About a year ago I wrote a glowing review of 230 Fifth, but was admittedly a bit of a hater when it came to their signature red robes. I'm a believer that people should really think about the weather when dressing to go out and take into account how much time is going to be spent outdoors. If you're going to a windy rooftop bar on a cooler summer night, bring a damn jacket. This avoids annoying whining and bitching about the cold, and most people have that friend who is constantly guilty of this. However, on Thursday I had to eat my words as I sat shivering at 230 Fifth. I looked around at the bar and saw about half of the patrons clad in red synthetic fleece/terry cloth blend, and it still made me a little queasy. Then a gust of wind came by, I rationalized that dozens of other self-respecting New Yorkers had sacrificed fashion for warmth, and grabbed the nearest robe. It felt heavenly. Despite the mystery fabric, the robes are incredibly soft and actually make the wooden benches and metal chairs more comfortable. And you can't look like a fool if everyone looks like a fool, it all gets cancelled out. Maybe the robes are actually a little bit tongue in cheek, a slight "eff you" to uppity New York fashion? I guess when in Rome... But if you do join the cool kids and indulge in a robe, just don't keep the hood up. You look silly and it's NEVER that cold during rooftop bar season in NYC. So I'm sorry, robes. Accept my appology?
Showing posts with label bar reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bar reviews. Show all posts
9.01.2010
Retraction
About a year ago I wrote a glowing review of 230 Fifth, but was admittedly a bit of a hater when it came to their signature red robes. I'm a believer that people should really think about the weather when dressing to go out and take into account how much time is going to be spent outdoors. If you're going to a windy rooftop bar on a cooler summer night, bring a damn jacket. This avoids annoying whining and bitching about the cold, and most people have that friend who is constantly guilty of this. However, on Thursday I had to eat my words as I sat shivering at 230 Fifth. I looked around at the bar and saw about half of the patrons clad in red synthetic fleece/terry cloth blend, and it still made me a little queasy. Then a gust of wind came by, I rationalized that dozens of other self-respecting New Yorkers had sacrificed fashion for warmth, and grabbed the nearest robe. It felt heavenly. Despite the mystery fabric, the robes are incredibly soft and actually make the wooden benches and metal chairs more comfortable. And you can't look like a fool if everyone looks like a fool, it all gets cancelled out. Maybe the robes are actually a little bit tongue in cheek, a slight "eff you" to uppity New York fashion? I guess when in Rome... But if you do join the cool kids and indulge in a robe, just don't keep the hood up. You look silly and it's NEVER that cold during rooftop bar season in NYC. So I'm sorry, robes. Accept my appology?
6.14.2010
I keep wanting to call it Gryffindor, but that would be nerdy and bad
Griffin
Meatpacking District
50 Gansevoort Street (at Greenwich Street)
New York, NY 10014
212-255-6676
This club is a bit of a sleeper among the buzzed-about giants of the Meatpacking District, but despite the lack of hype it's really frickin awesome. The decor is classy and refreshing: huge crystal chandelier, velvet booths, and carved wood paneling with nary a laser in sight. It's pretty much what Mansion should have looked like based on the name. But stuffy Griffin is not, I learned as I drunkenly danced on the center platform while trying not to fall or show my Britney. Nor is the door policy unfairly strict, at midnight on a Friday we easily got in sans cover with a mixed-gender group. The crowd was good-looking but not intimidatingly so, and surprisingly the guys were probably better looking than the girls. Griffin's best feature by far was the music which consisted of poppy techno and one or two hip hop songs. Nothing cliche, nothing too mainstream or too out there, and great mixing. Perfect for my platform dancing. Shout out to Jeff, the dead sexy Bradley Cooper-lookalike bartender who custom mixed some dangerously good (but slightly expensive) drinks. Don't mind the $16 price though, for a club like this Griffin's drinks are larger and much stronger than average so you'll probably only need 2. Be safe now, kids.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Meatpacking District
50 Gansevoort Street (at Greenwich Street)
New York, NY 10014
212-255-6676
This club is a bit of a sleeper among the buzzed-about giants of the Meatpacking District, but despite the lack of hype it's really frickin awesome. The decor is classy and refreshing: huge crystal chandelier, velvet booths, and carved wood paneling with nary a laser in sight. It's pretty much what Mansion should have looked like based on the name. But stuffy Griffin is not, I learned as I drunkenly danced on the center platform while trying not to fall or show my Britney. Nor is the door policy unfairly strict, at midnight on a Friday we easily got in sans cover with a mixed-gender group. The crowd was good-looking but not intimidatingly so, and surprisingly the guys were probably better looking than the girls. Griffin's best feature by far was the music which consisted of poppy techno and one or two hip hop songs. Nothing cliche, nothing too mainstream or too out there, and great mixing. Perfect for my platform dancing. Shout out to Jeff, the dead sexy Bradley Cooper-lookalike bartender who custom mixed some dangerously good (but slightly expensive) drinks. Don't mind the $16 price though, for a club like this Griffin's drinks are larger and much stronger than average so you'll probably only need 2. Be safe now, kids.
Rating: 4.5 stars
6.09.2010
Free foods part 2
Rudy's Bar & Grill
Hell's Kitchen
627 9th Avenue (b/w 44th and 45th Streets)
New York, NY 10036
212-974-9169
www.rudysbarnyc.com
I was always pretty pleased at the price and quality of hot dogs from NYC street carts (which may say something about my dubious culinary taste), but there's one thing that can beat $1.50 dogs: free ones that aren't served to you out of a bucket of questionable water. Rudy's brings New Yorkers that and so much more in an authentic, gritty dive bar. There's no "rules" for the free dogs, but it's obviously polite to be partaking in alcoholic beverages as well and not over-do it on the food. I came with some hungry friends and they never cut us off though, and the bartender was great about making sure we had our choice of toppings. Along with getting fed for free, Rudy's lets you get drunk for really cheap as a large portion of their beer pitchers are under $10. I liked the Rudy's Blonde at a delicious and economical $7 pitcher, and also because blondes are always better than anything or anyone else. Rudy's motley, lively, and sociable crowd combined with a killer jukebox guarantees loud singing and the perfect dive bar experience. Still not convinced? Get drunk and take pictures with the giant pig, what could be more fun than that?
Rating: 4 stars
Hell's Kitchen
627 9th Avenue (b/w 44th and 45th Streets)
New York, NY 10036
212-974-9169
www.rudysbarnyc.com
I was always pretty pleased at the price and quality of hot dogs from NYC street carts (which may say something about my dubious culinary taste), but there's one thing that can beat $1.50 dogs: free ones that aren't served to you out of a bucket of questionable water. Rudy's brings New Yorkers that and so much more in an authentic, gritty dive bar. There's no "rules" for the free dogs, but it's obviously polite to be partaking in alcoholic beverages as well and not over-do it on the food. I came with some hungry friends and they never cut us off though, and the bartender was great about making sure we had our choice of toppings. Along with getting fed for free, Rudy's lets you get drunk for really cheap as a large portion of their beer pitchers are under $10. I liked the Rudy's Blonde at a delicious and economical $7 pitcher, and also because blondes are always better than anything or anyone else. Rudy's motley, lively, and sociable crowd combined with a killer jukebox guarantees loud singing and the perfect dive bar experience. Still not convinced? Get drunk and take pictures with the giant pig, what could be more fun than that?
Rating: 4 stars
5.27.2010
Free foods
Crocodile Lounge
East Village
325 East 14th Street (b/w 1st and 2nd Avenues)
New York, NY 10003
212-477-7747
This place is legendary for their too good to be true (but totally true!) gimmick of free pizza with a drink purchase. No catch, you are given a ticket to redeem on site for a free personal cheese pizza with literally every drink you purchase. The pizza's pretty yums too! I forced myself to stop redeeming the tickets after my second pizza (the drinks obvi kept flowing). Free stuff is always great, but that's not the only reason to go to Crocodile Lounge. The drinks are cheap, happy hour is even cheaper, and they have naked photo hunt AND skee ball! The main room is basement-ish but friendly with a cool couch nook and over-sized plush pillows. Venture alllll the way to the back for the games and Croc's hidden gem of a surprisingly sexy outdoor patio. They even have trivia nights and other events that encourage activities along with your boozing. I have nothing bad to say, Crocodile Lounge pretty much equals guaranteed happiness.
Rating: 5 stars
East Village
325 East 14th Street (b/w 1st and 2nd Avenues)
New York, NY 10003
212-477-7747
This place is legendary for their too good to be true (but totally true!) gimmick of free pizza with a drink purchase. No catch, you are given a ticket to redeem on site for a free personal cheese pizza with literally every drink you purchase. The pizza's pretty yums too! I forced myself to stop redeeming the tickets after my second pizza (the drinks obvi kept flowing). Free stuff is always great, but that's not the only reason to go to Crocodile Lounge. The drinks are cheap, happy hour is even cheaper, and they have naked photo hunt AND skee ball! The main room is basement-ish but friendly with a cool couch nook and over-sized plush pillows. Venture alllll the way to the back for the games and Croc's hidden gem of a surprisingly sexy outdoor patio. They even have trivia nights and other events that encourage activities along with your boozing. I have nothing bad to say, Crocodile Lounge pretty much equals guaranteed happiness.
Rating: 5 stars
5.17.2010
It's summer, bring on the rooftops
Glass Bar at the Hotel Indigo
Chelsea
127 W 28th Street (b/w 6th and 7th Avenues)
New York, NY 10001
212-973-9000
www.indigochelsea.com
Newly opened this week on the rooftop of the Hotel Indigo, Glass Bar is absolutely stunning. Like with most rooftop bars Glass boasts a great view, but they've also gone the extra mile to make the lounge itself visually interesting. Blue light is reflected on the low glass wall that surrounds the bar, creating an ocean-like vibe. This half enclosed/half open-air lounge is small, but the crowd was also modest so space or door drama aren't issues...yet. The music is low and funky, making Glass a good place to bring a date or catch up with friends rather than get crazy get wild. Prices are steep but average for a hotel rooftop, but Glass better step up its service if it wants to compete with the big dogs of this popular summer nightlife genre. They didn't have the proper ingredients for several of their specialty cocktails, and the bartender may have been the slowest and dumbest I've ever experienced in Manhattan. Though not crowded, we waited forever for service at the small bar, were forgotten about mid-order, and yet she still got my drink vastly wrong. Since when does "rum and coke" sound like "unidentified yellow-ish vodka drink"? Glass needs to work out what are hopefully some opening weekend kinks, or it will soon indi-go-bye-bye.
Rating: 3 stars
Chelsea
127 W 28th Street (b/w 6th and 7th Avenues)
New York, NY 10001
212-973-9000
www.indigochelsea.com
Newly opened this week on the rooftop of the Hotel Indigo, Glass Bar is absolutely stunning. Like with most rooftop bars Glass boasts a great view, but they've also gone the extra mile to make the lounge itself visually interesting. Blue light is reflected on the low glass wall that surrounds the bar, creating an ocean-like vibe. This half enclosed/half open-air lounge is small, but the crowd was also modest so space or door drama aren't issues...yet. The music is low and funky, making Glass a good place to bring a date or catch up with friends rather than get crazy get wild. Prices are steep but average for a hotel rooftop, but Glass better step up its service if it wants to compete with the big dogs of this popular summer nightlife genre. They didn't have the proper ingredients for several of their specialty cocktails, and the bartender may have been the slowest and dumbest I've ever experienced in Manhattan. Though not crowded, we waited forever for service at the small bar, were forgotten about mid-order, and yet she still got my drink vastly wrong. Since when does "rum and coke" sound like "unidentified yellow-ish vodka drink"? Glass needs to work out what are hopefully some opening weekend kinks, or it will soon indi-go-bye-bye.
Rating: 3 stars
5.07.2010
Kind of a hipster Copacabana
Home Sweet Home
Lower East Side
131 Chrystie Street (b/w Delancey and Broome Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-226-5708
www.homesweethomebar.com
First of all, every time I come here (usually Fridays) one of my friends loses something, so you know that means you had a fun night. Home Sweet Home is what would happen if your mom's basement had cool lighting, a great DJ, and 300+ of your closest friends ready to get drunk and dance. The decor is randomly chic including mismatched vintagey furniture, stuffed animals (not of the teddy-bear variety), and kick ass chandeliers. This underground bar with cement floors with a low ceiling definitely is reminiscent of a dingy basement, but that's a good thing because it feels like you're...well, at home. Find Home Sweet Home by the unmarked entryway with a staircase and fancy chandelier, and don't be surprised or frustrated if they charge a teensy cover, it's worth it. A narrow bar area leads to a dance floor in the back where hipsters, downtown fashionistas, and other creatively dressed twenty-somethings wiggle around to Motown, early rock and roll, and a few carefully selected tracks from the 70's-90's. Because there's probably over 300 people packed into this tiny basement, space is pretty tight and a fight has been known to break out...but within 2 minutes that fight will probably just turn into a dance battle so no need to worry. Load up on the cheap drinks, dance to music that you probably don't know but will become your new favorite, and use the lack of space to "accidentally" grope one of the many cute guys at Home Sweet Home.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Lower East Side
131 Chrystie Street (b/w Delancey and Broome Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-226-5708
www.homesweethomebar.com
First of all, every time I come here (usually Fridays) one of my friends loses something, so you know that means you had a fun night. Home Sweet Home is what would happen if your mom's basement had cool lighting, a great DJ, and 300+ of your closest friends ready to get drunk and dance. The decor is randomly chic including mismatched vintagey furniture, stuffed animals (not of the teddy-bear variety), and kick ass chandeliers. This underground bar with cement floors with a low ceiling definitely is reminiscent of a dingy basement, but that's a good thing because it feels like you're...well, at home. Find Home Sweet Home by the unmarked entryway with a staircase and fancy chandelier, and don't be surprised or frustrated if they charge a teensy cover, it's worth it. A narrow bar area leads to a dance floor in the back where hipsters, downtown fashionistas, and other creatively dressed twenty-somethings wiggle around to Motown, early rock and roll, and a few carefully selected tracks from the 70's-90's. Because there's probably over 300 people packed into this tiny basement, space is pretty tight and a fight has been known to break out...but within 2 minutes that fight will probably just turn into a dance battle so no need to worry. Load up on the cheap drinks, dance to music that you probably don't know but will become your new favorite, and use the lack of space to "accidentally" grope one of the many cute guys at Home Sweet Home.
Rating: 4.5 stars
4.21.2010
Cervezas y peliculas y tacos...si por favor!
Cabrito
West Village
50 Carmine Street (b/w Bleecker & Bedford Streets)
New York, NY 10014
212-929-5050
www.cabritonyc.com
I know I rarely write about legitimate restaurants, but Cabrito has a bar, a really fun atmosphere, and stocks more varieties of tequila than my liver can even handle reading about. So it qualifies as a bar for this blog fo-sho. Plus I'm not much of a foodie, so what I really want to spotlight is the social atmosphere of Cabrito which is festive and kick ass. A group of girlfriends and I recently visited this Mexican restaurant for their Monday movie night special which is probs one of the best deals in Manhattan: $25 buys all you can drink Dos Equis beer, all you can eat tacos, and the viewing of a "classic" movie. (Def go for the special, Cabrito's regular menu is a bit pricey for Mexican, though I'm sure tasty). At Cabrito they're thankfully not partaking in film snobbery, we spent an enjoyable evening watching The Sandlot while making friends with other customers (by yelling across the bar), playing drinking games related to the movie and stuffing our face with tacos. Cabrito offers 7 varieties of gourmet tacos with the special, and my favorites were the Ensenada-style Fish, Al Pastor (pork with a pineapple flavoring), and Tinga de Pollo (chicken). Feeling adventurous? Try the Lengua y Tomatillo taco. That's a tongue-taco for the español challenged, although maybe I shouldn't have told you... To top it all off, there's a large pink goat over the entrance. What could be more fun than that?
Rating: 4.5 stars
West Village
50 Carmine Street (b/w Bleecker & Bedford Streets)
New York, NY 10014
212-929-5050
www.cabritonyc.com
I know I rarely write about legitimate restaurants, but Cabrito has a bar, a really fun atmosphere, and stocks more varieties of tequila than my liver can even handle reading about. So it qualifies as a bar for this blog fo-sho. Plus I'm not much of a foodie, so what I really want to spotlight is the social atmosphere of Cabrito which is festive and kick ass. A group of girlfriends and I recently visited this Mexican restaurant for their Monday movie night special which is probs one of the best deals in Manhattan: $25 buys all you can drink Dos Equis beer, all you can eat tacos, and the viewing of a "classic" movie. (Def go for the special, Cabrito's regular menu is a bit pricey for Mexican, though I'm sure tasty). At Cabrito they're thankfully not partaking in film snobbery, we spent an enjoyable evening watching The Sandlot while making friends with other customers (by yelling across the bar), playing drinking games related to the movie and stuffing our face with tacos. Cabrito offers 7 varieties of gourmet tacos with the special, and my favorites were the Ensenada-style Fish, Al Pastor (pork with a pineapple flavoring), and Tinga de Pollo (chicken). Feeling adventurous? Try the Lengua y Tomatillo taco. That's a tongue-taco for the español challenged, although maybe I shouldn't have told you... To top it all off, there's a large pink goat over the entrance. What could be more fun than that?
Rating: 4.5 stars
3.29.2010
Bulgarian dancing, merriment, and shots shots shots!
Mehanata
Lower East Side
113 Ludlow Street (b/w Rivington and Delancey Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-625-0981
www.mehanata.com
One thing is for sure about this Bulgarian bar: you'll never be bored. There are so many facets to this bar/tavern/club that even your most A.D.D. friend will constantly be amused. (Not to mention there's pretty shiney L.E.D. lights on the ceiling of the lower level!) Start out in the upstairs tavern where most nights you can enjoy a live Bulgarian band while dancing, enjoying light food and...smoking hookah? Slightly mismatched but fun none the less. Downstairs turns into a total dance club, but keeps the same Euro vibe. Expect one popular song for every five European folk/techno dance songs, and then expect to inevitably get swept into the circle dances whether you know the steps or not. Other fun distractions include a stripper pole open to any and all patrons and Mehanata's main attraction: the Ice Cage. $20 per person grants you and your friends admission into a porta-john sized booth lined with shelves of vodka. You have two minutes to consume up to five shots, including many top-shelf options. Even better than the drunkenness is that to enter the cage you must play dress-up in an authentic Russian military uniform and hat...stylish. Expect good and raucous times at Mehanata, but also expect a pretty dense crowd and not much range of movement. Drinks are moderately priced and Mehanata does charge a cover if not with an organized party, but in this case it's all about the atmosphere and engrossing yourself in the culture.
Rating: 4 stars
Lower East Side
113 Ludlow Street (b/w Rivington and Delancey Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-625-0981
www.mehanata.com
One thing is for sure about this Bulgarian bar: you'll never be bored. There are so many facets to this bar/tavern/club that even your most A.D.D. friend will constantly be amused. (Not to mention there's pretty shiney L.E.D. lights on the ceiling of the lower level!) Start out in the upstairs tavern where most nights you can enjoy a live Bulgarian band while dancing, enjoying light food and...smoking hookah? Slightly mismatched but fun none the less. Downstairs turns into a total dance club, but keeps the same Euro vibe. Expect one popular song for every five European folk/techno dance songs, and then expect to inevitably get swept into the circle dances whether you know the steps or not. Other fun distractions include a stripper pole open to any and all patrons and Mehanata's main attraction: the Ice Cage. $20 per person grants you and your friends admission into a porta-john sized booth lined with shelves of vodka. You have two minutes to consume up to five shots, including many top-shelf options. Even better than the drunkenness is that to enter the cage you must play dress-up in an authentic Russian military uniform and hat...stylish. Expect good and raucous times at Mehanata, but also expect a pretty dense crowd and not much range of movement. Drinks are moderately priced and Mehanata does charge a cover if not with an organized party, but in this case it's all about the atmosphere and engrossing yourself in the culture.
Rating: 4 stars
2.20.2010
So THIS is where the German hipsters are...
Berry Park
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
4 Berry Street (b/w N 13th and N 14th Streets)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-782-2829
www.berryparkbk.com
Walking up to Berry Park you may feel like you're in the middle of nowhere, but inside it's all Germany all the way...with a few added quirks. Berry Park's reasonably priced menu boasts 16 German beers on tap (we liked the Leffe Blonde and the Double Chocolate Stout), a delicious hot mulled wine, and European inspired light fare. On select days they even have live old-world German music and dancers in lederhosen. However, what makes this traditional beer garden special is their unique blend of old-world and modern. This is Williamsburg after all, so one must keep the hipsters happy. And indeed they seem to be, bringing a unique style to the dance floor while the DJ spins mostly 50's and 60's rock and roll and Motown. With one random Lady Gaga song thrown in, about which I have no complaints. As much fun as Berry Park's main room is, a trip to this bar would not be complete without visiting the amazing roof deck. The views of Manhattan are breathtaking, and during the warmer months this rooftop becomes a lively outdoor beer garden. Or if you want to venture up and brave it in the cold New York winter more power to you, the view is probably worth a little frostbite.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
4 Berry Street (b/w N 13th and N 14th Streets)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-782-2829
www.berryparkbk.com
Walking up to Berry Park you may feel like you're in the middle of nowhere, but inside it's all Germany all the way...with a few added quirks. Berry Park's reasonably priced menu boasts 16 German beers on tap (we liked the Leffe Blonde and the Double Chocolate Stout), a delicious hot mulled wine, and European inspired light fare. On select days they even have live old-world German music and dancers in lederhosen. However, what makes this traditional beer garden special is their unique blend of old-world and modern. This is Williamsburg after all, so one must keep the hipsters happy. And indeed they seem to be, bringing a unique style to the dance floor while the DJ spins mostly 50's and 60's rock and roll and Motown. With one random Lady Gaga song thrown in, about which I have no complaints. As much fun as Berry Park's main room is, a trip to this bar would not be complete without visiting the amazing roof deck. The views of Manhattan are breathtaking, and during the warmer months this rooftop becomes a lively outdoor beer garden. Or if you want to venture up and brave it in the cold New York winter more power to you, the view is probably worth a little frostbite.
Rating: 4.5 stars
2.03.2010
LES in the front, Jersey in the back
*under new name and ownership since review*
200 Orchard
Lower East Side
200 Orchard Street (b/w Houston and Stanton Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-673-5350
Recently re-opened, 200 Orchard brings a unique vibe to this ever-changing LES location. Though it has many of the makings of a dance club, I'm hesitant to label it that for fear of scaring many people away who would actually really like this bar. 200 Orchard is flashy spacious Jersey shore club in the back, and tiny gritty rock/hipster bar in the front...but somehow it works. A rotating schedule of DJs spin word-less techno music (though not much dancing actually ensues...unless you start your own mini dance party), but the music is not so overbearing as to ruin the night for your more laid back friends. Drink prices are surprisingly reasonable, especially considering that they sometimes charge a small cover. 200 Orchard may be taking itself a little too seriously for being the new kid on the block, but they back it up with a fun time and some spontaneous tongue-in-cheek fist pumping which I am all about.
Rating: 3.5 stars
200 Orchard
Lower East Side
200 Orchard Street (b/w Houston and Stanton Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-673-5350
Recently re-opened, 200 Orchard brings a unique vibe to this ever-changing LES location. Though it has many of the makings of a dance club, I'm hesitant to label it that for fear of scaring many people away who would actually really like this bar. 200 Orchard is flashy spacious Jersey shore club in the back, and tiny gritty rock/hipster bar in the front...but somehow it works. A rotating schedule of DJs spin word-less techno music (though not much dancing actually ensues...unless you start your own mini dance party), but the music is not so overbearing as to ruin the night for your more laid back friends. Drink prices are surprisingly reasonable, especially considering that they sometimes charge a small cover. 200 Orchard may be taking itself a little too seriously for being the new kid on the block, but they back it up with a fun time and some spontaneous tongue-in-cheek fist pumping which I am all about.
Rating: 3.5 stars
1.20.2010
Insert dirty joke right about.....here
Woody McHale's
West Village
234 West 14th Street (b/w 7th and 8th)
New York, NY 10011
212-206-0430
www.woodymchales.com
From the outside, Woody McHale's looks like it's going to be like any other underground tavern, but inside is much larger and dare I say classier than I expected. There is plenty of wood and plenty of TVs on which to watch sports, but there's a refined rusticness to Woody McHale's that would appeal to anyone from a hunter coming in after a big day of huntin, to a business man after a hard day at the office. And I would highly recommend coming after that hard day at the office, because their happy hour lasts from noon-7pm (nothin like day drinkin!) and includes specials such as glorious $11 buckets of Yuengling. You'll also find a slightly creative selection of bar food including pulled pork sliders...so cute! But for the sake of keeping up my refined rustic toughness, I would refrain from expressing said cuteness and just drink up.
Rating: 3.5 stars
West Village
234 West 14th Street (b/w 7th and 8th)
New York, NY 10011
212-206-0430
www.woodymchales.com
From the outside, Woody McHale's looks like it's going to be like any other underground tavern, but inside is much larger and dare I say classier than I expected. There is plenty of wood and plenty of TVs on which to watch sports, but there's a refined rusticness to Woody McHale's that would appeal to anyone from a hunter coming in after a big day of huntin, to a business man after a hard day at the office. And I would highly recommend coming after that hard day at the office, because their happy hour lasts from noon-7pm (nothin like day drinkin!) and includes specials such as glorious $11 buckets of Yuengling. You'll also find a slightly creative selection of bar food including pulled pork sliders...so cute! But for the sake of keeping up my refined rustic toughness, I would refrain from expressing said cuteness and just drink up.
Rating: 3.5 stars
11.16.2009
11.11.2009
Not to make a cliche of myself, but...
Mason Dixon
Lower East Side
133 Essex Street (at Rivington Street)
New York, NY 10002
212-260-4100
www.masondixonnyc.com
As regular readers know, I love me anything with a lil country flavor. While Mason Dixon may not be the most authentic, it certainly tries to bring this flavor with a southern style food menu, horns, and wood everywhere that can be seen. Pun intended. A large portion of Mason Dixon's patrons are male, and quite attractive if not a bit fratty. As for the females, they're mostly pretty drunk and letting loose gyrating against either the men or Mason Dixon's main attraction, the mechanical bull! One of I believe only two mechanical bulls in NYC, riders pay $5 for their chance at being thrown around by el toro, but only after waiting in line for twenty minutes or more. The music isn't what I wanted or what you'd expect at a country bar in Manhattan (or maybe it is...) with way more classic rock and hip hop than honky tonk. But I suppose honky tonk doesn't necessarily please the masses, and to stay in business in the over-saturated LES the masses must be pleased.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Lower East Side
133 Essex Street (at Rivington Street)
New York, NY 10002
212-260-4100
www.masondixonnyc.com
As regular readers know, I love me anything with a lil country flavor. While Mason Dixon may not be the most authentic, it certainly tries to bring this flavor with a southern style food menu, horns, and wood everywhere that can be seen. Pun intended. A large portion of Mason Dixon's patrons are male, and quite attractive if not a bit fratty. As for the females, they're mostly pretty drunk and letting loose gyrating against either the men or Mason Dixon's main attraction, the mechanical bull! One of I believe only two mechanical bulls in NYC, riders pay $5 for their chance at being thrown around by el toro, but only after waiting in line for twenty minutes or more. The music isn't what I wanted or what you'd expect at a country bar in Manhattan (or maybe it is...) with way more classic rock and hip hop than honky tonk. But I suppose honky tonk doesn't necessarily please the masses, and to stay in business in the over-saturated LES the masses must be pleased.
Rating: 3.5 stars
10.18.2009
Nice shtick...now cut the crap
Arlo & Esme
East Village
42 East 1st Street (b/w 1st and 2nd Avenues)
New York, NY 10003
212-777-5617
www.arloandesme.com
Allegedly there has been good buzz surrounding Arlo & Esme lately, but after visiting I have no idea why. Their shtick is that this coffee shop by day turns into a club/lounge by night, which is clearly the most original concept ever...*sarcasm*. They even have a game room with a pool table and video games to remind guests that Arlo & Esme is quirky and oh so original. Though this place is overcrowded with boring people, somewhere along the line Arlo & Esme got the impression that they're a big deal and justified making patrons wait in line and pay a cover charge. Trust me, I don't even love paying cover at a hot club which this place is not. Though the downstairs portion plays decent music and has an interesting basement/dungeon decor, no dancing occurs (except for a few awkward drunken tools) due to the lack of space and magnitude of egos. Look around Arlo & Esme, in case you didn't notice this is the East Village where there are no sticks in asses.
Rating: 1.5 stars
East Village
42 East 1st Street (b/w 1st and 2nd Avenues)
New York, NY 10003
212-777-5617
www.arloandesme.com
Allegedly there has been good buzz surrounding Arlo & Esme lately, but after visiting I have no idea why. Their shtick is that this coffee shop by day turns into a club/lounge by night, which is clearly the most original concept ever...*sarcasm*. They even have a game room with a pool table and video games to remind guests that Arlo & Esme is quirky and oh so original. Though this place is overcrowded with boring people, somewhere along the line Arlo & Esme got the impression that they're a big deal and justified making patrons wait in line and pay a cover charge. Trust me, I don't even love paying cover at a hot club which this place is not. Though the downstairs portion plays decent music and has an interesting basement/dungeon decor, no dancing occurs (except for a few awkward drunken tools) due to the lack of space and magnitude of egos. Look around Arlo & Esme, in case you didn't notice this is the East Village where there are no sticks in asses.
Rating: 1.5 stars
9.28.2009
Loves it! How could anyone not? Haters...
230 Fifth
Flatiron District
230 Fifth Avenue (b/w 26th and 27th Streets)
New York, NY 10001
212-725-4300
www.230-fifth.com
230 Fifth is honestly one of my favorite bars in New York, the only reason I can't give it a perfect score is because of the slightly overpriced drinks (trust me, I've seen much worse). But now onto the great parts, most notably the view. 230 Fifth is an upscale bi-level lounge inhabiting the enclosed 20th floor and beautiful open-air rooftop garden of the address. Being mere blocks from the Empire State Building, this amounts to 230 Fifth offering by far the best view of any rooftop bar that I've come across in Manhattan. The music and decor are sexy and trendy, and despite some contradictory reports I've never seen anyone have a problem making it past the door (for the most part, the line is simply waiting for an elevator). The crowd at 230 Fifth is varied in personal style, age AND ethnicity, and for the most part very charismatic and social. Worried that it's officially fall and you're going to freeze your ass off in the name of trendy rooftop socializing? 230 Fifth makes very stylish red fleece hooded robes available to patrons, at which I am shocked at how many New Yorkers actually willingly wear. Well, I guess it beats a Snuggie.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Flatiron District
230 Fifth Avenue (b/w 26th and 27th Streets)
New York, NY 10001
212-725-4300
www.230-fifth.com
230 Fifth is honestly one of my favorite bars in New York, the only reason I can't give it a perfect score is because of the slightly overpriced drinks (trust me, I've seen much worse). But now onto the great parts, most notably the view. 230 Fifth is an upscale bi-level lounge inhabiting the enclosed 20th floor and beautiful open-air rooftop garden of the address. Being mere blocks from the Empire State Building, this amounts to 230 Fifth offering by far the best view of any rooftop bar that I've come across in Manhattan. The music and decor are sexy and trendy, and despite some contradictory reports I've never seen anyone have a problem making it past the door (for the most part, the line is simply waiting for an elevator). The crowd at 230 Fifth is varied in personal style, age AND ethnicity, and for the most part very charismatic and social. Worried that it's officially fall and you're going to freeze your ass off in the name of trendy rooftop socializing? 230 Fifth makes very stylish red fleece hooded robes available to patrons, at which I am shocked at how many New Yorkers actually willingly wear. Well, I guess it beats a Snuggie.
Rating: 4.5 stars
8.31.2009
I love college, and I love drinking...
Off The Wagon
West Village
109 MacDougal Street (b/w 3rd and Bleecker Streets)
New York, NY 10012
212-533-4487
www.nycbestbar.com (with its brother and sister bars)
If this is what a "college bar" is, then I don't think I ever want to grow up. On a recent trip here, I had one of my most fun nights in awhile and encountered some fun and interesting people. Off The Wagon draws a huge crowd of NYU students, so at 24 I very well may have been one of the oldest people on either of their two floors. But to be honest I'm sick of having to act my age, so I let loose and had the best time singing Fall Out Boy at the top of my lungs and dominating at beer pong! Well, my girlfriends dominated, I flirted with the opponents or "played defense" as I like to call it. The main appeal of Off The Wagon is the cheap drink specials and big screen TVs broadcasting all the sports you can handle (and the pong!)...but if for some reason you're not into getting drunk on the cheap from multiple pitchers of beer there's also fun music and a DJ who actually takes requests, and I'm sure you'll be able to find a cute (but barely-legal) frat boy to dance with. You don't need to know (or care about) his age, and by all means forget about your own age for one night and enjoy Off The Wagon for its pure simplistic debauchery!
Rating: 4 stars
West Village
109 MacDougal Street (b/w 3rd and Bleecker Streets)
New York, NY 10012
212-533-4487
www.nycbestbar.com (with its brother and sister bars)
If this is what a "college bar" is, then I don't think I ever want to grow up. On a recent trip here, I had one of my most fun nights in awhile and encountered some fun and interesting people. Off The Wagon draws a huge crowd of NYU students, so at 24 I very well may have been one of the oldest people on either of their two floors. But to be honest I'm sick of having to act my age, so I let loose and had the best time singing Fall Out Boy at the top of my lungs and dominating at beer pong! Well, my girlfriends dominated, I flirted with the opponents or "played defense" as I like to call it. The main appeal of Off The Wagon is the cheap drink specials and big screen TVs broadcasting all the sports you can handle (and the pong!)...but if for some reason you're not into getting drunk on the cheap from multiple pitchers of beer there's also fun music and a DJ who actually takes requests, and I'm sure you'll be able to find a cute (but barely-legal) frat boy to dance with. You don't need to know (or care about) his age, and by all means forget about your own age for one night and enjoy Off The Wagon for its pure simplistic debauchery!
Rating: 4 stars
8.07.2009
Gettin my culture on (while boozing, obvi)
Gallery Bar
Lower East Side
120 Orchard Street (b/w Delancey and Rivington Streets)
New York, NY 10002
347-767-2045
www.gallerybarnyc.com
Combining two staples of the Lower East Side, art and bars, seems like a way to rock the nightlife scene in a creative and innovative way, right? Maybe not so much considering that the true LES "artsy" types aren't the ones flocking to Gallery Bar, but rather just typical trendy mid-twenty-something New Yorkers. As the name suggests, Gallery Bar displays a large amount of artwork from local up and coming artists and functions as a true gallery by day. By night this place tries to become a club with hip hop music, dark curtains to almost black out the venue, and a faux strict door policy, but unfortunately misses the mark due to the lack of actual space for dancing (despite two levels). The reasonably attractive crowd barely notices and definitely does not care about the art, and people are packed so tightly that I lost track of my friends within minutes and was left to fend for myself in what turned out to be a sea of sketchy men. Gallery Bar tends to be a popular place for birthday parties (I've been to two already this year) and seems hospitable to planning ahead for groups, but without an occasion I probably won't be returning on my own.
Rating: 2.5 stars
Lower East Side
120 Orchard Street (b/w Delancey and Rivington Streets)
New York, NY 10002
347-767-2045
www.gallerybarnyc.com
Combining two staples of the Lower East Side, art and bars, seems like a way to rock the nightlife scene in a creative and innovative way, right? Maybe not so much considering that the true LES "artsy" types aren't the ones flocking to Gallery Bar, but rather just typical trendy mid-twenty-something New Yorkers. As the name suggests, Gallery Bar displays a large amount of artwork from local up and coming artists and functions as a true gallery by day. By night this place tries to become a club with hip hop music, dark curtains to almost black out the venue, and a faux strict door policy, but unfortunately misses the mark due to the lack of actual space for dancing (despite two levels). The reasonably attractive crowd barely notices and definitely does not care about the art, and people are packed so tightly that I lost track of my friends within minutes and was left to fend for myself in what turned out to be a sea of sketchy men. Gallery Bar tends to be a popular place for birthday parties (I've been to two already this year) and seems hospitable to planning ahead for groups, but without an occasion I probably won't be returning on my own.
Rating: 2.5 stars
7.27.2009
Guten Tag, Herr Hot-Stuff!
Zum Schneider
East Village
107 Avenue C (at 7th Street)
New York, NY 10009
212-598-1098
www.zumschneider.com
The equation to what makes Zum Schneider a great bar for the single girl in Manhattan is quite simple. Boys like beer. Zum has a wide menu of German beers that come in huge glasses. Thus boys go here in droves, so you should too to meet said boys. Zum also creates the perfect social atmosphere to meet new people with their traditional beer-garden style community tables. It's almost like they knew exactly what they were doing all along! I'm not the biggest fan of international beers but I can recognize a good beer list when I see it, especially by the looks of joy on the male clientele's faces as they clink their liter sized glasses together in cheer. So I shall grab my own (half) liter glass and join in the festive fun, indulging in as many Wieners as I can handle. I may come for the boys, but you should probably come for the Bavarian tradition and the beer, which are far more noble reasons.
Rating: 3.5 stars
East Village
107 Avenue C (at 7th Street)
New York, NY 10009
212-598-1098
www.zumschneider.com
The equation to what makes Zum Schneider a great bar for the single girl in Manhattan is quite simple. Boys like beer. Zum has a wide menu of German beers that come in huge glasses. Thus boys go here in droves, so you should too to meet said boys. Zum also creates the perfect social atmosphere to meet new people with their traditional beer-garden style community tables. It's almost like they knew exactly what they were doing all along! I'm not the biggest fan of international beers but I can recognize a good beer list when I see it, especially by the looks of joy on the male clientele's faces as they clink their liter sized glasses together in cheer. So I shall grab my own (half) liter glass and join in the festive fun, indulging in as many Wieners as I can handle. I may come for the boys, but you should probably come for the Bavarian tradition and the beer, which are far more noble reasons.
Rating: 3.5 stars
7.06.2009
To all my sistas out there keepin it country
The Patriot Saloon
Tribeca
110 Chambers Street (at Church Street)
New York, NY 10007
212-748-1162
I really try to keep it classy in the big city, but every now and then a gal like me needs somewhere to let loose and allow her true po-dunk self to come through. That is what dive bars are for, and The Patriot is quite possibly the only true one of the genre that you'll find in NYC. The country music is in full effect fueled by juke boxes on each of The Patriot's two floors, and it's not hard to find a cute drunk boy to dance with (even if he does think dancing to Brooks & Dunn is pleasantly ironic while I consider it a necessary part of life). The drink prices are unfathomably low, we're talkin $2 cans and $6 pitchers of PBR (don't hate), with most other drinks and shots along the same level of cheapness. And obvi the cheaper drinks are, the drunker one can get! As drunk as I may have been, I 'm pretty positive I also saw their food menu boasting the same heavenly prices with many items well less than $5, and from what I hear the bar grub is pretty yummy. My one regret from my recent Patriot trip is that I didn't take the barmaid up on her invitation to dance on the bar, but as fun and friendly as she was, the current song wasn't up to my bar-dancing standards and I wasn't about to break the seal and be the lone drunk girl dancing on the bar. To all you posh nay-sayers: yes, The Patriot is a BAR in the truest sense of the word and it's not apologizing for a lil grit. But if New Yorkers can take the sticks out of their asses and come on down, I think anyone would be surprised at what a good time they'll have. And when y'all come back, I'll be the hot blonde boot-scootin on the bar.
Rating: 5 stars
Tribeca
110 Chambers Street (at Church Street)
New York, NY 10007
212-748-1162
I really try to keep it classy in the big city, but every now and then a gal like me needs somewhere to let loose and allow her true po-dunk self to come through. That is what dive bars are for, and The Patriot is quite possibly the only true one of the genre that you'll find in NYC. The country music is in full effect fueled by juke boxes on each of The Patriot's two floors, and it's not hard to find a cute drunk boy to dance with (even if he does think dancing to Brooks & Dunn is pleasantly ironic while I consider it a necessary part of life). The drink prices are unfathomably low, we're talkin $2 cans and $6 pitchers of PBR (don't hate), with most other drinks and shots along the same level of cheapness. And obvi the cheaper drinks are, the drunker one can get! As drunk as I may have been, I 'm pretty positive I also saw their food menu boasting the same heavenly prices with many items well less than $5, and from what I hear the bar grub is pretty yummy. My one regret from my recent Patriot trip is that I didn't take the barmaid up on her invitation to dance on the bar, but as fun and friendly as she was, the current song wasn't up to my bar-dancing standards and I wasn't about to break the seal and be the lone drunk girl dancing on the bar. To all you posh nay-sayers: yes, The Patriot is a BAR in the truest sense of the word and it's not apologizing for a lil grit. But if New Yorkers can take the sticks out of their asses and come on down, I think anyone would be surprised at what a good time they'll have. And when y'all come back, I'll be the hot blonde boot-scootin on the bar.
Rating: 5 stars
6.18.2009
They should call it "sexy hour" ow-ow!
Obivia
SoHo
201 Lafayette Street (b/w Kenmare and Broome Streets)
New York, NY 10012
212-226-4904
www.obivia.com
You know that cute co-worker with whom you hang out occasionally and flirt but are never quite in the right environment to make your move? Make your next happy hour at Obivia and consider it a done deal because this place is sex-y! The dim purple lighting and loungey furniture create the mood, and Obivia's amazing happy hour deals will keep the liquid encouragement flowing. Good happy hour at a lounge say whatttt?!? It's true, Obivia boasts daily hours-o-happiness lasting until anywhere from 8pm-midnight with specials on food and drink such as $12 sangria carafes, $6 wings, and $3 real beef sliders which are probably my new favorite food group. Butttttt if you're into paying hundreds for bottle service they have that too, Obivia keeps it classy. The music is good even though the DJ doesn't take requests, the staff is friendly and quite helpful with special events, and if you need a conversation starter to chat up a hottie you can laugh about the hilarious b-movies playing on Obivia's many video screens. But when it all works out and your trip to Obivia does lead to sexy times, just please don't do it on the couch near me.
Rating: 4 stars
SoHo
201 Lafayette Street (b/w Kenmare and Broome Streets)
New York, NY 10012
212-226-4904
www.obivia.com
You know that cute co-worker with whom you hang out occasionally and flirt but are never quite in the right environment to make your move? Make your next happy hour at Obivia and consider it a done deal because this place is sex-y! The dim purple lighting and loungey furniture create the mood, and Obivia's amazing happy hour deals will keep the liquid encouragement flowing. Good happy hour at a lounge say whatttt?!? It's true, Obivia boasts daily hours-o-happiness lasting until anywhere from 8pm-midnight with specials on food and drink such as $12 sangria carafes, $6 wings, and $3 real beef sliders which are probably my new favorite food group. Butttttt if you're into paying hundreds for bottle service they have that too, Obivia keeps it classy. The music is good even though the DJ doesn't take requests, the staff is friendly and quite helpful with special events, and if you need a conversation starter to chat up a hottie you can laugh about the hilarious b-movies playing on Obivia's many video screens. But when it all works out and your trip to Obivia does lead to sexy times, just please don't do it on the couch near me.
Rating: 4 stars
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