Vol de Nuit

Vol de NuitVol de Nuit
Vol de NuitVol de Nuit
Bar, Eatery

148 W 4th St
New York, New York, 10012-1051
United States

(212) 979-2616 | map
voldenuitbar.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.8
Reviews:
23
Ratings:
28
pDev:
7.63%
View: Place Reviews
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Ratings by flagmantho:
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Reviewed by flagmantho from Washington

3.43/5  rDev -9.7%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.25
A couple of friends took me and my wife to Vol de Nuit for some good beers after dinner this week. Walking past it on the street, I might not even notice it.

The layout is interesting, with a quasi-outdoor seating area in front and a dark back room where the bar itself is located. It's not terribly big, but we were able to find a table at 8 PM midweek (though it got busier later).

The beers they had on tap were good, although nothing really exotic. About 12 taps were present, and the selection was limited to almost exclusively beers you can find in a good grocery store (Duvel, Lindemans, Chimay, Delirium Tremens). The bottle list was bigger, but still without much exotic on it.

Prices were a bit high, but you're paying for the location as well as the product, I suppose. I don't see myself going out of my way to hit Vol de Nuit, but if I'm in the neighborhood I might hit them up again for a quick Tripel Karmeliet on draft.
Jun 08, 2013
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 3.45 by BubbleBobble from New York

Jun 09, 2016
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Reviewed by Gajo74 from New York

3.62/5  rDev -4.7%
vibe: 3.25 | quality: 3.75 | service: 3.25 | selection: 4
Everything that so many reviewers are saying here is so spot on. I have past by this place several times and finally got to go in. The ambience is trying to recreate a European/Belgian looking type of beer bar. There is an outdoor atrium. The inside is very dark and has red lights. However, it also looks very run down. The walls are peeling and the smell is moldy. I feel like they did this on purpose. I don't mind dive bars, but I feel like they went too far. This would be a great place if you want a quiet drink in a low key and dark atmosphere, yet, the dinginess is just a little too much. The selection is pretty good; they have the usual Belgian standards, good bottle selection, and, they also serve each beer in different and appropriate glassware. I really feel like this place could be great. They would be even better if they had a wider selection of rarer Belgian finds, and, a staff that is more knowledgeable about Belgian beer.
Nov 10, 2015
 
Rated: 4.16 by eluvah from New York

Sep 15, 2015
 
Rated: 3.85 by vfgccp from New York

Aug 29, 2015
 
Rated: 3.88 by DavidHume from Virginia

May 05, 2015
 
Rated: 4 by Winston3737 from Michigan

Feb 28, 2015
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Reviewed by Roguer from Connecticut

3.83/5  rDev +0.8%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3
Extremely dark and cozy little place. Limited selection, all Belgian, but all the heavy hitters, many of them on tap. What they don't have on tap, they likely have bottled, in terms of the expected Trappist lineup.

Did not try the food.
Jan 01, 2015
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Reviewed by BethanyB from New York

3.51/5  rDev -7.6%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.25 | service: 3.75 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3.75
The kind of place where I can't decide if its semi-dilapidated state is charming, or sad. The location is nice, being right by Washington Square Park, and it's somewhat romantic in that it's tucked away from the street with a small, yet secluded patio in front...the indoor space is even smaller. And very dark.

Belgian beers are the specialty here, and as a Belgian beer fan, you'd think that would excite me. But the selection isn't that big and is also pretty standard (St. Bernardus, Leffe Blond, Rochefort, etc.), and the prices are pretty high up there, even for this more expensive set.

Service is fine, and the staff seem knowledgeable enough. They know how to pour, at least. But I've had a few bad beers here, most recently an INCREDIBLY phenolic St. Bernardus Abt. 12 that made me want to cry, it was so bad. I've had bad beers at this place from both bottle, and tap. Also, the menu doesn't cite the beer styles, which is a pet peeve of mine. Fortunately, all the beers on the list are pretty familiar to any beer enthusiast, so I don't need much of a guide, but listing styles helps people just getting into beer to figure out what they like or don't like, so I think this is a must for any serious beer menu.

I've had the pomme frites, and they're mighty good, but also mighty pricey.

Overall, this is a fine place for a small group or a person on their own who happens to have a little extra spending money on them at the time to pop into if they're craving a trappist or two.
Sep 11, 2013
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Reviewed by medic25 from Connecticut

3.5/5  rDev -7.9%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5
Out walking with my wife heading towards Blind Tiger when we noticed this spot hidden down a back alley. The interior of the bar was incredibly dark, primarily lit by red lights giving it a slightly seedy (in a good way) feel. We opted to have a drink outside in the small courtyard, which had a nice atmosphere. The tap offerings were reasonable; all Belgian, all tasty if not too unique (Chimay, Corsendonk, Delirium Tremens, etc), along with a 1-2 page bottle selection.
Service was so-so; we were told that it was table service outside, and after a bit of a wait we finally saw the waiter. He didn't seem thrilled about my wife's water order (sorry, she's pregnant!), but the Chimay I ordered was served in a reasonable time in the correct glassware ($9.00 for a 250ml glass). Didn't try the food; seemed like a decent place overall, which could be improved with some more unique offerings on draught.
Nov 14, 2011
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Reviewed by SkunkWorks from New York

3.79/5  rDev -0.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3
Stopped here for the second stop of my birthday bar crawl. I was recommended this place by a friend and it was down the street from the Blind Tiger, so I figured it would be worth a shot for a round. Got here at opening at 4PM on a Saturday and stayed for about an hour.

This place is very hard to find. We walked right by it at first because there's really no sign. Once we found it, it opens with a cool, European feeling atrium and leads to a really dark bar. I ordered our beers at the bar and we sat outside to enjoy them. The atmosphere really felt like what I imagine drinking beer in Belgium must be like, though I've never been there so I can't say for sure. The bathroom felt a bit dungeon like.

There were some good offerings, many of which I was unfamiliar with, and some decent things on tap. I didn't pay much attention to the bottles since I usually try to drink taps when I'm out and bottles at home. I ended up going with a La Chouff, served in the brewery's glassware, which was nice.

The staff were fairly nice and really laid off talking to us, which I didn't mind.

Overall, a pretty cool little place for a quick round if you're in the area. Cheers!
Jun 19, 2011
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Reviewed by Mosstrooper from Virginia

4/5  rDev +5.3%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 5
Re-Review: I have since been back and was less intoxicated.

So, let's begin with the atmosphere. The bar is a bit of a hole in the wall and can be quite difficult to find- the first time I went a friend who had already been there led me, but the next time I went I passed by it about two or three times before figuring out where it was. Walking in, it does feel very "European"- there is sort of an atrium with some tables outside before actually walking into the bar itself. The atmosphere inside still feels European and old- with bricked and plaster walls giving it a feel that it is very old, as many buildings and establishments are in Europe. However, there is little lighting and it is made stranger by lots of red lights around the bar- if they just went with candles and dim lights it would be much better. Then, there is the music- it's not really house music, but it's some sort of dance music which does not fit the product or the overall atmosphere before the music. There is one small restroom that has tons of graffiti (somebody wrote "PUNK" on the soap dispenser, which makes no sense because I couldn't see a punk paying $8 for one on-tap beer). Being in the vincinity of NYU, the crowd is younger and kind of "hipster"; I keep to myself and my friends so I didn't mind, but some may. The bar has a nice feel, but a few things about the atmosphere are kind of confusing.

I have no extensive experience with the service, but I have had no problems. They did let one of my friends taste a beer before deciding if she wanted it, so that was good.

Selection-wise, there is plenty for any beer lover and all of the beers are actually Belgian: on-tap they have Leffe, Hoegaarden, Duvel Green, Lindemans Framboise, Corsendonk, and Delirium Tremens among a few others. There is an extensive bottle selection with beers such as Saison Dupont, Orval, Chimay, Duvel, Corsendonk, and a variety of others. Prices range from only $6 for a glass of Hoegaarden from the tap to $9 for a Duvel Green from the tap, I have not had any bottles so I am not sure of the prices of those. It is a bit expensive, but not overly so. There are also a few wines if that interests anybody.

But, the best part of this bar is the food. They only have fries or mussels. I had the fries both times I went which I shared with friends and they are absolutely incredible. You are also given a choice of a sauce and I really enjoy the garlic sauce with those fries. Seriously, the beer is good, but the fries are something to get excited about.

Overall, this is a good bar, but I can't exactly say it's the greatest. But those fries...my God.
Feb 21, 2011
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Reviewed by NeroFiddled from Pennsylvania

3.73/5  rDev -1.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4
I think that the name Vol de Nuit (night flight) is quite appropriate as this place seems more like a lounge than a bar. I could easily see a small dance floor put in - except that there's no space for it. It has the vibe of a night club though. And although I do kind of like the red glow that it has, I wasn't really comfortable enjoying beer here. Keep in mind, I was just out for a beer with a friend, and perhaps something to eat. If I was there to meet women, great, I'd have loved it - and to be honest, what's so bad about college kids drinking Chimay while trying to hook up? I'd rather see them drinking good beer than swill, even if it is kind of wasted on them at the moment. They're learning.

Anyway, although we'd planned to have a bite to eat, and were actually out to find some mussels, we passed. It was 8:30 on a Saturday night and it was already pretty full and loud, and I couldn't have imagined eating there. One or maybe two beers, OK, but I don't think I could have enjoyed a meal with a bunch of college kids reaching around me on both sides to get beers.

Which brings me to service. It was so-so, as in "I have 5 seconds for you right now and I'll be back". A suggestion was made, but then what we ordered was out. OK, that's the nature of the place. Sooo....

... what about the beers? They have a better than usual selection but nothing special. Usual prices for the area. That said, there are plenty of better places to get good Belgian beers, but not too many in the direct vicinity (except perhaps 123 Rabbit Club). Overall though, it's not about the beers, it's about the space and the lighting and the crowd.
May 05, 2009
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Reviewed by RblWthACoz from Pennsylvania

3.73/5  rDev -1.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4
Was taken here by someone on a whim on a Saturday night. Lo' and behold, I've never been before.

Dark and loud. Chill enough atmosphere. Loads of dumb drunk chicks (no...not women...chicks) and equally toasted jackasses. But hey, it's Saturday and all the morons are out then. Quality was fine. However. We ordered a La Chouffe and I know we got a Troubador Blond (in a Saison Dupont glass?). We ordered a Chimay and it wasn't even close to the 25cl line. If I'm paying $8 for a beer, it should be filled appropriately. And I don't want to have to get up out of the couch and walk through 20 people to get to the bar to make it right. Then the second Chimay we ordered was fully foggy after the first one was pretty much clear. If it's a keg issue, it's easily fixed by giving her a little whirl to make sure it's mixed up appropriately. So consistency, attention to detail, and looking out or the customers best interest? No. Service was okay I guess besides that. It's busy, they're working slinging drinks, and interupting us every 5 minutes to grab an empty glass. Hey guys. Could you figure a way to be more courteous when you're grabbing empty glasses. I don't want to be dealing with you every 5 minutes. "Excuse me. Could you hand me that glass? Excuse me. Are you done with that? Excuse me. Could you drink your beer faster?"

Overall, why bother going here. They don't need beer nerd business as they're packed with kids who are just there because hey it's a Belgian beer bar (and it's a great way to get completely ripped). The Blind Tiger is a few blocks away with a more mature crowd, more mature service (even when it's completely packed), and an amazing selection to boot. And Spuyten Duyvil isn't really that hard to get to from here if you want a load of Belgian brews. (F train up to 14th Street, transfer to L, 4 stops over to Brooklyn and a short walk)
Nov 23, 2008
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Reviewed by fl0w from New York

3.78/5  rDev -0.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4.5
I wont bother describing this place since everyone else has hit it right on the head: It's dark, it looks old in a good way, the selection is OK, but nothing really special. Service is fast and they get the glassware right, but can come off as a bit too cool for school.

It's getting more and more popular. Expect this place to be pretty packed thursday-saturday nights, and pretty full all other nights. Then again, few places aren't in this neighborhood anymore.
I do like the dark atmosphere. Definitely a mixed crowd here as well, but thankfully the younger crowd here respects beer, unlike many, many other places nearby.
The Blind Tiger is like 2 or 3 blocks away, and I prefer it there. But for a change of scenery, I could definitely hang out at Vol De Nuit.
Apr 19, 2008
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Reviewed by Metalmonk from North Carolina

3.79/5  rDev -0.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5
You know it's a sign of changing times when a Belgian beer bar like this can only be considered "okay" in terms of selection. There are many Belgian beer bars countrywide that offer more obsucre, seasonal, and off-the-beaten-path beers than Vol De Nuit. This very welcoming bar (which conveniently neighbors the absolutely amazing Vegetarian's Paradise restaurant) offers standard Belgian beers, which means VERY GOOD beers, of course...but for experienced connoiseurs, it's simply a nice watering hole and not a holy grail destination.

The dark atmosphere is nice, with stools at the bar, some small counters built into the walls, a long table for larger parties (or getting cozy with strangers), and even a beer garden that you need to talk through in the front even to enter the place. Cool. Very authentic Belgian atmosphere, with just a few well-placed beer signs here and there. Nothing overdone or gaudy. The music was okay on my visit, modern techno-pop and mainstream world-music type stuff.

The selection was decent: Obscura, Saison DuPont, Delirium Tremens, Westmalle, Trappistes Rochefort, Chimay, Duvel, DeKonick, Kwak, Lindemans, and others. Like I said, nothing crazy like Fantome or Flemish Primitive or Gageleer, but I found plenty of delicious liquid on my visit, no doubt. Sitting at the bar, I was taking a very unscientific survey of how much Stella Artois and Hoegaarden were being tapped vs. everything else. I'd say it was about 50% Stella/Hoegaarden to the 50% everything else. Crazy (well, the people ordering Stella were crazy).

Service was okay, but typical of many NYC establishments. Quick and competent, but with short or disinterested attitudes. I was also a bit bummed about the glasses. In a bar of this sort, you don't expect to get your Obscura in a Saison DuPont glass, and you don't expect to Get your Delirium Tremens in a LaChouffe tulip glass. Maybe that's beer-nerd stuff, but hey, that bar's been set higher by other establishments.

Very nice place, no question, but I still prefer The Ginger Man, which remains the finest beer bar I've found in NYC.
Jul 31, 2007
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Reviewed by ndekke39 from Ohio

3.75/5  rDev -1.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | food: 4
I visited with my wife and a friend over spring break. Cool location... a set of giant doors opens from the street into an open courtyard, and then the actual restaurant behind it. Very dark... interesting lighting, not a lot of seating. They had just opened (4 p.m.) so we were the only ones there. Since it's a Belgian beer bar, they specialize in - you guessed it - Belgian beer. About six beers on tap, plus a good range of bottles. We each tried a bottle of something different. Service was fast, although a bit impersonal. Honestly, I felt like I wasn't cool enough to be there. Anyway. We ordered the fries and the mussels, which were quite good, although a litle pricey. Overall, though, I'm glad I tried the place, and would gladly go back again for a drink. Seems like a great resource for Belgian beers.
Mar 26, 2007
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Reviewed by BeerResearcher from Massachusetts

3.6/5  rDev -5.3%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
Oh what this place COULD be, if they weren't so bent on creating a dark, secretive vibe...with overly loud music and aloof bar staff trying to maintain a model-on-a-runway distant, arrogant posture and gaze. Huh? WTF?
I'm always excited about finding Belgian beers on tap. I'm especially intrigued to find a bar dedicated to serving nothing but Belgians.
The decor is dark and dimly lit with exposed red light bulbs. This makes it difficult to appreciate the appearance of your beer. Except for the ragingly loud modern music and hipster wait staff, you might feel as if you've been transported back into a nineteenth century Antwerp wood beamed tavern.
Vol de Nuit does have 13 Belgians on tap and a decent bottled offering, but they're Belgians you can find most anywhere. Yet, the selection is sufficient to keep me planted firmly on my comfy seat.
There are only two food offering Moules (Mussels) and Frites (Fries). Both are very good. The different sauce selections are a nice touch. I'd like to see perhaps, some select cheeses and sausage offerings.
This COULD be a first-rate Belgian Beer Lounge, if only they could tone down their trendy/confusing nature.
Feb 26, 2007
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Reviewed by kenito799 from New York

3.86/5  rDev +1.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5
We alked past Vol de Nuit and I felt compelled to check it out since I am such a fan of Belgian beers, I often have a glass or two at Hop Devil Grill or Spuyten Duyvil when I can, and how can one not partake of a Belgian beer on tap when the opportunity presents itself.

It was twilight outside but dark, dark, dark inside, as if we had stepped into another dimension, dimly lit with red light, wooden beams on the ceiling lending the sense that you had stepped into an ancient house in an obscure corner of some European city soon after it had been bombed in WW2. Heavy wood tables, some low with chairs, some high with barstools...I recall some sort of map on one wall but any othe rdcor elements frankly just aren't visible in the gloom.

Friendly enough staff behind the bar. The on tap samplings were delicious but fairly ordinary Belgians: we had Maredsous 8 ($8), La Chouffe Blonde ($8), Strubbe Pilsener ($5), all smallish pours, including the Strubbe but then it did cost less. Always a treat to drink these beers on tap, they almost always taste better to me, so that was nice. The bottle selection was longer but not nearly as extensive as Hop Devil or Spuyten Duyvil. Frites were delivered to a table next to us and smelled great, they also have mussels, etc., but we didn't eat.

All in all, it's great to have access to Belgians if you are in the West Village, but I don't think I would make it my Belgian beer destination bar, just because the selection is not as extensive as the other places I mentioned. And if you want to read something a flashlight is necessary everywhere in the place!
Dec 10, 2006
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Reviewed by MEANxOLDxTOM from New York

4.06/5  rDev +6.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
So I hit this place about two fridays ago right before I headed home. It is conveniently located right near the West 4th subway station easily accessible by the B,D,F,V or A, C, E. I had walked past it earlier that same week and just saw a little chalk board above the door that said Belgian Beer Bar....and was instantly intrigued.

I got to the Vol at about 11pm and it was kickin. They have two bars: a smaller one in the front that serves beer and wine; and a second larger one with from what I could tell just beer. There is a nice outdoor seating area between the two entrances of the bars and that is where I hung out....It was a reasonably warn evening in the beginning of November.

The larger bar in the back was dimly lit with colored lights creating lounge like feel with candles on the tables and bars. Large wooden bar, several bar tenders, and from what I could see some food was available as well. To my surprise they were playing great music: Gogol Bordello was on while I ordered my drink.

The bartender got to my friends and I quickly: I had a delirium tremens served in its proper glass for $8, and my friends has a Stella ($4), and a Hoegarden ($5), both of these were also served in the proper glasses. The prices weren't bad for the west village and good beer.

I really enjoyed this place great atmosphere, and a great place to finish up the night before I jump on the A.
Nov 14, 2006
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Reviewed by maximumsheehan from District of Columbia

3.51/5  rDev -7.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 2.5 | selection: 3.5
Walked through a sort of long corridor to the back of the establisment where the bar was. Red lights every where, had a pretty evident Euro vibe to it. There was sort of a double tier situation, couches... pretty lounge like. The crowd seemed to be late 20s to mid 30s with some older and younger folks in there as well. The beer selection was pretty good, but very limited in style, then again this is a Belgian beer bar so I expected that. I had a Hoegaarden. This was only the second time I've had it on tap, no lemon in it and they didn't ask, that gave them points in my book. Glassware was legit and they knew their stuff when it came to that, flutes, snifters, steins, everything. I think the Hoegaarden was $6 before tip, which is pretty reasonable for NYC.

The only overtly negative thing that I can say about this bar was that the bar staff gave off a pretentious vibe and was far from friendly, which didn't compel me to order more than one drink. Also they have a pretty early last call... 1:30 or 2am.
Aug 02, 2006
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Reviewed by PopeJonPaul from Oregon

4.15/5  rDev +9.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Vol du Nuit is a nice, small, dimly-lit place hidden behind a courtyard off West 4th Street (the back side faces the handball courts next to the Cage, in case you have trouble finding it.) How small is it? There's one bathroom.

The atmosphere is cool, not really because of the couches or dim predominantly-red lighting or the candles or the small bar, but mainly because of the "feel" of the place, it sort of reminds me of a bistro in an old 50's European romance flick (except for the sound of the handball courts in the background.)

Good Belgian standards on tap, (Leffe Brune\Blond, Gulden Draak, Dupont, Troubadour, DT, Chimay Blue, etc.) and some good bottles (Orval, Vuuve, Witkap, Lucifer, Wostyntje.) The polite but quiet bartenders (I think 2 of them are the owner's kids) poured everything in it's appropriate logo glassware. Prices were a tad steep but, well it's Belgian beer after all. The frites were really good too, I recommend ordering the gargantuan cone size.

Rumour had it they were planning on opening a wine bar out front on the street, so visit this place before it gets too popular.

Note: some really funny graffiti in the lone bathroom. My personal favorite:
"All I see turns to brown.
-Led Zeppelin" [from 'Kashmir']
Oct 09, 2005
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Reviewed by slander from New York

4.22/5  rDev +11.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Vol De Nuit. I just like saying it. Vol De Nuit. Yeah, I like saying that. Vol De Nuit. I like to say it with a funny accent. Vol de Nuit. Maybe something Pythonese. "Go away, or I'll be forced to taunt you a second time". Vol de Nuit. I am most definitely not pronouncing it correctly but I don't care. Vol De Nuit. I just like saying it. Vol De Nuit. Yeah, definitely something Pythonese. "She's a witch!! She turned me into a Vol de Nuit..."
Petite Abeille, Cafe De Bruxelles, Markt... done 'em, but have never got around to hitting Vol De Nuit. Not really off the beaten track, but not exactly where I play either. Did the walk there from midtown with Cheese and Pope, and let them push open the secret big red doors. Wasn't where I thought it was this whole time, so it's a good thing I'd never gone looking for it before. You pass through a small open 12 table courtyard and into the bar itself, with 4 tables below the stairs and the bar area up and to the rear. A small 10 seat "L" shaped bar rests in the back corner, with 1 large table adjacent to it and forward of that, a bar counter along one wall and some couches and chairs across the way. Brick wall to the rear has windows looking out on the basketball courts on 6th Ave. Old wood beam ceiling, hanging lanterns, drop red bulb lighting over the bar, ceiling fans, and wall mounted candle lanterns.
We started at the bar. 13 taps over 3 towers, mostly the Belgian standards although some unexpected choices (Chimay Triple, La Chouffe, DeKoninck, Troubadour Blond, Maredsous 8, Leffe Brune & Blond, Corsendonk Brown, Saison DuPont, Stella, Delirium Tremons, Hoegaarden, Lindeman's Framboise, with La Rulle on deck). Leffe Blond you see out and about, but you seldom see Leffe Brune on draft. Likewise, the Troubador Blond. Beers are served in their appropriate glassware. 21 bottles, a good selection overall (Orval, Scaldis, Chimay, Vuuve, Corsendonk, Maredsous 10, De Dolle Mad Bitch, DeKoninck, Chouffe, Kwak, Lucifer, Westmalle, Witkap Pater, Duvel, Wostyntje, Lindemans). They also have St. B Triple, Clovis, Bellvue, and Boon on the shelves with the glassware behind the bar but I don't think they're currently in stock. Bartenders let me sample a little this, a little that, very nice.
The menu is Frites & Moules. Frites served in paper cones, offered in 3 sizes with a choice of 8 different sauces. They were really damn good. Post frites, we moved to the couches and sat, drinking, listening to the great crazy world music they've got on and people watching in the courtyard below. Says Cheese, "Infinitely more comfortable since we moved to the couches". She's wise in her ways, this Cheese is.
Comfortable little place, I could hang here.
Jul 30, 2005
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Reviewed by ChowHound from New York

4.53/5  rDev +19.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
This bar is a short distance from the Blind Tiger, right near NYU Law School. Those lawyers are lucky! Great selection of Belgian taps and bottles. Really cool, funky vibe, nothing fancy but relaxed. Nicely done wooden bar with imported taps, wooden tables and an outside seating area. Hard to find if you don't know where it is, but that adds to the charm because the village is a tourist area and you won't find any here. Food is awesome. Fries and mayo are done just right in a paper cone, and the mussels are among the sweetest I have tried. Highly recommended.
Jul 04, 2005
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Reviewed by Billolick from New York

3.75/5  rDev -1.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3 | food: 3.5
As you can read below, this place takes a little more effort to find, but its worth it. The entrence is next to the diner on the downtown side of the street. A few tables in front and up the stairs to the dark and athmospheric main area and bar. All the well known macro Belgians on draft, tasty mussells in a variety of sauces/flavors available. Good place for a date, drinks and appetizers. Frites were greasy and soggy. Lots of women, students,tourists,hipsters etc seemed to make up the crowd. Worth a visit.
Aug 26, 2004
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Reviewed by belhav0322 from New York

3.75/5  rDev -1.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
Ok, like some of the reviews say, this place is really hard to find. Perhaps the lack of any type of sign on the outside is the reason for this. I went here for my third time last weekend, and had to have a friend who was already inside come out and find me. However, it WAS late at night and I am never too good with directions.

I love the atmosphere of this place. Very dark and ambient, full of leather couches and predominately lit by candelight. Many lush earthtones (dark reddish) surround you as you look around. There are also some tables and a small outdoor courtyard which one must walk through to get inside.

While not the biggest selection, this is still an impressive and varied selection of Belgian beers. They have about 6 on draft and another 20 or so bottles. Any place that has Delerium Tremens on draft works good enough for me! Once I actually decided to move on, I found the other selections to be just as compelling. Many of the more mainstream Belgians such as Orval, Chimay, Lindemins, etc. are represented. All that I tried were nice and fresh and served in the correct glasswear.

Service is decent, especially for what is a rather trendy place for a beer bar. They failed to notify my table about last call, and then would not let us order another round, but aside from that the service is pretty good. Too bad the waitstaff that was present the night I was there did not seem too knowledgable about their menu.

In all this is a great little spot near Washington Park, and well worht a trip if you can actually find it. Though there are better places in NYC, Vol De Nuit is underated and a great stop to enjoy some great Belgian ales.
Apr 29, 2004
Photo of Imbiber
Reviewed by Imbiber from New York

3.06/5  rDev -19.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3 | service: 4 | selection: 2
Very easy to miss as it is set back in a courtyard. This dimly-lit, quite small Belgian-themed bar is up a short flight of steps, not the safest as you can hardly see them after walking in off the street. A small bar area is on the left, from this sprout the fonts which basically dispense Interbrew's range. The bottle list is a little better, though everything there is really 'old hat' - Interbrew have more than a foot in the door here.

I plumped for a bottle of Saison Dupont - which came with a Maredsous glass. Probably about the best I could have gone for, not being an Interbrew fan. Where's the Cantillon? Where's the Fantome? Where's the Westvleteren??? For a Belgian bar, they rely far too much on the (presumably) cheaper big boys and don't give the true craft brewers a look in.

My advice: stick to Spuyten Duyvil for good Belgians in NYC.
Jan 30, 2004
Photo of yen157
Reviewed by yen157 from New Jersey

4.18/5  rDev +10%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
You walk in what appears to be a door, and then it opens right up into a small courtyard with 7? tables. The entrance is across the courtyard. Inside, it is dimly lit and narrow, with a few tables, sofas, and of course a bar with seating for about 6. Drafts: Stella, Hoegaarden, Leffe Blonde + Brown, De Konick, Corsendonk, Delerium Nocturnum?, Lindemans
~35 bottles and wine. Very good selection and relaxed place. No loud groups. Food is mussels and fries with mayo, both are good. Staff is nice, but the owner has been rude more than once. I would definitely recoment this place because of its atmosphere, inside or out.

2/05 edit: Service can really suck sometimes. The owner, at least the last time we were there, was getting really snippy when we asked questions. Draft is nothing really special, but bottles are much better than bad.
Aug 23, 2002
Vol de Nuit in New York, NY
Place rating: 3.8 out of 5 with 28 ratings