Cellar Dog
4.3(680)google
3.9(74)yelp
Youth-FriendlyNight-FriendlyIndoorInteractiveBudget-FriendlyLive MusicJazzSportsFolk Culture
Overview
Cellar Dog, formerly the legendary Fat Cat, is a massive, high-energy subterranean gaming parlor and live music sanctuary located in the heart of Greenwich Village. Spanning thousands of square feet, this classic basement hangout features dozens of pool tables, ping-pong setups, foosball tables, shuffleboards, and vintage arcade cabinets. What truly sets it apart is the nightly showcase of world-class live jazz musicians performing right alongside the playful clinking of billiard balls, offering a uniquely relaxed, incredibly fun, and distinctly New York late-night social experience.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 2-3 hours
Best TimeA massive historic underground jazz and gaming hall open nightly year-round (formerly Fat Cat). Weeknights from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM are absolute perfection, blending world-class live jazz with endless rows of ping-pong and pool tables.
Getting ThereLocated in the West Village at 75 Christopher St. Take the 1 subway train to the Christopher St-Sheridan Sq station; the venue entrance is a mere 30-second walk west from the station stairs, leading down to the basement hall.
Travel Tips
- Formerly Fat Cat, the venue enforces a strict cash-only cover charge at the door; this entrance fee excludes all drink tallies or pool/ping-pong rental rates. Avoid internal high-fee ATMs by stocking physical cash bills prior to arrival.
- Table games like ping-pong, pool, and shuffleboard cannot be pre-booked online; they run on a walk-in waitlist. Weekend queues after 8 PM routinely span over 2 hours, so sprint to the central rental desk to log your name immediately upon entry.
- Operating under a live jazz concert framing, municipal statutes strictly ban rowdy yelling, profanity, or wagering with tangible chips/cash across the gaming floors; violators face instant group ejection by roaming security teams.
Reviews
Positive
- A massive entertainment hub seamlessly blending vintage arcades, pool tables, ping-pong, and live jazz music; its fun and infectious energy are maximized.
- The space scale is grand and wide, with historic brick walls full of retro film charm; enjoying craft beer while playing pool offers incredible value for money.
- Set in a core Greenwich Village district with excellent transit networks; interior crowd control is sound, and the accessible restrooms are modern and clean.
Heads up
- Foot traffic density peaks heavily late on weekend nights; long queues form at every core pool or ping-pong table, making the staging process feel exhausting.
- The venue strictly enforces a rigid Cash Only policy and a mandatory minimum drink spend; during peaks, the high-decibel chatter and music clashing are highly noisy.
- As it prioritizes a drinking nightlife scene, rowdy or intoxicated crowds frequently pack the room late, compromising the sense of peace and comfort for quiet tourists.