Karma

630 reviews

51 1st Ave., New York, NY 10003

+12126773160

About

Karma is a Night club located at 51 1st Ave., New York, NY 10003. It has received 630 reviews with an average rating of 3.9 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday3PM-4AM
Tuesday3PM-4AM
Wednesday1PM-4AM
Thursday1PM-4AM
Friday3PM-4AM
Saturday3PM-4AM
Sunday3PM-4AM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Karma: 51 1st Ave., New York, NY 10003

  • Karma has 3.9 stars from 630 reviews

  • Night club

  • "First of all, anyone who says this place is good is a lair, unless they're talking about the bar, which is still a stretch"

    "There is something about this place which I really like"

    "Five years ago I celebrated a here birthday and had a great time"

    "I've had better experiences in the past but tonight I was truly disappointed"

    "Excellent place for Hookahs and a great environment to do it at"

Reviews

  • yankohallic gmail

First of all, anyone who says this place is good is a lair, unless they're talking about the bar, which is still a stretch. This is maybe the worst attempt at a bar trying to raise revenue. This is suppose to be a bar/ hookah lounge, when in reality it should just be a bar. Basically some spare space towards the entrance was turned into a makeshift hookah lounge. There is no space in the "hookah lounge" part of the place. If all 3 sections are being used, you'll end up stepping on/over other people and/or their belongings. Another issue with this place is the loudness of the music, its hard to have a conversation unless you are screaming because the music drowns out your voice. The only saving grace is that this place has good staff. The girl behind the bar, the security staff and the guy (who I guess is a bus boy) are friendly and do their jobs efficiently However the guy who brings you the hookah things tends take puffs as he is bringing it to you and even takes puff as he is putting it down so that was disgusting.Don't come to this place, they charge you $10 for very small drinks and like $6 for cheap beers. I find it hard to imagine that any place can suck more then this. If I had know that this was the place my friends were dragging me to before hand I wouldn't of gone, so no I wouldn't recommend this to a friend or enemy.

  • Vineet Singh

There is something about this place which I really like. I was here on different occasions on a birthday party and as well as with my friends on a Saturday night. First of all it is easy to get into this club and they don't have any cover charge. This place offers a similar kind of ambiance as that of Sutra couple of blocks away but sutra charges $10 bucks as a cover charge. This place is spread across two different floors with downstairs being the main dance area with the DJ. I really liked the DJ because he played everything right from early 90's, top 40's and also Spanish music. As I don't smoke hookah so can't comment on the prices and how they were but my friends were enjoying their hookahs. The drinks though here are on the pricier side so I would suggest getting knocked out before coming here, but with a big party they offer competitive bottle prices. Just an FYI, people are allowed to smoke in here. So one will see people smoking all kinds of stuff, so if smoke bothers you then one is better off staying upstairs.

  • Jose Quintana

Five years ago I celebrated a here birthday and had a great time. My people and I had a great time and loved the atmosphere. Went a few weeks back and the place has turned to s***. I can only assume it is now under new management. When I started coming here, it seemed as the service was geared towards the satisfaction of the customer. My most recent visit left me wishing I had never come here. The place was disgusting. Same dirty furniture for years, sticky floors and nasty bathrooms. The service sucked, they didn't feel like we tipped the waitress soon enough even though we were running a tab so they stopped taking our drink orders and only two out of eight people had gotten a drink at that point. We decided we were going to spend as little money there as possible. After one round we left back out into the rain to find another spot. Please if you must spend your money, do not spend it here.

  • SHANNON OUELLETTE

I've had better experiences in the past but tonight I was truly disappointed. The guy preparing the hookahs didn't anoke them and was a bit curt when asking about flavors. The waitress only came over once and spent the rest of the time on her phone at the bar. We had to walk up to ask for anything. We paid for a second hose that hardly worked. We had to argue to have it replaced and then the next one didn't work well either. The whole experience was bummer and let down. We paid a lot of money to pretty much just leave. I would have said something normally to the management but he gave the distinct impression he wouldn't care. So we just left. There is another place in town I will be trying next time instead. I'd say to do the same.

  • Alex The Best

Excellent place for Hookahs and a great environment to do it at. Good ambiance, it is lounge-like more so than club like, music can be loud but I talk loud anyway so my friends can always hear me. They have an awesome selection of hookah flavors and alcohol to go with it and the price is average and not over the top. The ground floor is spacious to walk to where you need to go whether that be the John or going to the door as the smoke can make the place pretty congested. If you mind your clothing smelling like smoke, whether that is cigar/ettes, hookah or something else you use to identify the term, this is not the place for you. Though i've been here about 4 times, I'll certainly be back.

  • Hadelisse Roman-Franqui

Pretty chill spot! A spot you can actually smoke indoors!!! One of the girls behind the bar is a bit snobby and dry it's better if you talk to the white male with the beard and ponytail he Makes good strong drinks. A bit pricey but it's worth it if you like to smoke and hear good hip hop, rap, reggae, dancehall music :) the only reason I gave one star less was because that girl behind the bar isn't a bartender shes a "server" but yet was making drinks and didnt put liqour in it. The people were soo drunk they didnt peep her making virgin drinks for them... Smh...

  • T B

I love coming here but the only thing i dislike is the coat check. I went here the other day and was forced to take off my jacket AND pay for it to be in check coat because i couldnt go downstairs with it in the basement. Really a thin jacket? I have to pay coat check for‍♀️. ? And when i was able to get downstairs i was looking for a friend so i came back upstairs. Apparently when it is crowded downstairs you have to wait to go downstairs when someone comes upstairs. Other than that the place is a Cool atmosphere. I love the urban music.

  • Alex T

This place has a unique place in my heart. When I was off the hookah sometime ago I often would stop by for a Smokey treat. The vibe was cool and I even spent a short time as a resident dj at Karma. This would normally not be a big deal but if you knew my story tou would know that it was where I invented bellyhouse.... but more on that later...... the late nights here we're lots of fun and often the police would come and enforce the no dancing rule and ticket the owner which was ok by me.

  • Dori Kuritzky

Racist staff! They don't like black people. My wife and I were discriminated against. We tried buying a drink downstairs when the bartender ignored us, we went upstairs to buy a drink. After being butt-hurt about it, the bartender created some random bizurk lie that I threw a water bottle at her, lol. (Trust me if I did, I wouldnt miss and would would bullseye her) so security escorted us out on false accusations. This place is known for stabbings. KARMA IS A B!TCH!

  • M. Nelson

I had the worst experience at this place . The bartender gave my debit card to the wrong person and used it to close out their tab. Then the manager said that my tab was on the house like my card hadnt already been charged. They had absolutely no resolution for me at all! I had to cancel my card, I’m not even from here, it’s the weekend so I can’t get a new card because the bank is closed, and Monday is a holiday. Drinks were watered down as well , won’t be returning.!

  • Chai Latte’

Upstairs is cool. The big black security guy always got a nasty ass attitude though. But once you pass him the place is nice. The bartender upstairs is real cool. Drinks and hookah are nice. The managers cool too. Downstairs is really dark one exit so if something pop off, it's a rap. It's always packed and sweaty on the Caribbean night but that's a basement party of course. But no air circulating can make you pass out especially if you got a hookah

  • MayLin sinclair

Good spot for hookah but at time it is very hood-ish. The bar is under staff and there is no reason why we had to wait over 30 mins for hookah. Are you serious? This is New York City....the city that doesnt sleep and that has many other hookah spot. A guy finally help us and was very pleasant. We told him that his manager need to promote him to manager. Also what place or bar doesnt have lime or lemon for your drinks? Karma didnt.....

  • Sara Greg

Love this place. Great staff always fun. They always try to make you feel as comfortable as possible asking several times if you need anything. The bartenders are eye candy and super nice and respectful. Hookahs are good enough for the pricing. They got happy hour till 9 pm where you can get super cheap drinks. I go there every two weeks and they always show me so much love when they see me like I'm a regular. Just great times.

  • Lola Montana (Jane Doe)

I love Karma,I am actually looking for my own personal hookah as we speak for my best friend. The reason why I rate the food is because you can deliver food there.Depending on the crowd there can be a problem getting good service due to the high volume of people. Atmosphere is great always a mix crowd and very diverse. The drinks are about $10," karma berry bomb" is crazy!!! I always have fun with anyone I go!!!

  • J

Soooo this is NOT a place to stand around and look cute. If you want to hear good music with good vibes Karma is an easy go to. Of course if you're out for a day visit it's more of a laid back scene to have good food and hookah. The service is always courteous and drinks are made well but be prepared once the night scene sets in you will be on the move. Some place I always take my friends when they visit me.

  • George Williams

Discovered this spot while staying around the corner recently. Great ambiance for afternoon cocktails and conversation. Even though I am a non smoker I found the atmosphere to be inviting. They must have some serious ventilation. I wish I could recall the bartender's name. A young, vivacious blonde who provided excellent service. I will be going there for drinks again next time I visit from New Orleans.

  • NuN C

Terrible experience!!! DJ (djtrase) announced SUMMER JAM TICKETS for the whole night if we followed him and the lounge. The night came to an end and NO TICKETS were given out due to “the weather”!! Manager (Charles) got upset because I told him he lied about tickets and threatened me about coming back to the lounge. He got angry about me mentioning the tickets and gave no solution.

  • Morgan Leibfried

Super chill spot. Lots of comfortable seating options. You can smoke inside which all of my friends appreciated as they are also cigarette smokers and it's nice staying inside and warm in the winter. If you aren't down to inhale smoke this isn't the spot for you otherwise it's a fun vibe, not too rowdy but not dead either, with nice staff and good drinks.

  • Gabriel Ruiz

Pretty great. If you wanna throw down $80 on a date with some strong ass drinks and some great hookah, great music like Lil pump – and throwback gangster rap, this is the place for you. Honestly, jokes aside, this place is awesome and you should go to it. Right now. Don't pay your child support, just come here. This is a hidden alphabet city dive.

  • Explorer

Very chill vibes. This is the hookah lounge u can go to wearing a jersey dress and fly sneakers. Okay music, okay drinks. Drinks are watered down, so don’t expect any nice handcrafted Brooklyn-vibe cocktails. If u just want to chill, come here, if u want to be classy and wear something nice and surround ur self with high-class, go somewhere else.

  • Mia Mya Max

This place was a waste of time on a hot humid day....the crazyness me n my friends went thru to get to this place right after work then come to find out they have NO Food or Hookah....I'm not sure how their music is cause I was NOT staying there....n their bathroom light was not working.... it's a nice setup thoe but fix that false advertising.

  • Quasia Bryant

Came Here For A Night Out And It Was Nice. I Had My Own Little Section For Myself. Staff Was Really Nice. DJ was Great. Hookah Cost Me $20 Which Was Ok For Me. Flavor Was Great. To Change the Coal Was $5. And Drinks I Paid $10 For Since I Missed Happy Hour. For The Drinks, They Could Of Been Stronger But They Did Taste Good.

  • Jeffrey Primus

So i walk about a mile to get to Karma lounge and i get denied entry because i wore a hat today. I asked if i take my hate off can i enter and i was told to leave my hat in a corner store. This isn't posted on the lounges website and its just very inconsiderate! “Rules” like this are ignorant and honestly Serve no purpose.

  • Marjorie-Martine Allard

This place is one of the coolest neighborhood hot spot evvvvvverrrr!!!!!!! Music dancing good vibes no drama great security smoking good hookahhhhh cool relaxed environment no friendly & efficient wait staff!!!! Can't wait to come bck however I always send folks there who end up having a blaaaaasssssttt!!!

  • Aris Dejes

Pretty cool spot, hookah was nice. When I approached the bar to request a song, one of the bartenders gave me an attitude and totally ignored my request, then the second bartender comes and says, write the song in a piece of paper but just walks away like I'm supposed to walk around with a pen.

  • Mrken Holder

I been going to Karma for several years. The face of the lounge os security. Therefore im going to say. Its a cool place to go. I enjoy the atmosphere but security i think are a bit rude and and pathetic. I think something has changed there because its not the same as it was a couple years ago.

  • Nena901

The price of drinks and hookah was my favorite part of this spot. I just cant deal with cigarette smoke so I dont think I will be able to visit again. If you are ok with the smell and want some good drinks, reasonably priced hookah, and good music.. this is a place to try.

  • michael rabiner

I enjoy smoking a hookah, but this is also one of the bars in Lower Manhattan, that you can still smoke cigarettes in. It's cozy and the drinks are pretty good. Also, you can grab food and bring it into the bar to eat. They have no problem with outside food in their place.

  • Tom Fico

Really loud music for Wednesday, early night. Typically i enjoy a quieter atmosphere with hookah so this was different, not really enjoyable. However both bartenders were very kind and helpful, so it's a good place for a drink, just maybe not hookah or that kinda mood.

  • T. Evans

Good prices, relaxing atmosphere and very empty on Sunday evenings. Great place to come and relax after a dinner date. Happy hour runs until 9pm which is later than many places in NYC and the hookah has a vast variety of flavors and options. Will definitely come back.

  • S Mcmillan

This place is actually really lit, it's free to get in. The drinks are a little pricey but that's okay because the DJ is amazing and the crowd is a mix crowd is very fun I went there on a Saturday night I don't know about other nights but I had a really amazing time.

  • Diann K

Small there was a coat check to go down stairs after paying for my coat to be checked I got down stairs which was hot and cramped but alot of people had there coats . Long wait at the bar down stairs .but other than that the place is smile it was a good vibe in there

  • East New York Hospitality Group

Honestly I have to call hospitality cards as I see it. There was a ridiculous amount of direspect and agression towards a lady patron. Security could use a couple lessons on how to speak with and treat their fellow humans, no business should encourgae this behaviour.

  • Jeremy Karmel

Greatest Bar in NYC, bartenders are great and the drinks are on point, they have the best DJ's playing all the great hits! The crowd is always great, you can tell the owners take pride in this place as they set a remarkable environment every time I am there.

  • JO Bruno

I love the vibe of this place. Celebrated a friend's engagement last night and it was a great vibe. The only thing that was a Con, was the bartender uptop. Either she's new, or she just doesn't care, but her service was terrible and the drinks she made too.

  • Ashish Nagi

We ordered two hookah’s, one of which was not pulling smoothly so we had their staff replace it. Once the bill came, they charged us for three thinking we wouldn’t notice. To top it off, this place doesn’t accept credit/debit card. Cash or Venmo only.

  • SIMONE S

Can't wear your hats but when you go in you see alot of guys with hats and jackets on but they force you to check your coat. Has good music n hookah but downstairs n cramped and the bartender took forever. The best drinks is the upstairs bartender.

  • Amada Guerrero

If esthetics is not a concern, this is a great bar to chill and vibe. It was not crowded, the bartender was attentive, and the music was hitting. The people in the bar were all having a great time. You can tell this is a neighborhood joint.

  • Jasmin Marie

One of the many great Bar lounges in the lower east side. The music is always on point the vibes are awesome. I gave only 4 stars because the drinks are pricey. Other then that you'll have a kickass time! Check it out for yourself!

  • Maya

Best bar I’ve been to is a longgg time. Jenga and incredible drinks?!?! What more could we ask for. I’m telling you. You gotta bring your friends here and have a night. Also, I heard sat afternoons are live pull up tmr …

  • Ke B

Great place good music. Horrible drinks! They were so watered down with large cups full of ice. I complained I guess too much because she started charging $25 a drink and they were still watered down. Other than that great ppl!!

  • Shawn Wimbish

Its a cool spot that has hookah both upstairs and downstairs; Downstairs plays current hip-hop, r and b, abd reggae. Dress code can be a little over the top sometimes, one guy couldn't get in because he had a sleeveless shirt.

  • Sara Rehart

One waitstaff for all the bar when I went on saturday around 8pm. But the server tried his best to make sure noone had to wait too long. Drinks were strong. Docked one star bc one hookah was aweful but the 2nd was amazing!

  • Linda Lou

Oh, this is a sexy little place. Love the dim lights. If you're looking for a fun place to try on a date, this could be it. Oh, but you should be into Hookah. Because, that's kind of the whole point. Tasty, tasty hookah.

  • Benny G

Good hookah, aswell as good music and a mix crowd of nyc natives, immigrants and suburban transplants reveling in true bliss. The only downsize it has a small dance floor in the basement, typical railroad style layout.

  • Kholood Alghamdi

I would absolutely give this please 5 stars if only they had the Coco natural charcoal not the disgusting round charcoal. The waitress I really can't remember her name, she is amazing, lovely, and very kind person.

  • Nuno Sanches

I was only in New York for a week, but fortunately lucky enough to find this cozy happy place for a good beer and a shot at the end of the day. Great staff and the drinks were not overpriced at all. I will be back.

  • Cynthia

The bar attitude was very nice even after my show was cancelled. Space was very clean.. the customer in side was very knowledgeable about the events and happy to help.. wish I was able to sent more time there!

  • L Pena

If you want Hookah in an intimate setting this is the spot. Can get very crowded. Has a downstairs area with DJ and can get very warm in there. The hookah vibe is alive. Get with Matt he got them flavors.

  • Donnell Warden

Best place for smoking and drinking with a great vibe..... never no fights, that's why I keep coming back!! And when do trigga trey is on set you definitely about to be dancing all night.. will come back

  • uemedia

Very audience friendly. This place had a very cozy main bar/ lounge area as well as a lower level event space which has an interestingly artistic grunge feel. Down to earth chill staff and cool vibes.

  • Hollow Red

The staff is amazing. They have an upstairs and downstairs with separate dj's. I didn't try the hookah, but it is available. There was no cover when i went. Great spot to get a drink, hookah, and vibe

  • Tiffani “Tiff”

Love the vibes here. This is a cool hang out and late night spot. Dj is good. And you're able to have outside here; to sip your wine and chill. That what I did.....had atomic wings delivered lol.

  • Humberto Garcia

Great place to go to and have fun denzy one of the greatest bartenders there .sometimes they have a comedy time there wich is fun to go to just dont forget to get a drink from my boy denzpasito

  • Donnel Johnson

Great vibe good networking security was valid the bar wasn't bad at all needs a renovation outside other than that good vibes for the culture people friendly dj was àlso doing his thing.

  • Michael Valentin

Comfy, cozy, and great atmosphere on the 1st floor. Can be a date bar or double as a hangout. They also have a basement with its own bar and dancefloor. Good amount of space. Great spot.

  • Alex D

Very friendly service and new ownership goes out of their way to ensure you have a good time. Drinks are extremely well priced, multiple Jenga sets and connect4 and the best DJ - DJCPAPA

  • Umi T

Rude employees, bartender downstairs had me waiting for 10min acting boujee, hookah is bad too unfortunately, tasted like plastic. But spot is cool. They need to get some word done...

  • ee ii

I had fun here pre pandemic but now I’m disappointed they no longer have hookah or the downstairs party floor on Saturday nights. If they ever bring back the hookah I might go back.

  • Chanelle Mulan

Good music and atmosphere. This is my go to place. 4 starts for that fight that broke out last time i was here which lead to it being shut down. Hoodlums shouldn't be allowed. Lol

  • Cody Reid

I love this place! Very friendly staff, the drinks are reasonably prices and they have an extended happy hour. The Djs play a wide range of music! Just an overall great vibe here

  • JOHN ADEWUMI

Customer service is awful. I went there with a friend of mine and not one worker approached us to be seated. Waited for about 5 minutes, nobody asked us anything so we just left.

  • Brian Grovesnor

Enjoy myself every time I go there. There hookah is pretty good and the downstairs party area is really nice but small. Lots of security so you don't have to worry about safety.

  • Hanru Redelinghuys

Super friendly bar staff, it is pretty much a dive bar but gravity all over the place which is great for taking photos! We did a theme games day there and everyone played along.

  • Kyle-Dwen Sheppard

I personally had a really great time. And able being to smoke freely was a long missed benefit. This is going right to the top of my, "to do again, real soon!",list... …

  • Fernanda Valdez

Best shisha in nyc. Perfect servers and service. Very fair price and awesome music. Don’t mis this one. Rita is the best server by far she is so nice and sweet.

  • BIGBANK A

THIS IS MY SPOT!!! Great vibes very chill environment. The employees are great and very fun while in the work place. Good music and great selection of alcohol.

  • Steven Hill

I asked to use the men’s room. I was told I had to show my ID, show my vaccine card, and spend at least $5 … and the only thing they had for $5 was water. Wow.

  • Kirsten DeHaven

Good music and a chill vibe, but they let people smoke cigarettes in here. I have been in plenty of hookah bars but inside of this one it was hard to breathe.

  • Mark Ibrahim

Went here with my friend yesterday. Very nice vibe, plus the owner and bartender were pretty cool and genuine which is hard to find. Loved the vodka drinks!

  • SIR KO

It laid back spot to chill , Relax and it free to get in. Has a lowkey downstairs . its cool.Just the females staff is alil snapy, so dont be Too sensitive

  • Eboni Harris

Really nice traditional style hookah lounge. The guy was very nice. They don't really serve food aside from appetizers but the guy let me bring my food in.

  • Melissa Limage

Loved karma but their decor needs a slight upgrade. Staff was friendly and the live dj was great. Hookah and drinks were satisfying. No complaints on that.

  • Sueann

This was a fun lowkey night at a Black owned bar in LES. The music was good, drinks were basic, and seating/ambiance gave small town bar in a big city.

  • Jasmine

I had a great time there, great music and alcohol selection, the bartenders are really friendly, and good vibes all over. Definitely going again.

  • Vilena Shaydullina

One of the only places left in nyc where you can meet people around the world. With that good old NEW YORK CITY FEEL international energy! …

  • rob morais

Awesome bar. Awesome owner! This place is a vibe. Enjoy a great drink on a Wednesday with happy hour or return for The Weeknd for a packed bar

  • Andrea Ross

Enjoyed the environment and great drinks. No too fond of the male bartender one the first floor. He didn't want service "certain" people.

  • Reishma Gordin

Seems like a good spot for college kids. Drinks are heavily watered down Paid $11 for cranberry juice w no vodka to be tasted …

  • Debbie Seeley

Great drinks & good prices! Both bartenders that helped me were super personable and friendly. One of my favorite bars in the area!

  • Briana Carassone

the hookah was very disappointing, they had a girl with no music taste connected on the Bluetooth.. dj upstairs though

  • Joel Machado

Great place to hang with friends (and I hear the second level opens on Saturdays ) Played Jenga.

  • miriam eckenfels

Great vibes, nice drinks, and fun crowd! It’s all love at Karma Sutra and we really enjoyed our stay.

  • Mat Eisler

The staff are sweethearts. The seats are comfortable. The prices are very affordable and it's nice.

  • NYDRBARBIE 1

Great atmosphere and music drinks weren't too expensive for the city definitely worth a try.

  • Tae De Gawdess

1ST CHEERS TO FIRSTS.! Great Service Great Drinks Great Atmosphere ! Music was On Point !!!

  • Yaa Boateng

I had the best time here!! Great vibes great music and great food! Definitely coming back!

  • Faye Hall

Just stop by for the NY Liberty game , bars is nice, need a period to for an deep dive.

  • Sara Safavian

This spot has been my jam for 15 years!!! Moved to VA and still visit when I come up.

  • Melissa Falcon

Love the music and vibe. Drinks are a bit pricey but they're strong so it's worth it.

  • T. Brown

Hookah available. Downstairs vibe way better than upstairs. Staff very helpful.

  • Kevin Feng

Shot my short film at Karma Sutra. Awesome owner and staff! Stunning location!

  • ephy goldman

A reference, a team at the top. Extra music. Perfect wine and cocktail list.

  • Wizygbe Tours

Great club work there from time to time Dre is a good boss

  • Janine (JJ)

Bartender was impeccable!!! Definitely would visit again

  • Laura Warner

Great vibe, amazing staff… and jenga! Karma is the best

  • Eric L

It's a cool spot to chill at with some friends.

  • Elizabeth Vargas

Fun place to chill, play games and dance.

  • Natalie Park

Best hiphop bar in town

  • Gian Joseph

Very fun. Such a vibe

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