In Manhattan, there are too many bars to count.
But if you are looking for a bar with a ton of personality and a bit of tongue-in-cheek humor, Motel No Tell is the perfect place. The spot is decorated in retro motel aesthetics such as neon signs, kitschy menu designs, and playful drinks. On our recent visit, that vintage charm was on full display for Motel No Tell’s 3rd anniversary. To celebrate the milestone and lean into the humor of the Motel No Tell spirit, the night featured a surprise appearance from a high-energy Elvis impersonator who serenaded the room with classic hits.
The cocktail program leans heavily into clever themes with drinks that are creative and well-balanced. We started with When the TV Turns to Static, which is essentially a spicy watermelon margarita. This drink was delicious, well-balanced, and perfect for cooling off in the heat. We highly recommend this to start, as it really sets the tone for your experience. For something with a stronger personality, the Poolboy delivers just that. With mezcal and passionfruit in the mix, you get a nice smoky note from the mezcal that pairs well with the tangy tropical sweetness from the passionfruit juice. If you want something richer with a playful twist, Monkey Business rounds out the lineup with smooth, tropical, banana-accented notes that never veer into being overly sweet, which we loved.
Photo courtesy of Motel No Tell
The kitchen matches the bar’s playful tone with comfort-driven bites designed for sharing over drinks. The Sticky Cauliflower Bites were an immediate favorite, fried to a crisp exterior and coated in a sweet, savory glaze that delivers the right balance of crunch and heat.
For something warm and comforting, the Bavarian Soft Jumbo Pretzel arrived golden brown with a soft, chewy center and plenty of coarse salt, making it an ideal companion to the cocktail list. The pairing of the giant pretzel with mustard and warm cheese sauce gives you plenty of reasons to keep noshing throughout the visit. Rounding out the table was the Margherita Pizza, featuring a crisp, blistered crust topped with bright tomato sauce, melted fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil for a simple, satisfying classic.
Photo courtesy of Motel No Tell
Between the inventive cocktail lineup, addictive bar bites, and the unexpected thrill of live Elvis tunes echoing through the space, Motel No Tell delivers exactly what a great night out should be: unpretentious, lively, and thoroughly entertaining. Add this one to your radar the next time you need a drink with a side of pure nostalgia.
