When a name brand restaurant mogul opens up his first ever bar, you listen. Without much of note in the nearby vicinity- save for some auto retailers selling cars that we won’t be able to afford in this lifetime- Danny Meyer’s Porchlight opened to considerable buzz back in late February. The concept, which marries approachable cocktail bar with a definitively southern yet modernized city feel is hardly a novel one- though, by location alone, the restaurant is quite distinctive. But as most restaurateurs are focused on creating the next scenester-driven and celebrity spotting haunts, Porchlight instead breathes some new life into the craft bar scene with reasonably priced upscale bar food and inventively concocted drinks inside of a sprawling space- all this, despite the dearth of any surrounding scenery along Eleventh Avenue.

You’d be hard pressed to find a newly opened bar in New York City that doesn’t feel both a bit sleek and a bit rustic. Porchlight is more of the same in that regard. Uniquely thin stools prop up around the bar space where dim lighting, dark steel piping and plenty of shiny wooden tables are carefully situated everywhere. The addition of rocking chairs along the exposed brick walls is a charming dose of countryside inside of a setting with far more available space than you might otherwise expect. Although Meyer’s reputation was built on franchises like Shake Shack and icons like Blue Smoke and Gramercy Tavern, at Porchlight, it’s the cocktails that are the place’s most attractive feature.

At $14 a pop, drinks at Porchlight are hardly cheap- but with a sip of the “Whiskey & Cola,” deliciously and sweetly made with homemade cola and Mellow Corn Whiskey, there’s no doubting their excellence. The soda is served in an old-school bottle, replete with a white and red striped straw that harkens back to the days of a traditional malt shop- only inside, there’s a boozy drink in lieu of a milkshake, served nice and strong. Other offerings like the “Behind the Mule” ($14, think a Moscow Mule with Rock & Rye and vinegar) and the “Gun Metal Blue” ($14, with a punch of cinnamon, smoky Mezcal and Blue Curacao for the coloring) have quickly become house favorites for Porchlight’s repeat clientele.

Although the food being served can be pretty tasty for comfort fare, its hardly the style of transcendent cuisine that has preceded Meyer at his other restaurants. The “Smoky Beef Jerky” ($7) made in house, is a must-try- especially for beer pairing as is the deliciously fresh “Avocado & Crab Toast” ($13). Our party fell all over ourselves for slices of the “Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread” ($6), served piping hot as it is baked to order by table. The dishes though small, can certainly add up when you’re indulging in cocktails this delicious- so it’s probably best to limit yourselves to a couple before heading out to a more proper dinner. As for a destination to head after Porchlight, we’re sure that Danny Meyer has some suggestions for you.

The Rundown

Bar Type – A spacious and modern cocktail-lovers paradise by New York City’s most well-established restaurateur.

When to Visit – If you’re looking to imbibe and eat, there’s no better time than summer and Porchlight’s ‘Summer Sundays,’ where items like the “Spicy Chicken Po’ Boy” ($14) and a rib heavy “Backyard Barbecue” ($21) get added to the menu from noon until sundown. Otherwise, the best time to head to Porchlight? Whenever the mood for a cocktail strikes.

Value – Happy hour runs every weeknight until 7pm where discounted wines and beers might give you pause before ordering that first cocktail at 7:01pm. That said, $14 is right around the norm for a cocktail in Manhattan- but any more than two and you’re bound to notice a sizable jump in your bar bill.

The Lowdown – With an unparalleled track record, Danny Meyer’s reputation and his talented staff have drawn excitable drinkers to this west side cocktail bar. And we’ve heard nary a peep of disappointment from those who have visited. Among 2015′s most highly anticipated new openings, Porchlight is equal parts cocktail bar for fans of mixology and comfortable hangout for casual drinkers. In an area of town dominated by car dealerships, city locals and subway riders now have a reason to visit Eleventh Avenue in Chelsea.

Rundown:

Drinks
Whiskey & Cola ($14)

Somethin’
Smoky Beef Jerky ($7)
Warm Bourbon Bar Nuts ($5)
Jar of Pickles ($6)

Somethin’ More
Avocado & Crab Toast ($13)
Boiled Peanut Hummus & Vegetables ($15)
Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread ($6)
Daddy Jack’s Fried Frog Legs ($12)
Tom’s Balls ($9)
Double Trouble Bison Burger ($16)

Walking into the Wild Horse Tavern is like walking into the best version of your college apartment – and I mean that in a good way. Lining the walls are huge black and white posters of rock stars, the beverages are neatly displayed, and there’s a playlist with the likes of The Clash and The Rolling Stones playing. The space has the look of being pulled together without trying too hard. Rustic wooden benches sit beside the bar in the front portion of the space. Beyond a small half-room divider is a banquette and some additional tables, easily moved out of the way in case a dance floor needs to be made in front of the stage.

While beer is usually the go-to choice in a rock bar – and they have a nice selection on tap – the cocktail list was too inviting to pass up. “The British Invasion,” served in a classic champagne glass, combined gin with its old friend lime juice and got pumped up by some cucumber, mint, and just a hint of sweetness. At $8 during happy hour, this is a good one-cocktail-night choice, but we enjoyed the “Whisky A Go-Go” so much that we’d splurge on the whole $12 regular price for one or three. Mixed with lemon juice, sage, and ginger, this is a great summer option for those feeling a Manhattan is seasonally inappropriate. The bar also has a respectable wine offering, which even includes a rose. This is the Upper East Side, after all.

Speaking of, Wild Horse Tavern smartly borrows from the type of neighbors we all wish we had, serving pretzels from nearby Sigmund’s ($6) and hot dogs from Schaller & Weber, the latter fried and served with a spiced onion jam and mustard ($9). The rest of the menu similarly borrows, culturally, from places like Vietnam, the Netherlands, and New Jersey. The “Bitterballen” ($10, $2 each during happy hour) were like crispy balls of shepherd’s pie, which would reasonably be eaten by the dozen during the winter. The “BBQ Tete De Cochon” (which I googled to mean “bits of pig head”) was a spicy, slightly asian-inspired spin on pulled pork, with a crisp slaw and toasted potato bun. Turns out that “bits of pig head” is really delicious, and goes for a reasonable $11. Combining classic Reuben and Cuban sandwiches, the Tavern also offers the “Reubano” at $14. Including both homemade pastrami and smoked ham, the Reubano’s salty smokiness finds a little balance with its Swiss, house sauce, and pickled cabbage toppings. The menu also includes a few salads, five entrees priced between $18 and $25, and many other shareable snacks and sandwiches, some of which borrow their own components from other nearby eateries.

Wild Horse Tavern is a great place for a good drink and a quick bite, but so are a lot of places in the area. What most of those are not, however, is a live music spot. Here, a photo of Janis Joplin invites bands up to the small stage at the back of the room. During our stay we were treated to the sounds of the Alan Merrill Band, described by Alan himself as “Japan Glam Rock comes to NYC”. Despite having a few hits and albums under his belt, a lot of the crowd was hearing his songs for the first time, and enjoying it – which was perfectly appropriate for Wild Horse Tavern, where old things are new again, in a good way.

The Rundown

Bar Type – Neatly vintage with casual rustic-industrial touches puts the “class” in classic rock

When to Visit – Happy Hour is from 5-7 and offers a discount on all booze as well as a Burger and a Beer deal for $14. If you’re going to go to a bar with a stage and good sound system, go when there’s someone to use it. Upcoming music events are posted on the website and include weekly Sunday sessions.

Value – Aforementioned happy hour is a great way to sample the best of Wild Horse Tavern, though the entire menu is reasonably priced with the most expensive item at $25. The cocktails are about standard for the area at $12 each. A lot of the music during the week comes with no cover.

The Lowdown – Wild Horse Tavern is an approachable blend of rock and Upper East Side-edness, without the pretentiousness that can come with either. A casual music venue that you aren’t embarrassed to wear a suit to, it invites both snacking at the bar with a few pints or listening to a set with a few cocktails and a burger. Get at least the pretzel and try any of the cocktails that suit your fancy without any risk of disappointment, and stop in for some serious rock, way above Houston.

Blending the style of old New York with the class of its modernized neighborhood the newly opened Church Street Tavern brings a much needed jolt of Americana into the sometimes stuffy Tribeca. With its plush leather banquettes and old-fashioned dangling light fixtures, the bar’s main space might double as a speakeasy. But the natural light seeping in from beyond the l-shaped bar area illuminates a staff working on new-fangled craft cocktails and creatively raising the game from your run of the mill neighborhood bar.

The industrial-style setting inside the Tavern- replete with an eye catching staircase as the dining area’s most notable point of decor- works to enhance the comfortable setting, where after work types fling their ties around their shoulders to avoid spilling drinks like the refreshing “Lady Killer” ($16, pairing gin and Prosecco) on them. Other standouts like “The Rhubarb” ($16) prepared with vodka, lime and cucumber and bourbon and berry heavy cocktail “The Elvis” ($16) are equally as satisfying. Though the dinner menu here is littered with some savory fare- namely a “Beer Can Chicken” for two ($54) and a whopping 32 ounce “Royalton Farms Ribeye” (MP), one item in particular makes Church Street Tavern a dining destination for folks outside of the surrounding neighborhood.

Vaulting itself into the conversation of New York City’s very best hamburgers with immediacy, the “Tavern Burger” ($19) is already becoming one of 2015′s most widely lauded dishes. Weighing in an eight ounces- the perfect weight by our estimation- Chef Ryan Steen‘s use of bacon-onion relish and a touch of beef heart brings an already perfectly cooked burger to elite heights. The fluffy brioche bun is deliciously saturated with squirts of dry-aged burger juice and remnants of the oozing Vermont cheddar bring the remaining flavors- and arugula- together in terrific balance. Simply put, this is quite a delicious dish that will satiate any meat lover. Come to Church Street Tavern for the cocktails certainly, but make sure you stay put for the “Tavern Burger.”

The Rundown

Bar Type - Old New York meets modern industry and a bar/restaurant is born.

When to Visit – Happy hour is a great bet at any bar but with $1 oysters every day of the week until 7pm and wines at just $6, sneak in early to make the most of the evening. Wednesdays also offer Happy Hour pricing all evening long, so circle hump day and head on over.

Value - Church Street Tavern’s cocktail list while vast, also ain’t cheap with most drinks sitting in the $15-$16 range. But such is the area- you are fairly close to Wall Street after all. It’s probably best to grab one or two of their cocktails before moving over to something more palatable on the old wallet. Or stick to their Happy Hours where some prices drop down to just $8 per.

The Lowdown – With their “Tavern Burger,” Church Street Tavern has managed to concoct a dish worth traveling for. And as New Yorkers have shown over the years, they’ll head to different boroughs and even cities if the food makes it worth their while. Fortunately, the burger here does live up to much of its buzz and indulging in some of the bar’s delicious cocktails while waiting for its preparation is a treat in and of itself. Tribeca’s got some of the highest end restaurants in all of Manhattan- and now, it’s also got an approachable place that delivers great value without a hint of pretentiousness.

Hundreds of VIP guests hopped just steps from the L train and into Williamsburg’s newest performance and event space on Thursday night, surrounded by swarms of tasty cocktails and in-the-know thrill-seekers. Nestled in next to his newly opened restaurant MP Taverna Williamsburg, Chef and Owner Michael Psilakis would christen the opening of The Hall at MP with an evening indicative of the venue itself: a live burlesque show, live musical acts, a tarot card reader and a tattoo artist- all of which yielded an evening that was equal parts unique and unpredictable. And with passed around food curated by the chef himself, nobody in the house would be leaving hungry.

The Hall at MP itself has a special feel to it, considering its Brooklyn location. There’s no comparable venue in the Williamsburg area- at least not one that exudes such polish. The exposed brick walls surround the brightly lit space, with plenty of natural light peering inside through the space’s front doors. But on this night, black curtains shroud the interior with an undisclosed mystique as guests enter the festive space and waitresses race to hand them a glass of bubbly Prosecco or a hand-crafted cocktail of their choosing. Meanwhile, Chef Psilakis’ would offer an array of delectable eats from freshly prepared sushi to thinly sliced charcuterie as well as a cavalcade of his ‘traditional Greek with a twist’ style of cuisine laid out buffet style for attendees to help themselves.

Live music from Jackie Greene, The Hollows and Alex Nelson would serve to enhance the positive mood of the evening as well as showcase some of the space’s potential as an intimate concert venue. The evening’s most poignant moment though belonged to Chef Psilakis himself, who for months and months had worked on opening his new restaurant and adjacent event space- both with separate menus mind you. Addressing the now jam-packed crowd from the stage, the chef humbly thanked his many supporters, family and friends for helping him take the The Hall at MP from a dream to a reality.

Some of us hopped into the photo booth for pictures , while some of us had our futures read. Some of us got tattooed, while some of us enjoyed the live music. Our team spent much of the evening gorging on some of the delicious fare- the grape leaves and whole hog were particularly savory- and slurping down tasty “Negronis” and “Moscow Mules” being poured by the evening’s mixologists. Needless to say, like The Hall at MP itself, the evening catered to a multitude of different interests and tastes and after Thursday night’s spirited opening party, it’s now on our radar as one of Williamsburg’s most lavish new openings.

Finding a way to stand out in a crowded Brooklyn bar and restaurant scene can certainly be a challenge- especially in bustling Williamsburg. Despite a preponderance of new openings and scenester hang-outs, newcomer Billet & Bellows has shown absolutely no difficulty in doing so. A charming local place that serves satisfying comfort fare, the Grand Street bar is casually laid back in the best way possible.

Ducking in on a recent weeknight, we were welcomed by a three-piece band creating a perfectly artsy ambiance in which to taste some of the bar’s offerings. Inventively, the space is adorned with a variety of decorative metalwork from the chairs to the decor, even the lamps all seemed to be made of metal. The design is no coincidence as we learned that owner Kristina Kozak is a fairly established artist for her work with metal pieces (http://www.minemetalart.com/) which are on display all around different nooks in Williamsburg.

After settling in our corner of the bar, the place was quickly filling up and we started off our evening with some of the bar’s signature cocktails. Both the “Pisco Sour” (Kappa Pisco, egg whites, lemon juice and aromatic bitters) and the “Sazerac” (Mitcher’s 1 US rye, cane sugar, Peychaud’s Bitters and absinthe rinse) were the perfect starters, despite being a bit strong on the alcohol side. The food meanwhile was a welcome addition not too long after with a selection of “Marinated Olives,” “Deviled Eggs Benedict” (layered with ham and English muffin crumbs), pickles, and the first hit of the night, their “Grilled Cheese” (skillfully decorated by caramelized onions, gruyere and served with tomato soup jus). The classic sandwich was rich and buttery, offset some by the gooey melting subtle cheese enveloped in the toasted rustic bread. While the tomato soup was a welcome addition, it wasn’t even necessary; an indication of how delicious the sandwich tasted.

After savoring some of the initial offerings, we spent some time perusing the remainder of the bar’s space, following much of the festive and likeminded crowd. With an art installation leading toward Billet and Bellows’ back patio area and a small fireplace as well, the place takes on a sophisticated, yet homey feel. Perhaps that’s also the best way to describe their cocktail program as well. Their “Heavy on Metal” section features favorites like the refreshing “Draw and Temper” replete with Illegal Mezcal and Don Julio Reposado, and our favorite drink of the night, the “Hearth and Anvil” made with apple brandy and Bulleit Bourbon, which went down so easy that we were forced to pump the brakes a bit.

Other highlights included the restaurant’s “Jumbo Soft Hot Pretzel” served with a fiery whiskey mustard dipping sauce, the “Baby Bliss Potato Skins” topped with crunchy pork cracklins, and then our favorite dish of the night, the “Chicken Liver Toast” served with chutney and cornichons. The toast offered up a multitude of different flavors at once as sweet, savory and creamy all formed a perfect marriage. Similarly, Billet & Billows would offer tasty dishes, strong and innovative cocktails and a welcoming setting that allows you to swat away any pretension and any misconception about Williamsburg and simply kick back for an admirable all around experience.

- Jackie Benavides

Cooper’s Craft & Kitchen
169 8th Avenue between 18th and 19th Street, Chelsea
646-661-7711
Getting There: 1 to 18th Street
http://coopersnyc.com/coopers-chelsea/

East Village dwellers know what you’re about to find out: Cooper’s Craft & Kitchen is just about the best craft beer bar that you’ll find anywhere. Now westside living folk can all rejoice in unison with the restaurant’s second location in Chelsea, which popped open shortly after Christmas. With a rustic atmosphere and an unparalleled atmosphere for the decidedly cool beer swiller, the new location is a little bit different than its older brother- but the appeal here is equally evident.

An array of old barn wood panels line much of the space inside, where old oak barrels and chalkboards are aplenty amid a dimly lit vibe. Up a few stairs and the back of the space is more of the same- with enough brick exposed that the Cooper’s team looks like they may have unearthed the perfrect locale to sit and slug down microbrews comfortably. The beer list changes fairly often and while you’ll find some of the usual suspects (in a good way) like Ommegang, Otter Creek and Bear Republic, the restaurant and bar has also teamed with local beer makers Greenpoint Harbor, Peekskill and Barrier to create beer especially for the Chelsea location.

  

The prices here are what you’d expect from a higher end gastropub, though the food far exceeds the norm. “Beer Infused Cheese Dip with Pretzels,” “Wagyu Beef Slders,” and crispy deep-fried “Cooper’s Wings” set the stage for a delicious array of comfort-style eats, perfect for pairing with the darkest of stouts or the wheatiest of witbiers. We sampled some “Deep Fried Olives,” “Mushroom Flatbread,” and some excellent “Tater Tots,” and the fare is tasty enough here to attract non beer-drinkers.  The cocktail program meanwhile, is created by beverage director David Clarke and showcases a knack for infusing some ambition into a City already rife with masterful mixologists. Grab the “Jalapeno Margarita” and then grab two more. You can thank me whenever.

The Rundown

Bar Type - A very new, very fitting craft beer bar meets gastropub

When to Visit – As of our first visit there weren’t any televisions in sight. That doesn’t mean they aren’t coming, but the place is very new so if you’re heading in for game night, I’d advise that you call first. Or at least check their website. Otherwise day or night, weekend or weeknight- it’s all appropriate.

Value - You can score cans at Cooper’s for $5-$6, bottles for $7-$8 and freshly poured drafts for $7 and up. It’s not $1 pitcher night at your local spot in your old hometown, but this is New York and for the diversity in beer selection, it’s right on par with everywhere else nearby.

The Lowdown – Craft beer bars have been popping up in epic fashion, but very few of them manage to get all of the signature characteristics down pat. There’s a reason that the Cooper’s team waited so long to open a second location and now that they’ve perfected their business model, both the east and west side can now reap the benefits. Stop by the Chelsea location for a bite to eat and your first few rounds of beers. Fair warning: you may not want to leave.

Gowanus Yacht Club
323 Smith Street at President Street, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn
718-246-1321
Getting There: F,G to Carroll Street

No seriously, you need to “Drink Here Now.” The outdoor only space at Carroll Gardens’ Gowanus Yacht Club shuts down for the year from November to April- and with good reason. It’s outdoors only. But in October’s waning days, the bar is one worth seeking out for a multitude of reasons- namely, there aren’t many places like it in New York City.

The setting which sits directly across the street from the F and G trains makes getting to the burgeoning Carroll Gardens infinitely easy for patrons coming from Queens or Manhattan and the explosion of new bars and restaurants nearby offers up even more reasons for making the trek out. That said, throw on a sweater or a shawl and grab a seat at any of the spaces communal picnic tables where the patio layout is candidly more ideal for August weather. But as the temperature dips, we’re always longing for reasons to be outside and to retain some level of comfort in doing so and where there may be a dearth of heat lamps, the space has plenty of character.

 

A huge white awning sits over the top of the Yacht Club’s furthest side, covering up the small bar and grill space where the basic frankfurters, burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches are served out affordably. The space, notably isn’t much to look at- some beer signs and buoys and strangely, a Chicago city flag are the only decor- but the fact that it feels both thrown together and intimately ‘Brooklyn’ only add to the Yacht Club’s charm. The name itself is probably a bit misleading in that you’d likely anticipate the bar sitting atop a massive white boat instead of an adjacent bagel store’s patio, but hey- how can you argue with a cozy beer garden that yearns for warmer weather as we dip into the depths of winter? Head on over and enjoy what’s left of the beer!  The $4 Hofbrau that I slugged down was well worth it.

The Rundown

Bar Type - A very simplistic, bare bones outdoor beer garden.

When to Visit – Didn’t you read what I said above? Anytime before the place’s November 1st close. Your best bet is to stop in after work one night. There’s plenty of surrounding spots for you to check out and the twenty-thirty minute ride from Manhattan is easy-peasy.

Value - The Gowanus Yacht Club is serving whatever beer they have left and as such, you can get a slew of craft pours and cans between $4-$6 a pop. But the visit is more about the end of season experience rather than the cheap beers being offered.

The Lowdown – Looking for a family friendly spot where you can bring a baby and not worry about things getting out of hand? No problem. Looking to enjoy the crisp autumn weather with a few beers and some friends in coats? No problem. Looking for a place to simply kick back and relax casually? No problem. You won’t get cocktails or a three course prix-fixed meal here- and that’s just fine by us. Looking forward to throwing on my San Jose Sharks Starter jacket and heading out to Carroll Gardens this weekend. And I hope you’ll join me there, while the weather still permits.

District Tap House
246 West 38th Street, Midtown West
212-221-1822
Getting There: 1,2,3,A,C,E to 34th Street-Penn Station
http://www.districttaphouse.com

For years the dearth of relevant bars around commuter hubs like Penn Station and the Port Authority Bus Terminal had plagued the Midtown West area with uninspired watering holes- places usually visited out of circumstance than out of desire. Fortunately newly opened area bars have breathed some new life into the otherwise tired area and leading the pack is the District Tap House, a January opening that’s made the neighborhood a destination worth frequenting for its inventive menu, compelling beer list and some seasonal cocktails that would make far more pretentious joints of that ilk entirely jealous.

District Tap House is a restaurant and bar split into two distinctive components. Just inside the spacious setting’s front doors lies the confines of a modernized American gastropub, outlined with rich dark colored wood, exposed brick and eye catching orbs that dangle down from the place’s ceiling to shine a bit of light on the room. Plenty of light also meanders in from the windows looking out toward 38th Street coupled with the glare reflecting from the big screens hanging above the bar to light up the casual and comfortable bar setting. The back of the space is what makes the Tap House really intriguing though. Earmarked as The Vig, the place’s second component acts as a fully functioning, if not stand-alone cocktail bar. Traditionally authentic with a progressive cocktail program, the smallish area is both intimate and interesting where a variety of seasonally inspired drinks like the “Fall Old Fashioned” ($12) with a sprehical green apple and ginger ice cube and the mint-forward “Midtown 75″ ($12) while reasonably priced, are just delicious.

Where District Tap House really exceeds though is their expansive menu. With fifty different beers on tap alongside another ninety in bottles and cans, the bar is perhaps the most diverse to open in New York City in some time. Though having a selection is certainly great, beer lovers should be up for the challenge of parsing down their decisions to just a few- from Ommegang to Lindemans, Blue Point to Anchor Steam, Goose Island to Duvel…you get the picture. There are a ton of beers here. Even more impressive? Craft cocktails. Consistency breeds return business and nothing is worse than a watered down, overpriced drinks. Well $11 gets you your choice of a “District Julip” or a “District Mule”- refreshingly tasty, filled with booze, and kind on the wallet- all without having to wait more than a few moments for them to be poured from a tap. And don’t even get us started on the list of spirits from Rum to Rye which takes up a full page of legal sized paper in size 8 font!

The food menu here is eclectic and meshes ideally into the bar’s fabric. While slugging down pours of craft beer, you’ll want to pick at some of the American style tapas fare like the sweet and salty “Bacon Wrapped Dates” ($4) or the “Shrimp & Chorizo Skewers” ($11), served with fresh avocado and cilantro. Heartier fare like “Baby Back Ribs” ($12) and “PEI Mussels” ($14) are also available- alongside an uber-affordable $12 “District Burger” should the mood strike you. But nothing here exceeds $17- an important piece of the puzzle since it’s become a challenge to be wined and dined near Madison Square Garden on any sort of budget- and the array of dishes are surely suitable for even the most finicky of eaters.

The Rundown

Bar Type - A versatile one. Sports bar. Beer bar. Cocktail bar. Tapas bar. Sign us up.

When to Visit – District Tap House suits itself to a variety of different drinkers, but Happy Hour is a can’t miss time to stop in. There’s the after work bustle mixed with the utter relief of winding down after a long day with a vast selection of beers and cocktails literally at your finger tips.

Value - With cocktails competitively priced (and exceedingly delicious) at just $11 or $12, you’ll slug down (or sip on) a few before you realize what hit you. The craft beers are priced just as you’d expect, but the Tap House doesn’t gorge you for a $10 beer that isn’t worthwhile so the choice to drop $6 on a Bud Light or $4 on a can of PBR is up to you.

The Lowdown – Man has the city been needing a place like this. That’s the only sentiment that came to mind as I sipped and slurped my way through some of the cocktails and dishes at the District Tap House. The Garment District is hardly known for its nightlife, but the barren streets seem to shine a little bit brighter now based on the quality of the newly opened bar/restaurant. Reasonably priced and casual, diverse and eclectic, fun and casual- the place is certainly a boon to an area that’s been in dire need of one. We’re just glad that we found it- and my advice is that you ‘drink here now.’

American Whiskey
247 West 30th Street near Eighth Avenue, Midtown West
212-967-1070
Getting There: 1,2,3,A,C,E to 34th Street-Penn Station
http://www.americanwhiskeynyc.com

There’s a lot to like about American Whiskey. The fact that it’s a noteworthy and worthwhile bar in the vicinity of Madison Square Garden is a big plus. The fact that it’s a more upscale take on a traditional sports bar is another. And the place’s adherence to a nice variety of brown colored spirits makes the bar especially worth frequenting.

The American Whiskey moniker doesn’t really do the bar sufficient justice because in name, the place sounds like your run-of-the-mill dive with an old pool table and an old crabby bartender. But the Midtown West haunt is instead a modernized multi-level space with a cavalcade of friendly and attractive servers and a staff that goes out of their way for their guests. The bar itself is decorated by a plethora of big screens and an ornate candelabra which hangs overhead, giving light to the mostly wooden space. Mounted animal heads hang on the opposite wall which, in conjunction with their whiskey selection, makes American Whiskey a bar that allows a man to feel like a man. The bar has a definitive Southern woodsiness to it that screams with rah-rah Americana charm.

As I arrive, the second floor space is charmingly crowded for a private affair, but the first floor is nicely buzzing with the staff whizzing around from table to table doling out some of the 150 varieties of domestic whiskey housed on site from rye to bourbon and everything in between. The place’s Jim Beam infused “Brown Derby” is an especially excellent cocktail, prepared with some subtly sweet honey and grapefruit juice but other selections like their Four Roses based “Giggle Water” and the vodka based “Peach Cobbler” are equally satisfying.

Though the food at American Whiskey isn’t cheap (sliders run $4 each), there’s a nice selection to pick on while slurping down some draught beers or hitting on that girl at the bar- though you may want to put down that “Fried Jumbo Shrimp” before making your approach. And perhaps surprisingly, the place is constantly filled by good looking folks (whether or not they’re actually looking to be approached probably depends on you). The downstairs “Barrel” also plays host to more private affairs but the festive vibe on Whiskey’s main floor is good enough for us. It’s 2013 arrival in this space, with a dearth of equally memorable bars nearby, has been nothing short of welcomed.

The Rundown

Bar Type - A modern, upscale sports bar with a setup and whiskey list fit for a man’s man.

When to Visit – Anytime you find yourself in the neighborhood. Be it for a workplace Happy Hour or a sports game, there’s plenty of reason to drop into American Whiskey. Though, be advised there aren’t a slew of surrounding bars from which to hop. So come in for one, and stick around for five.

Value - Their Happy Hours roll until 8pm nightly and during my Thursday stop, domestic draughts at $4, craft specials for $5, wines for $6 and cocktails at $8 successfully marked off my four check boxes in short order.

The Lowdown – Finally. A place near the Garden that’s not sterile. American Whiskey is a nicely sized space that makes use of its name and its setup. Not a whiskey drinker? No problem. The place has a craft beer rotation and a wide selection of bottles along with the requisite fully stocked bar and an above average array of diverse eats. That the staff here is this good though really puts American Whiskey into the next stratosphere. Drop by before or after a trip to Madison Square Garden or after work one night with a few buds. The place is can’t miss, especially in light of the surrounding neighborhood.

Double Wide
505 E. 12th Street near Avenue A, East Village
917-261-6461
Getting There: 4,5,6,L,N,Q,R to 14th Street-Union Square
http://www.doublewidebar.com

In exploring some downtown area bars after dinner on a recent night I came upon Double Wide purely by happenstance. The allure of the trailer based moniker, opposite pointing white arrows and the promise of $5 well drinks all night was too much to pass up at the Southern-inspired bar, which had surprisingly been open for a few years prior. Gimmicked to be a special sort of dive, my party and I ‘triple-lindied’ our way inside and grabbed a bar seat at the bourbon based neighborhood spot.

Double Wide is an undeniably charming place- not that you’d drop in for fancy cocktails or anything- but thematically the bar is designed to be a dive, without necessarily being such if that makes sense. Exposed brick walls serve to showcase the ample rows of different liquors stocked up behind the bar, where friendly bartenders are slinging $3 “Moonshines,” Margaritas and nearly a dozen rotating taps. Meanwhile the adjacent lounge room opens up to a collection of different tables and a dartboard, projection screen and other beer related knick-knacks on the wall that make for eye catching commentary. And we didn’t visit the patio on the particularly quiet night we dropped by, but from all accounts, it’s just another fine addition to an already strong area bar.

Double Wide’s Southern brunch is also a big winner at the East Village haunt where entrees like their “Fried Chicken & Waffle” topped with cinnamon sour cream and their “Tex-Mex Grits” are especially authentic. But for a glance at what the place does best, dig into their “Short Rib Frito Pie” made with slow-cooked chili or their “Deviled Eggs,” a creamy and delicious take on the traditional dish. Couple these dishes with a “Michelada” or a “Sweet Tea Vodka Lemonade” made with ginger beer and you may as well spot the dew dropping from the honeysuckle from the old rocking chair on your Texas porch. You get the point- the place is very cool and very Southern- even with The Bachelor on TV during our visit.

The Rundown

Bar Type - Designed to be a friendly neighborhood dive bar with a Southern twang.

When to Visit – Double Wide’s brunch is definitely worth checking out- but for our money, a weeknight trip for Happy Hour is the time to duck in. There’s plenty of beer and wine to appease any drinker at the casual haunt and enough bourbon to curl the hairs on your nose.

Value - Whether it’s $3 Moonshine you’re after or $5 well drinks, you’re likely to find plenty of specials at Double Wide every night. Happy Hour lasts until 8pm and fortunately we enjoyed $3 Tecates, $4 craft brews and a single $5 Margarita during our stay.

The Lowdown – It was particularly shocking to find a trailer park bar that I haven’t visited- which probably made my first foray to Double Wide such a good experience. The place is nothing much from the outside, and that’s exactly what we love about bars of this ilk. But inside there’s plenty of character despite its short history and is going to be an immediate addition to our East Village spots when we’re looking to casually wind down in the area.