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
Showing posts with label e-vill. Show all posts
Showing posts with label e-vill. Show all posts
5.27.2010
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
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
4.24.2009
You know it's almost summer when the sangria comes out
Yuca Bar
East Village
111 Avenue A (at 7th Street)
New York, NY 10009
212-982-9533
www.yucabarnyc.com
Ay caramba! Starting an evening early at Yuca Bar with friends, tapas, and pitchers of sangria is a either a great idea or very dangerous depending on how you look at it. Weekday happy hour at Yuca offers great drink specials on their decadent drinks like sangria, mojitos, margaritas, and even fun signature concoctions. The menu is unique and full of flair with dishes like the Pinchos Variados which includes skewers of various meats presented with a mini-barbecue pit. Fun times, just remember to practice fire safety. Spring and summer weekends are drawing huge crowds thanks to the festive Latin atmosphere and breezy al fresco seating. The small bar area does get pretty crowded even in the early evening, but save yourself the trouble and wait it out for a table. The food is as delish as the sangria is strong, you're going to need somewhere to sit down and chillax.
Rating: 4 stars
East Village
111 Avenue A (at 7th Street)
New York, NY 10009
212-982-9533
www.yucabarnyc.com
Ay caramba! Starting an evening early at Yuca Bar with friends, tapas, and pitchers of sangria is a either a great idea or very dangerous depending on how you look at it. Weekday happy hour at Yuca offers great drink specials on their decadent drinks like sangria, mojitos, margaritas, and even fun signature concoctions. The menu is unique and full of flair with dishes like the Pinchos Variados which includes skewers of various meats presented with a mini-barbecue pit. Fun times, just remember to practice fire safety. Spring and summer weekends are drawing huge crowds thanks to the festive Latin atmosphere and breezy al fresco seating. The small bar area does get pretty crowded even in the early evening, but save yourself the trouble and wait it out for a table. The food is as delish as the sangria is strong, you're going to need somewhere to sit down and chillax.
Rating: 4 stars
3.11.2009
Hot off the press...
Poco Bar
East Village
33 Avenue B (at 3rd Street)
New York, NY 10009
212-228-4661
In a town where new and re-opened bars pop up every day, Poco Bar breaks onto the scene with only a whisper, but makes a huge impression. For being open less than a week, Poco has already developed a unique vibe with a slightly Spanish feel, a hint of mystery and sexiness, yet all the comfort of your local tavern. The staff are extremely welcoming from the attractive and conversational bar staff to the Saturday night DJ who spun amazing dance music and mingled with the crowd asking for requests. Take advantage of their tapas menu and the delish red or white sangria, served fresh even on a busy Saturday night. A downstairs dance lounge is scheduled to open within a month which will solidify the currently laid back Poco Bar as having the best of both worlds and put it on the fast track to becoming a staple of East Village nightlife.
Rating: 5 stars
East Village
33 Avenue B (at 3rd Street)
New York, NY 10009
212-228-4661
In a town where new and re-opened bars pop up every day, Poco Bar breaks onto the scene with only a whisper, but makes a huge impression. For being open less than a week, Poco has already developed a unique vibe with a slightly Spanish feel, a hint of mystery and sexiness, yet all the comfort of your local tavern. The staff are extremely welcoming from the attractive and conversational bar staff to the Saturday night DJ who spun amazing dance music and mingled with the crowd asking for requests. Take advantage of their tapas menu and the delish red or white sangria, served fresh even on a busy Saturday night. A downstairs dance lounge is scheduled to open within a month which will solidify the currently laid back Poco Bar as having the best of both worlds and put it on the fast track to becoming a staple of East Village nightlife.
Rating: 5 stars
11.13.2008
It's my party and I'll get drunk if I want to
Forum
East Village
127 4th Avenue (b/w 12th and 13th Streets)
New York, NY 10003
212-505-0301
www.theforumnyc.com
The official locale for my 24th b-day party! Forum combines a sophisticated atmosphere with a young party vibe for a great night out. The crystal walls, Grecian inspired columns and dim lighting make Forum feel quite swanky, even if you are in the East Village. Despite being a mere block from Union Square, Forum seems to thankfully keep out the tourist crowd, but if you are in NY stop by, tell them I sent you, and make sure to try one of their specialty cocktails. The music, even if cliché at times, provided the perfect drunk soundtrack for partying with a large group of friends. I didn’t mind the crowd (that’s why you go out to bars and not have a party with yourself and Arbor Mist on your raggedy couch, right?), but some friends whined and others did have to wait in a line at the door because they were allegedly at “capacity”. But I can’t complain! I spent the night at Forum dancing with friends, sipping champagne, and partying like a rock star without spending a fortune. When in Rome (or NY), go to Forum.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Black & White
East Village
86 East 10th Street (b/w 3rd and 4th Avenues)
New York, NY 10003
212-253-0246
I’ll be honest, by the time I got to Black & White I was how they say “driz-unk”. So I don’t remember the most about my experience about Black & White…but I do remember having a great time! I remember an unpretentious downstairs bar, cute boys, sexy lighting, fun danceable music, there actually being TP and no line at the lil girls’ room, and majorly smooching one of the aforementioned cute boys. There, I said it, go ahead and judge. But in reality, that’s pretty much what you need to have a great time at a bar, so Black & White gets my (hazy) stamp of approval.
Rating: 3.5 stars
East Village
127 4th Avenue (b/w 12th and 13th Streets)
New York, NY 10003
212-505-0301
www.theforumnyc.com
The official locale for my 24th b-day party! Forum combines a sophisticated atmosphere with a young party vibe for a great night out. The crystal walls, Grecian inspired columns and dim lighting make Forum feel quite swanky, even if you are in the East Village. Despite being a mere block from Union Square, Forum seems to thankfully keep out the tourist crowd, but if you are in NY stop by, tell them I sent you, and make sure to try one of their specialty cocktails. The music, even if cliché at times, provided the perfect drunk soundtrack for partying with a large group of friends. I didn’t mind the crowd (that’s why you go out to bars and not have a party with yourself and Arbor Mist on your raggedy couch, right?), but some friends whined and others did have to wait in a line at the door because they were allegedly at “capacity”. But I can’t complain! I spent the night at Forum dancing with friends, sipping champagne, and partying like a rock star without spending a fortune. When in Rome (or NY), go to Forum.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Black & White
East Village
86 East 10th Street (b/w 3rd and 4th Avenues)
New York, NY 10003
212-253-0246
I’ll be honest, by the time I got to Black & White I was how they say “driz-unk”. So I don’t remember the most about my experience about Black & White…but I do remember having a great time! I remember an unpretentious downstairs bar, cute boys, sexy lighting, fun danceable music, there actually being TP and no line at the lil girls’ room, and majorly smooching one of the aforementioned cute boys. There, I said it, go ahead and judge. But in reality, that’s pretty much what you need to have a great time at a bar, so Black & White gets my (hazy) stamp of approval.
Rating: 3.5 stars
11.03.2008
Bar crawlin
Great times at Halloween pub crawl! Shout to www.halloweennow.com
The Village Pourhouse
East Village
64 3rd Avenue (at 11th Street)
New York, NY 10003
212-979-2337
www.pourhousenyc.com
What can I really say about this place? It’s practically an East Village legend. Lots of beer, lots of college students and those who wish they still were, and lots of mingling are guaranteed at the original Village Pourhouse. You can always find a friend here (or quickly make new ones) and catch the game in one of their multiple rooms with multiple flat screens. If getting drenched in beer every time the Giants make one of those touchdown thingeys really isn’t your scene, relax on a couch in the lounge area in the back which provides a completely different atmosphere for those girls who just aren’t up to pretending to know what’s going on in the game, but still want to partake in the pickup scene. The Pourhouse sets the scene for the type of nights with friends that create lifelong memories…that is if you can remember it the next morning.
Rating: 4 stars
Coyote Ugly
East Village
153 1st Avenue (b/w 9th and 10th Streets)
New York, NY 10003
212-477-4431
www.coyoteuglysaloon.com
Ever since I was a wee girl of 19, it’s been my dream to one day become a coyote at Coyote Ugly. Dancing on the bar, wearing sexy/skanky outfits with cowboy boots, getting inappropriate yet flattering attention from dirty men, and of course all the country music you can handle. Now that I finally convinced a friend to accompany me to my dream bar, I found that only the parts of my fantasy that were true were the country music and the male attention…except it was just downright skeezy and not at all flattering. If you enjoy country music like myself and feel deprived of it in New York City, then come to Coyote, but do not expect much other than these comforting twangy beats. The music gave me that happy feeling and I wanted to shake my honky tonk badonkadonk, but I seemed to be the only one in the bar who felt the need to do so. Bar dancing alone does not equal sexy, but rather makes you the crazy drunk girl who dances on the bar alone and thinks she’s sexy. Even the real coyotes did not once dance on the bar in the hour plus I was there. And it’s not like they were too busy serving drinks, despite its surprisingly small size and busy rep, Coyote Ugly did not house the raucous crowd from the movies. *Sigh*, goodbye sweet daydreams…
Rating: 2 stars
Bar None
East Village
98 3rd Avenue (b/w 12th and 13th Streets)
New York, NY 10003
212-777-6663
www.barnonenyc.com
Another great find in the E-Vill. Bar None is one of those bars you walk past a million times, never go into, but when you finally do it then becomes a good standby in your going out repertoire. (Btw, it’s embarrassing how long it took me to figure out how to spell “repertoire”) Bar None provides a no-frills atmosphere minus the sports bar vibe that plagues many other bars of its kind. Check the website, Bar None also offers some awesome happy hours and other specials. Despite the hearty crowd, we were actually able to get seats at Bar None, which surprisingly didn’t even limit the socializing. Many a new friend was made. The patrons and staff at Bar None are friendly, social, efficient, and just plain looking to have good times.
Rating: 3 stars
TG Whitney’s
Midtown East
244 East 53rd Street (b/w 2nd and 3rd Avenues)
New York, NY 10022
212-888-5772
www.tgwhitneys.com
You’ll find a smattering of everything at TG Whitney’s. Relaxed pub atmosphere, yummy bar foods, good drink specials, but this is more than your typical midtown pub. TG Whitney’s also offers great karaoke Thur/Fri/Sat without the intimidation and pretention of so many official karaoke bars…or the letdown of bars that claim to offer karaoke but simply have a guy in the corner with a microphone. TG Whitney’s never gets uncomfortably crowded, but can border on empty at times. Great staff though, I once planned a birthday gathering here for two friends and the managers and bartenders couldn’t have been more accommodating. And they did many, many shots with us…score!
Rating: 3 stars
The Village Pourhouse
East Village
64 3rd Avenue (at 11th Street)
New York, NY 10003
212-979-2337
www.pourhousenyc.com
What can I really say about this place? It’s practically an East Village legend. Lots of beer, lots of college students and those who wish they still were, and lots of mingling are guaranteed at the original Village Pourhouse. You can always find a friend here (or quickly make new ones) and catch the game in one of their multiple rooms with multiple flat screens. If getting drenched in beer every time the Giants make one of those touchdown thingeys really isn’t your scene, relax on a couch in the lounge area in the back which provides a completely different atmosphere for those girls who just aren’t up to pretending to know what’s going on in the game, but still want to partake in the pickup scene. The Pourhouse sets the scene for the type of nights with friends that create lifelong memories…that is if you can remember it the next morning.
Rating: 4 stars
Coyote Ugly
East Village
153 1st Avenue (b/w 9th and 10th Streets)
New York, NY 10003
212-477-4431
www.coyoteuglysaloon.com
Ever since I was a wee girl of 19, it’s been my dream to one day become a coyote at Coyote Ugly. Dancing on the bar, wearing sexy/skanky outfits with cowboy boots, getting inappropriate yet flattering attention from dirty men, and of course all the country music you can handle. Now that I finally convinced a friend to accompany me to my dream bar, I found that only the parts of my fantasy that were true were the country music and the male attention…except it was just downright skeezy and not at all flattering. If you enjoy country music like myself and feel deprived of it in New York City, then come to Coyote, but do not expect much other than these comforting twangy beats. The music gave me that happy feeling and I wanted to shake my honky tonk badonkadonk, but I seemed to be the only one in the bar who felt the need to do so. Bar dancing alone does not equal sexy, but rather makes you the crazy drunk girl who dances on the bar alone and thinks she’s sexy. Even the real coyotes did not once dance on the bar in the hour plus I was there. And it’s not like they were too busy serving drinks, despite its surprisingly small size and busy rep, Coyote Ugly did not house the raucous crowd from the movies. *Sigh*, goodbye sweet daydreams…
Rating: 2 stars
Bar None
East Village
98 3rd Avenue (b/w 12th and 13th Streets)
New York, NY 10003
212-777-6663
www.barnonenyc.com
Another great find in the E-Vill. Bar None is one of those bars you walk past a million times, never go into, but when you finally do it then becomes a good standby in your going out repertoire. (Btw, it’s embarrassing how long it took me to figure out how to spell “repertoire”) Bar None provides a no-frills atmosphere minus the sports bar vibe that plagues many other bars of its kind. Check the website, Bar None also offers some awesome happy hours and other specials. Despite the hearty crowd, we were actually able to get seats at Bar None, which surprisingly didn’t even limit the socializing. Many a new friend was made. The patrons and staff at Bar None are friendly, social, efficient, and just plain looking to have good times.
Rating: 3 stars
TG Whitney’s
Midtown East
244 East 53rd Street (b/w 2nd and 3rd Avenues)
New York, NY 10022
212-888-5772
www.tgwhitneys.com
You’ll find a smattering of everything at TG Whitney’s. Relaxed pub atmosphere, yummy bar foods, good drink specials, but this is more than your typical midtown pub. TG Whitney’s also offers great karaoke Thur/Fri/Sat without the intimidation and pretention of so many official karaoke bars…or the letdown of bars that claim to offer karaoke but simply have a guy in the corner with a microphone. TG Whitney’s never gets uncomfortably crowded, but can border on empty at times. Great staff though, I once planned a birthday gathering here for two friends and the managers and bartenders couldn’t have been more accommodating. And they did many, many shots with us…score!
Rating: 3 stars
10.20.2008
Bounce Deuce
East Village
102 2nd Avenue (at 6th Street)
New York, NY 10003
212-533-6700
www.bounceny.com
This sister bar to the original Upper East Side sports bar is actually…quite fun! For dudes, the waitresses are bleach blonde and scantily clad and the big game(s) of the moment are projected on a bajillion flat screens. For us gals, the men are plentiful, hot, and I must admit I had so much hitting the button and pouring my own beer from tableside beer bongs. Yes, I’m easily amused. For a sports bar, this place actually played decent music and kept it classy enough for a girlie broad like myself. And did I mention that Bounce Deuce is crawling with hot men?
Rating: 3.5 stars
The Sunburnt Cow
East Village
137 Avenue C (b/w 8th and 9th Streets)
New York, NY 10009
212-529-0005
www.thesunburntcow.com
So this place is Australian themed as they will (not so) subtly remind you 100 times throughout the night. Cute outback porch and stone atmosphere, but uncomfortably crowded. The bartenders are Aussie (surprise!) and would have been super sexy...if they weren’t complete douche bags. Allegedly they have a great brunch. Nightlife, not so much.
Rating: 2 stars
The Plumm
Meatpacking District
246 West 14th Street (b/w 7th and 8th Avenues)
New York, NY 10011
212-675-1567
www.theplumm.com
This place is owned by a bunch of celebs so it must be really fun and trendy, right? So wrong. Maybe Plumm was a BD (big deal) once upon a time 2 years ago, but it has since clearly gone downhill. If you have a “key” to this semi-private club you’ll get right in (though I saw one “member” still given hassle), but if not be prepared to wait…and then probably still pay cover. The “A-List” patrons at Plumm are quite skanky and actually…well…*whisper* B&T. And you’d think a place as uppity as Plumm would at least have a clean spot for a girl to make #1. Not so much. I’ve been to many a Pennsylvania county fair, yet never have I seen a bathroom so disgusting. Apparently $20 cover in New York no longer even gets you toilets with seats, or good music, or fun, or…anything for that matter. Damn, times are tough.
Rating: 1 star...barely
East Village
102 2nd Avenue (at 6th Street)
New York, NY 10003
212-533-6700
www.bounceny.com
This sister bar to the original Upper East Side sports bar is actually…quite fun! For dudes, the waitresses are bleach blonde and scantily clad and the big game(s) of the moment are projected on a bajillion flat screens. For us gals, the men are plentiful, hot, and I must admit I had so much hitting the button and pouring my own beer from tableside beer bongs. Yes, I’m easily amused. For a sports bar, this place actually played decent music and kept it classy enough for a girlie broad like myself. And did I mention that Bounce Deuce is crawling with hot men?
Rating: 3.5 stars
The Sunburnt Cow
East Village
137 Avenue C (b/w 8th and 9th Streets)
New York, NY 10009
212-529-0005
www.thesunburntcow.com
So this place is Australian themed as they will (not so) subtly remind you 100 times throughout the night. Cute outback porch and stone atmosphere, but uncomfortably crowded. The bartenders are Aussie (surprise!) and would have been super sexy...if they weren’t complete douche bags. Allegedly they have a great brunch. Nightlife, not so much.
Rating: 2 stars
The Plumm
Meatpacking District
246 West 14th Street (b/w 7th and 8th Avenues)
New York, NY 10011
212-675-1567
www.theplumm.com
This place is owned by a bunch of celebs so it must be really fun and trendy, right? So wrong. Maybe Plumm was a BD (big deal) once upon a time 2 years ago, but it has since clearly gone downhill. If you have a “key” to this semi-private club you’ll get right in (though I saw one “member” still given hassle), but if not be prepared to wait…and then probably still pay cover. The “A-List” patrons at Plumm are quite skanky and actually…well…*whisper* B&T. And you’d think a place as uppity as Plumm would at least have a clean spot for a girl to make #1. Not so much. I’ve been to many a Pennsylvania county fair, yet never have I seen a bathroom so disgusting. Apparently $20 cover in New York no longer even gets you toilets with seats, or good music, or fun, or…anything for that matter. Damn, times are tough.
Rating: 1 star...barely
7.18.2008
This past weekend brought me to the East Village/Lower East Side for a string of birthday celebrations. (Isn’t it just wonderful to have a fall birthday and spend your summers bouncing from party to party where the birthday girl gets to look hot in her skimpy little birthday dress, while you practically have to wear a snowsuit when your own finally rolls around? Yah, I thought you felt my pain and jealousy…)
First stop:
Lunasa
East Village
126 First Avenue (b/w 7th Street and St Marks Place)
New York, NY 10009
212-228-8580
www.lunasabar.com
On my way to meet up with a friend at Lunasa, I’m already getting a text saying that prospects are low and we may switch locales soon. Translation: no cute guys. Surprising, considering I had heard Lunasa had quite the beer selection. This proves to be true…along with the fact that despite the no-frills atmosphere, there were indeed very few men worth pursuing. I’m lonely, single and on the prowl tonight, so this is not what I wanted to find. However, despite the lack of eligible gentlemen at Lunasa, I was able to enjoy myself while there. The music was good but not overpowering, allowing socialization with the group I was meeting up with at Lunasa (obvi not making any new, um, “friends”). They have an outdoor patio in the back which can be reserved for private events, and despite considering themselves an “Irish Pub”, the crowd is young and there’s no signs of spillage or bodily fluids on the floor…bonus! Anywhere in Manhattan that has a $7 glass of house champagne listed in chalk writing next to an extensive beer list is worthy of my seal of approval.
Rating: 3 stars
After making a long and unnecessary trek alllll the way to the LES (don’t mock me, I’m in heels) to another birthday party only to discover the line is long and unworthy of our time and energy, we stop for a hot second each at:
Libation
Lower East Side
137 Ludlow Street (b/w Stanton and Rivington Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-529-2153
www.libationnyc.com
Tonight the line at Libation was long and we couldn’t bat our eyelashes to get out of the $10 covercharge ($20 for guys). Were we going in? Hells to the no! It’s my personal belief that nowhere in the LES should charge cover, but I digress. However, I have been to Libation in the past, so I shall report. Once you get in and navigate your way through the confusing labyrinth of hallways and staircases housing the coatcheck and bathroom, you’ll be faced with something totally new and different for the Lower East Side…a club *gasp*. I hate to admit it because this place takes itself way too seriously and is going to eat up any compliment I give them, but I actually had a great time! The DJ was playing a great mix of old and new danceable songs, accompanied by a live drummer adding his spin and giving the pop hits an interesting and unique intensity. We danced all night, stopping only to let potential suitors buy drinks (and there were a plenty…just not any worth talking to for more than the obligatory 5 minutes). Despite the B&T girls dancing on the couches and showcasing dance moves that only 10 cranberry vodkas can induce, Libation is a good time…if only it can get over itself.
Rating: 4 stars
Local 138
Lower East Side
138 Ludlow Street (b/w Stanton and Rivington Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-477-0280
When I say we were in Local 138 for a “hot sec”, I’m not exaggerating. First impression: loud and lots of wood…and not in a good way. I personally am willing to stay for a beer, but my friends were so not feelin it. Despite the “manly” décor and pub atmosphere, the clientele seemed to be mostly sorority girls in too much eyeliner and too little dresses. Admittedly I was in Local 138 for no longer than 3 minutes, so I’m willing to be open minded and not completely write it off. But…I’m not exactly going to make a special trip to give it a second chance.
Rating: 2 stars
Pianos
Lower East Side
158 Ludlow Street (b/w Stanton and Rivington Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-505-3733
www.pianosnyc.com
I’ve read many other reviews which have described Pianos as “trendy”, “spacious” and my personal favorite “a live music club that makes fashionistas feel at home.” Don’t believe these. This place is one step above a total mob scene. They feature live bands which thank goodness were between sets when we made our appearance. None the less, the music was way too loud to even have your drink order heard clearly. Most of the clientele were in need of a good shower…gross. When I saw one patron spit on the floor (and it was a nice juicy one too), I knew it was time to leave. But if hanging out with dirty, spitting, degenerates is your thing, then by all means…
Rating: 1 star
The Sixth Ward
Lower East Side
191 Orchard Street (b/w Houston and Stanton Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-228-9888
www.sixthwardnyc.com
The Sixth Ward is a great standby for when all other bars in this highly dense area fail to please. Though admittedly there’s nothing standout about this place, it has a lot working in its favor: good beer selection, good music, a cute little outdoor patio in the back, pool table, dirty-sexy bartenders, and most importantly: an overwhelming guy to girl ratio. Score! You will never want for male attention at The Sixth Ward. You may have to fight off a few skeezers, but I’ve never walked out of this bar with less than 7 new digits in my phone from an eligible prospect. The crowd can be hit or miss, ranging from “OMG I can’t move or breathe or make it to the bar/bathroom” to “Where did all the hotties go?”, but none the less, The Sixth Ward has never disappointed.
Rating: 3.5 stars
First stop:
Lunasa
East Village
126 First Avenue (b/w 7th Street and St Marks Place)
New York, NY 10009
212-228-8580
www.lunasabar.com
On my way to meet up with a friend at Lunasa, I’m already getting a text saying that prospects are low and we may switch locales soon. Translation: no cute guys. Surprising, considering I had heard Lunasa had quite the beer selection. This proves to be true…along with the fact that despite the no-frills atmosphere, there were indeed very few men worth pursuing. I’m lonely, single and on the prowl tonight, so this is not what I wanted to find. However, despite the lack of eligible gentlemen at Lunasa, I was able to enjoy myself while there. The music was good but not overpowering, allowing socialization with the group I was meeting up with at Lunasa (obvi not making any new, um, “friends”). They have an outdoor patio in the back which can be reserved for private events, and despite considering themselves an “Irish Pub”, the crowd is young and there’s no signs of spillage or bodily fluids on the floor…bonus! Anywhere in Manhattan that has a $7 glass of house champagne listed in chalk writing next to an extensive beer list is worthy of my seal of approval.
Rating: 3 stars
After making a long and unnecessary trek alllll the way to the LES (don’t mock me, I’m in heels) to another birthday party only to discover the line is long and unworthy of our time and energy, we stop for a hot second each at:
Libation
Lower East Side
137 Ludlow Street (b/w Stanton and Rivington Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-529-2153
www.libationnyc.com
Tonight the line at Libation was long and we couldn’t bat our eyelashes to get out of the $10 covercharge ($20 for guys). Were we going in? Hells to the no! It’s my personal belief that nowhere in the LES should charge cover, but I digress. However, I have been to Libation in the past, so I shall report. Once you get in and navigate your way through the confusing labyrinth of hallways and staircases housing the coatcheck and bathroom, you’ll be faced with something totally new and different for the Lower East Side…a club *gasp*. I hate to admit it because this place takes itself way too seriously and is going to eat up any compliment I give them, but I actually had a great time! The DJ was playing a great mix of old and new danceable songs, accompanied by a live drummer adding his spin and giving the pop hits an interesting and unique intensity. We danced all night, stopping only to let potential suitors buy drinks (and there were a plenty…just not any worth talking to for more than the obligatory 5 minutes). Despite the B&T girls dancing on the couches and showcasing dance moves that only 10 cranberry vodkas can induce, Libation is a good time…if only it can get over itself.
Rating: 4 stars
Local 138
Lower East Side
138 Ludlow Street (b/w Stanton and Rivington Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-477-0280
When I say we were in Local 138 for a “hot sec”, I’m not exaggerating. First impression: loud and lots of wood…and not in a good way. I personally am willing to stay for a beer, but my friends were so not feelin it. Despite the “manly” décor and pub atmosphere, the clientele seemed to be mostly sorority girls in too much eyeliner and too little dresses. Admittedly I was in Local 138 for no longer than 3 minutes, so I’m willing to be open minded and not completely write it off. But…I’m not exactly going to make a special trip to give it a second chance.
Rating: 2 stars
Pianos
Lower East Side
158 Ludlow Street (b/w Stanton and Rivington Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-505-3733
www.pianosnyc.com
I’ve read many other reviews which have described Pianos as “trendy”, “spacious” and my personal favorite “a live music club that makes fashionistas feel at home.” Don’t believe these. This place is one step above a total mob scene. They feature live bands which thank goodness were between sets when we made our appearance. None the less, the music was way too loud to even have your drink order heard clearly. Most of the clientele were in need of a good shower…gross. When I saw one patron spit on the floor (and it was a nice juicy one too), I knew it was time to leave. But if hanging out with dirty, spitting, degenerates is your thing, then by all means…
Rating: 1 star
The Sixth Ward
Lower East Side
191 Orchard Street (b/w Houston and Stanton Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-228-9888
www.sixthwardnyc.com
The Sixth Ward is a great standby for when all other bars in this highly dense area fail to please. Though admittedly there’s nothing standout about this place, it has a lot working in its favor: good beer selection, good music, a cute little outdoor patio in the back, pool table, dirty-sexy bartenders, and most importantly: an overwhelming guy to girl ratio. Score! You will never want for male attention at The Sixth Ward. You may have to fight off a few skeezers, but I’ve never walked out of this bar with less than 7 new digits in my phone from an eligible prospect. The crowd can be hit or miss, ranging from “OMG I can’t move or breathe or make it to the bar/bathroom” to “Where did all the hotties go?”, but none the less, The Sixth Ward has never disappointed.
Rating: 3.5 stars
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