best way to get your drinks in for a great price before venturing in the eats village / st. marks. I’ve been here a handful of times and i have never had issues with their bartenders. Their crowd is a good mix of regulars and younger patrons.

Roz

This place is a nice little gem. Our bartender Alec is amazing. He is friendly, attentive and makes the best drinks!

Jaylene Nunez

Absolutely ADORE this bar, it has a special place in my heart. My friends and I usually frequent this bar when Alec is there, but this time we had the chance to meet Mace. Both bartenders are so attentive and kind, and provide some great conversation and drinks. The happy hour is cheap compared to other NYC bars, and even when it’s over - the drinks are still cheaper. Food is not served here, but outside food is welcome. The vibes here are extremely welcoming, and I’d recommend anyone to come try this bar out when they have the chance. Thank you always for your service Tile Bar!! (If anyone’s up for a raise; definitely consider Alec and Mace ☺️)

John Filmanowicz

this is my favorite bar in new york by far - they curate a lively but intimate atmosphere and the service is always top notch. i especially liked talking to one of the bartenders (BB) who gave many good tourist/food/fun recommendations for my father who was in town for the weekend. i will be coming back for a long time!

Olivia N

Overall rating: 4.7 Wow, the low reviews are really intense! I’ve been here twice near happy hour time and haven’t had any bad experience. Very local, dive, no frills bar which feels like a distant memory in NYC these days. The happy hour is a STEAL. And what I really like about this bar is that it’s on the older side. I watched a group of 20s come in, look at the crowd, then immediately turn around. It was my happiest moment ever. Got to catch up with friends and very chill. I’ll probably come again if I’m in the area & with friends. I don’t recommend if you’re a loud or an annoying person. Plz go somewhere else. Chill vibes only here.

Erik Johnson

Long running East Village institution and sort-of debauched community center — alternatively known as WCOU Radio Bar. A no frills, reliable and unpretentious dive.

Came here for a late lunch and left with a pretty hefty bill. The place was clean and was pretty modern—service was decent as well. We ordered suan cai yu, which they used flounder as the fish. The fish was a bit flakey and didn’t taste amazing but the broth was good. It wasn’t too oily like some other places so that was a plus. We also had the crab roe tofu which was pretty good as my partner reallly liked it. And had the seasonal vegetable stir fry which was simple but delicious. For the price we paid after tax + tip I expected higher quality food but overall I’m not super mad about it because the portion sizes are good.

My completely unfounded hypothesis for how Twilight Lounge came to be is that the founders wanted to open an authentic Canto spot but after market researching (AKA talking to the locals), they learned that New Yorkers are crazy for Szechuan food, so they decided to tack that on--because Chinese people are nothing if not people pleasers. And thus this Cantonese-Szechuan menu was born. The above is based on an untrue story. Now on to the food. - Wood Ear Mushroom Salad: Refreshing and perfectly spicy - Lotus Root Stir-fry Medley: Because we all need fiber. Get this classic stir-fry to make your bathroom trips more fun. - Crab Roe Silken Tofu: Soft and tasty, better than I expected. - Wong Fei Hung Prawns: If you look at this name and the Jet Li theme song doesn't automatically play in your head, you're not Cantonese enough to appreciate this dish. But it's okay; this dish is so good, it would win over a vegan. It was easily the star of the show, everyone's favorite. The prawns were plump and juicy, and the peppercorns were crunchy and satisfying--all coming together in the perfect marriage of mouth-singing flavor. We picked this clean like buzzards circling a dead rodent. - Sichuan Braised Fish: Our first taste of their Szechuan offerings, and the verdict is....pass! This was spicy, umami and complex, loaded with mouth-tender fish and veggies, and as comforting and filling as similar offerings at Szechuan restaurants. - Tea Smoked Duck Fried Rice: Not much duck, smoke or tea flavor. Not much duck either. I'd skip this unless you really want to blow money on fried rice. Service was friendly and attentive, and decor was modern chic. Twilight Lounge has stiff competition from the borough, but it surprisingly holds its own--esp. if you're in this neck of the woods and craving umami.

Emma Nelson

Great bar for a quick drink. Bartender was happy and sweet and got us drinks quickly. Great prices, wine only $7 (but sometimes even cheaper). Not much going on with the atmosphere here but gets the job done!

Overall, the dining experience was quite pleasant. We arrived close to closing time, yet the staff were still warm and welcoming, showing no signs of impatience—something that truly deserves recognition. From ordering to food service, the process was smooth and efficient, with dishes arriving promptly, which is a definite plus for diners who are short on time. As for the food, portion sizes were on the smaller side, so those with a bigger appetite may want to order a few extra dishes. The flavors were generally solid and reliable—nothing particularly outstanding, but also nothing disappointing. The Suancai Fish was well-executed, with a good balance of sourness and saltiness, making it a safe and steady choice. The standout dish, however, was the Salted Egg Yolk Tofu, which was excellent and easily the highlight of the meal. Overall, strong service and efficiency are the key strengths here. If you’re looking for a place for a quick and hassle-free meal, this restaurant is certainly worth considering.

Having tried a lot of Sichuanese restaurants in NYC, I kind of have a bar and this place failed to meet it. It’s a place for a more Americanized palate. The food lacked flavor and punch and was not served hot enough. The three pepper chicken was tough (didn’t want to even bring back any leftovers), the fried rice with mustard green shoots was good, the Fish Fillet w/ Silken Tofu Pudding was okay as it lacked flavor, the lotus root stir-fry medley was disappointing with big chunks of celery and cucumber and no flavor. They brought out the rice last, meanwhile what are you supposed to eat the rest of the food with? My biggest problem was with the atmosphere. The air conditioning was so strong that the food got cold in minutes add then was not enjoyable. You don’t need to blast the A/C and serve cold food - instead adjust it to pleasantly comfortable. Went to celebrate a birthday but was let down. Won’t go back.

Lauren Seidman

Quite honestly the rudest people I’ve ever met in my life. The people who are bartenders here are nasty, rude, and make everyone feel uncomfortable. They asked us multiple times “are you going to get anything, show us your ID or leave” when we bought so many drinks from them. Seriously insane considering how well we tipped. I dont know what happened since my friend had her birthday party here two years ago. DO NOT GO HERE ITS NOT A VIBE

Allie

The bartender tonight was very rude to everyone. Would ask for a shot and if they didn’t have the ingredients would say no and walk away without offering suggestions.

Selena Gupta

I agree with the previous reviews about this space not being safe for people of color, had an incredibly rude experience here my friends and I came when the bar wasn’t so packed (6 pm) and asked a couple who was sitting at the bar if they could move their items off the larger table in the back so we could sit (there are coat racks available) they asked how many people we were going to be (there was 7 of us) and clearly didnt like the idea of so many of us next to them so she was like “don’t ask me ask the bartender”, she then spoke to the bartender herself and the bartender said “no” and then wouldn’t even look in my direction. Then the couple got upset at us for crowding the space around them (when they wouldn’t let us sit) The vibes got a lot better after the strange couple left but really the staff seemed annoyed by our patronage

Sangram Sinha

Deeply Disappointed by Rude and Biased Behavior I usually never write negative reviews, but this experience deserves to be shared. As soon as we entered the bar, the older bald bartender spoke to us in an extremely rude and dismissive tone. When I politely asked if the bar had Wi-Fi, he said, “Yes, it’s ‘the tile bar,’ password 123456789.” However, the network wasn’t showing, and when I asked for help, his response was shocking — “I don’t care whether you can find Wi-Fi or not, my job is to give drinks, not tech support.” We ignored the attitude and decided to enjoy our drinks peacefully. We ordered two drinks for $12, kept a tab, and later asked for a repeat. By mistake, he served the wrong drink; we immediately noticed and told him politely. He replaced it, but his demeanor became even worse. When the final bill came, it was $28 with no breakdown. I calmly pointed out that if two drinks cost $12, four should be $24. Instead of clarifying, he snapped, saying, “That’s the bill… people like you don’t tip anyway.” He then went on to curse and use racially insensitive remarks, which was completely unacceptable. It was a humiliating experience — no guest deserves to be treated that way, especially in a city as diverse and welcoming as New York. I seriously considered calling the police, but without proof, I chose to leave quietly. This kind of discrimination and unprofessional behavior should never be tolerated in the service industry. I hope the management reviews their staff and takes this seriously.

Matt

Just went to this bar, and the blonde female bartender was incredibly rude. I ordered a Coke, and when I had to use the bathroom, I put the drink behind the counter so I could grab it afterward. I get that bartenders might not like customers placing drinks behind the bar, but when I returned, my Coke was gone. When I asked her about it, she bluntly said she threw it out. I didn't even ask for a replacement, yet she immediately started cursing me out in front of everyone. At first, I stayed quiet, unsure how to react. Eventually, all I said was "theres a nicer way to say that". This only made her escalate, cursing me out even louder and screaming "get out" in front of everyone. Bartender or not, that's a completely unacceptable way to treat someone. Maybe next time try interacting with people in a manner that's at least one step above outright hostility—even if they're not exactly like you.

Fabricio Soto

It was our first visit to that bar. Everything was fine until the bartender that came in around 9PM, he started to criticize about our order at the begging and before we can order the next round he told us to leave for no reason. He started yelling and he even grabbed my cup out of my hand while full and throw it to the sink. Me and my partner felt so disrespected and humiliated for NO REASON. I can’t believe that in a neighborhood like East Village and at a bar such a good reputation have employees that treat their customers like that. So disappointing.

Karina Kong

Terrible bartenders who don’t care about their customers. A customer poured beer all over my head and slapped my friend twice, but the bartenders kicked us out cause that customer was a “regular”. The bartenders obviously don’t care for the safety and well-being of anyone there. They are so caught up with keeping their regulars happy that they’re willing to put people in dangerous environments. Whoever Bailey is needs to be checked and fired for letting all of this happen.

Angel

Whoever this Bailey person is, the rudest bartender ever had in NYC. The other bartender from Friday night was much warmer and hospitable. He also tried serving expired orange juice until my friend asked him if it was spoilt. A shame I love this place but Bailey was so unprofessional and almost like he hated working here.