A walk down the handful of stairs leading into the basement bar and lounge space called The Honeywell is a passage back in time, one into a 1970’s inspired West Harlem atmosphere replete with dated lighting, tacky ambiance and all of the charm and accoutrements that would make this now distinct sort of place so very memorable in 2018.  Much in the same fashion that Williamsburg’s Rockarolla has made the art of the old-fashioned New York City dive bar such a fun destination, The Honeywell is equally as pleasurable, despite being (gulp!) more refined.  Of course, the requisite décor is not without its standouts- particularly a small but eye-catching Billy Dee Williams Colt 45 advertisement stationed beside the flashing static emanating from a reception-less television, undoubtedly powered on for the sole purpose of conversation’s sake.

Seemingly plucked straight out of a scene from a Richard Roundtree film (see: Shaft), the dimly lit and sleek bar/lounge space is an excellent one.  Outfitted with a brown leather and gold-colored interior along with some plush green leather chairs, the long spacious bar and high top tables are completely filled on the night we arrive, with guests served by a talented bar staff that showcases the necessity of a chemistry background in their mixology.  Donning ample hats and facial hair, the hipster vibe stops there – as the friendly servers whip together a truly complete cocktail program using every conceivable element from liquid nitrogen to a literal blowtorch in concocting drinks that mesh fresh, tasty ingredients and some performance pizzazz.  Blaring in the background – you guessed it – everything from the era that you might expect to hear in a bar such as this one.  David Bowie (‘Life on Mars’), ELO (‘Evil Woman’) and Hall and Oates (‘She’s Gone’) were of particular note while we slurped down one delicious cocktail after the next.

Candidly, one could be blindfolded and point to anything listed on the extensive cocktail menu of ‘Signature’ drinks and find something to be utterly satisfying.  Priced from $13-$16, we swooned over “The Bush” ($16) a lip-smacking bevy of gin, egg whites, raspberries and lemon and the tequila-led “Vivi Con Fuego” ($14) replete with mezcal, sage, cucumber and a hint of rosemary syrup – that is served, quite literally, on fire.  Even the “Strong Ice Cream Float” ($18) where ‘strong’ is an understatement– a massive serving of homemade vanilla ice cream paired with Buffalo Trace Whiskey, Bailey’s, Curacao and Coca-Cola- though huge, packed a wallop of flavor in its overall decadence.

Getting a bit wobbly-eyed from such deliciousness, some of the snack-related menu fare became essential.   Though you might not find any traditional main course dishes at The Honeywell, the litany of ‘Bites’ and ‘Balls on Balls on Balls’ more than aligns with the place’s vibe.   The “Chicken Apple Sliders” ($12) for instance, topped with a rich layer of gruyere cheese, tart granny smith apple slices and a touch of creamy adobo aioli, were particularly satiating.  Similarly savory, the “Thyme Baked Wings” ($9) dished with a side of chipotle ranch were juicy, meaty, and delightfully sauce-covered, pairing perfectly with the starchy side of baked “Polenta Fries” ($9).  In a bit of a surprise, the “Shrimp Cocktail Ceviche” ($14) may have been the evening’s finest dish.  Pairing tequila and cilantro and avocado and cucumber and onion and clamato sauce together made for a mouthwatering base for the bulbous hunks of shrimp laid out before us.  But after two or three of these potent drinks, the festive atmosphere, fun team of mixologists and an energetic playlist will manage to make even the harshest critic a believer that in retrospect, the 70’s weren’t so bad.  And neither is the worthwhile trek up to West Harlem for a place as unique as this one.

Insider Tip: Take advantage of the season now by ordering up an outstanding “Hot Toddy” while it’s still featured on the menu.  Better yet, the monthly Drag Brunch amplifies the fun to unparalleled heights – with the next one slated for this coming Saturday.  Information is available here.

Flatiron Hall
38 West 26th Street near 6th Avenue, New York, NY
646-790-3200
Getting There: 1,M,F,PATH to 23rd Street
http://www.flatironhall.com

Make no mistake about it- 2013 in the New York bar scene is all about the openings of spacious beer halls and biergartens all over town. Following the ribbon cutting of the wildly successful Houston Hall downtown comes its sister in the sprawling space of the Flatiron District’s NoMad, creatively titled Flatiron Hall. The 7,500 square foot, bi-level space combines elements fitting of an old-world new york with a modernized take on a beer-lovers paradise. And they’ve got as interesting a menu to pair with those beers as any recent opening in Manhattan.

The old doors to Flatiron Hall open wide to a long L-shaped bar adjacent to a more upscale version of big group seating than you’re probably used to seeing, equipped with high top stools. The walls meanwhile are adorned in green paneling from top to bottom, pleasantly matching the dark brown tables and chairs, which sit atop the refurbished wooden floors. Overhead medieval like chandeliers illuminate much of the restaurant’s main floor, which feature just enough hi-definition televisions to also have Flatiron Hall double as an oversized sports bar. That said, there’s also plenty of room in the back of the space for more intimate (and probably less rowdy) dining or to catch up quietly over one of twelve exclusive draught beers to the bar. Downstairs, the space is even more ideal for bigger or private parties with a bar that looks to have been left in-tact from a New York of decades earlier.

You might not find too many ten cent wing nights or dollar draught specials at Flatiron Hall, but really, what gigantic beer haunt offers that anyway? What you will find here though is an array of food that sounds just right to be washed down with a frothy pint of suds. Appetizers like “Sashimi Tacos” ($14), “Chicken Tikka Masala Wontons” ($8.50), and “Pastrami Reuben Spring Rolls” ($10- pastrami from Carnegie Deli), the bar’s own Pat LaFrieda blend of dry aged beef in their selection of burgers ($12.95 – $16.50), and main courses that run the gamut from “Traditional Fish & Chips” ($17.50) to “Bacon & Chicken Mac N’ Cheese” ($16) are just some of the innovative menu items that raise Flatiron Hall from bar/restaurant to restaurant that also serves beer. And if these comfort food options sound a little too rich, rest assured- there are also sandwiches and salads galore for you to choose from. Long gone are the simple days where a biergarten serves up a sausage and pretzel with mustard. Well maybe not long gone, but there’s so much more than that at Flatiron Hall, and that’s just fine by us.

The Rundown

Bar Type - A super-sized bar that can host big parties or be your neighborhood sports bar. But in reality, it’s a huge beer hall.

When to Visit – The place is newly opened so when word officially gets out, expect it to be as packed as its sister Houston Hall. It may even be before you finish reading this sentence. Quieter times rest ahead on the weekend days, but after work is when you should shoot to head over.

Value – It’s a new beer hall that needs to pay rent in Manhattan. Lets be real. The value here lies in checking the place out for the first time.

The Lowdown - With new spaces opening virtually every day, Flatiron Hall combines enough elements of good, delicious and exclusive beers with a bevy of menu options that are truly indicative of the vibe that the space is trying to create. You can clunk together big liters of beer here screaming “Hopa!” or you can taste some of their food in the dining area in back. However you decide to experience Flatiron Hall, make sure that you experience it somehow.

Stillwater Bar & Grill   
78-80 E 4th St, East Village, Manhattan
212-253-2237
Getting There: 4, 6 to Bleecker Street

Saturday’s are holy to the, “Drink Here Now” crew. We shake off the work week and duck into our favorite pubs. On a recent Saturday afternoon we were bouncing around the East Village trying to hit some spots that we hadn’t gone to before or simply don’t remember for obvious reasons. Enter, “Stillwater Bar & Grill” a side street, neighborhood friendly sports bar that would be our home for hours on this particular weekend day.

It was in the late afternoon when we walked through the door and into the bustling pub. Our crew was instantly met by a spunky waitress who quickly showed us to one of their high top tables. As we looked around we spotted hockey and basketball plastered all over their collection of huge HDTV flat screens. Needless to say Stillwater is all about the celebration of all things sports, and we love that. A few moments after drinking this all in it was time to do some actual drinking. That same waitress quickly returned to our table to take our order. We opted for cans of Pabsts Blue Ribbon which ran us around $3, making that our choice brew of the day. As we polished off a few, “PBer’s” it was time to eat. Our spitfire of a waitress came over and told us that their hot wings were the only way to go. Since we aren’t ones to ever question wings we placed the order. When they arrived we knew we had made the right choice. Each wing was super saucy, spicy, crispy and most importantly delicious. They rank up there with some of the best in the city.

After a few more beers and a pile of wet naps for our wing fingers it was time to hear some tunes. Stillwater has a jukebox that literally has everything. As rock n’ roll enthusiasts we were thrilled to see the juke loaded with the likes of, “The Offspring”, “Volbeat”, “Dropkick Murphy’s” and of course, “The Rolling Stones!” The bar is big enough to rock out without bothering anyone who is watching a game, which was quite important on this day. We’re not sure if the bar is named after the band from the movie, “Almost Famous,” But, after one visit to Stillwater we totally have the, “Fever Dog” for this bar.

Bar Type – Spacious East Village sports bar with a laid back divey feel.

When to Visit – Saturday afternoon’s or whenever a game is on is when Stillwater truly comes alive.

Value – Super cheap cans of PBR and regular Happy Hour’s will keep your wallet loaded with green while the rest of you is happily buzzed.

The Lowdown – There are tons of sports bars in the City and many of them are in the East Village. But, Stillwater has cracked the code in keeping an extremely chill atmosphere amongst all the rowdy activity that goes down on game day. If that’s not enough for you the killer hot wings and jukebox will keep you coming back.

Mullanes Bar & Grill 
71 Lafayette Avenue, Fort Greene, Brooklyn
718-797-7606
Getting There: A, C to Lafayette Avenue

The “Drink Here Now” crew loves to spend an entire weekend afternoon at a solid bar watching the game. It doesn’t matter which game, because when a bar is laid back and fun everyone wins. On a recent Saturday, the crew and I headed to one of Brooklyn’s most historic and currently up and coming neighborhoods, Fort Greene- home to the dynamic Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Barclays Center, and the neighborhood where director Spike Lee houses his office. On this day however, we wanted to intake our culture from a pint glass. Luckily for us the corner of Lafayette Avenue houses one of the most fun and chilled out sports bars in the area. It’s Mullanes Bar & Grill, a no nonsense watering hole where everyone is welcome to soak in the spirits and forget about the day’s troubles.

The second we walked inside we knew we had made the right choice. The bar was completely packed but in the best possible way. The roar of the crowd enjoying afternoon baseball and golf sent us right into the thick of it and up to the bar. The great thing about Mullanes is that they staff more than one bartender at a time, which helps move ordering along in a super efficient way. On this Saturday we decided to keep it super simple and ordered bottles of Budweiser and Bud Light all pricing out roughly around $5 dollars. As we kicked back and enjoyed our beers we noticed people talking about a concert going down nearby at the aforementioned arena. They had chosen Mullanes as their pre-game spot for drinking, thus putting another positive point in the bar’s “Drink Here Now” tally. Weekends are extremely lively at Mullanes but during the week the party goes on with some extremely good values. If you head to the bar Monday through Friday from 4pm to 7pm they have a free buffet to fill you up while you guzzle down $5 house wines and $2 well drinks and tap beer.

Since the weather was nearing summer temperatures Mullanes’ patio and sidewalk cafe have now both opened. In our opinion there is nothing better than sitting outside of a bar to drink and people watch and you won’t find a cooler street on which to do it. As the hours rolled on the crowd increased, and so did the fun. Sure there were a couple characters who may have been hanging around the bar a tad too long but that did nothing to hamper the great time we had that afternoon. The next time we visit we plan to try the many food selections on their grill menu. We hear the wings and the nachos are supposed to be other levels good. The “Drink Here Now” crew raises a pint high in the sky to the fine work the folks at Mullanes are doing to keep the sports bar alive and well.

Bar Type – Classic sports bar located on one of the best cross streets in Fort Greene. Sports nuts, families and those who are pre-gaming before at show at BAM or the Barclays Center are all welcome to come in and have a pint.

When to Visit – Since Mullanes is geared towards sports, all big games are a reason to visit. Our stop in took place on a late Saturday afternoon and the place was pleasantly packed.

Value – Most beers will run on average between $5 and $6 dollars which is totally acceptable. If you head to the bar Monday through Friday from 4pm to 7pm they have a free buffet!

The Lowdown – Between the historic and constantly growing neighborhood of Fort Greene and the spacious laid back attitude, Mullanes has a lot going for it. A place like this would be a huge hit in Manhattan but one bustling corner in Brooklyn, U.S.A. is truly it’s home.

Proletariat
102 St Marks Pl, East Village, Manhattan
212-777-6707
Getting There: 6 to Astor Place

When it comes to serving our seemingly never ending craft beer appetite, it’s important to have a discerning mindset as to which bars pour your pint. That is why the “Drink Here Now” crew does our beer homework friends. This week we take you back to the East Village and inside a bar the size of an airstream diner, but packs in a ton of much deserved buzz. It’s Proletariat, a microbrew safe haven for those seeking rare and new suds served up by knowledgeable bartenders.

We made our way inside on a weekday and the thick evening crowd was already starting to load into the small warm space. As soon as we sat down we were pleasantly greeted by Led Zeppelin blaring over the speakers, (quite fitting since Proletariat is located mere steps away from the building used for Zepp’s “Physical Graffiti” album cover) and a friendly bartender, who quickly came over to take our order.

After a few minutes of chatting we went for drafts of Carton Brewery’s “Gorp” ($8) and Flying Dog’s “Woody Creek Wit” ($7). The “Gorp” showed off the Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey brewery’s eye for dark ales loaded with notes of raisins and peanuts. The “Woody Creek Wit” is a more sour and lighter beer that is perfect for any time of year, especially during this cold start to Spring. Proletariat’s beer menu is constantly changing, taking patrons on a tour through how ales should actually taste. Most pints will run you between 7-9 dollars on average. While that may not be cheap, as you sip you’ll see where that extra money went. Every day the popularity of Proletariat grows, deservedly so. And knowing the space is relatively small we highly advise all the suds lovers get there early, hold down some real estate and strap in for a drinking experience you won’t soon forget. Unless you black out.

Bar Type – A tiny, yet warm craft beer outpost located in the heart of the East Village. You may forget that you are a block away from the craziness that does down on Avenue A.

When to Visit – We urge you to visit during all points of the week. But just remember this small space will fill up as soon as the doors are unlocked daily.

Value – Cheap beer lovers will have to adapt to Proletariat’s prices. Sure, pints and bottles will cost you a few more bucks each but once you start gulping it down you’ll be happy to shell out the cash.

The Lowdown – 2013 has brought with it a ton of great new beer bars in each of the boroughs so you really do have your pick of the litter. But we highly urge you to take the “Drink Here Now” crew’s advice and put down your credit card and let the bartender take you on a beer flight like none other.

The Brooklyneer
220 West Houston Street near Varick Street, West Village, Manhattan
646-692-4911
Getting There: 1 to Houston Street

The “Drink Here Now” crew was on a bit of a bar crawl on a recent Saturday. Therefore this week’s entry into my critiqued tour of NYC’s best watering holes places us directly next to Houston Hall from last week’s edition. It’s rare that a Manhattan bar would ever choose to import the culture outside of its own borough and create a bar out of it. But with The Brooklyneer, it seems New York City is now breaking out of this mold. With parkas fully zipped we headed a mere ten feet down the road and headed inside one of the hippest bars this side of Houston Street.

At the time of our visit it was mid-afternoon and the dimly lit bar was nearly packed with those enjoying a late brunch or gathered with groups of friends for some weekend reveling. A few families and twenty-somethings filled the tables which line the space’s perimeter. Having eaten earlier, we opted to sit at the bar and order a few specialty drinks. The bar space had a very rustic feel to it, and is much longer than the space would indicate, running almost the entire length of the walkway immediately upon enterting. We opted to sit on the service side of the bar to get a full feel of the space. Ornate wallpaper and art fills the extremely warm place, thus making it a perfect winter respite or cool summer shady getaway. After taking in the surroundings we motioned to the bartender who appeared to have been plucked directly from Williamsburg’s best pubs and dropped in the middle of the West Village.

Since we weren’t in any hurry, we took our time to get settled in and enjoy the cozy surroundings as we went over the menu. And because of The Brooklyneer’s generally laid back vibe, I went for a classic Manhattan made with a bourbon chosen at the bartenders discretion. It was both quite boozy and sweet, a perfect match if I do say so myself. Instead of a typical stirrer stick, a paper straw was added for mixing giving the drink a truly classic feel. As a group we indulged in our new favorite drink- “Pickle Back Shot.” To those of you not in the know, a pickle back involves taking a shot of house whiskey or Jameson followed by a shot of pickle juice. It may sound gross to some, but the sourness of any pickle juice will make any brown liquor shot go down with ease. Since The Brooklyneer is one to not cut corners, their pickle juice appears to come from a local artisan variety. Even though we barely scratched the surface on their vast drink menu, and didn’t even try a bite of the food we know that our imbibing crew will be making another visit to Manhattan’s take on NYC’s most popular borough.

Bar Type – Laid back mixology based cocktail and craft beer bar touting itself as a Brooklyn import to Manhattan.

When to Visit – Saturday in the afternoon they are smack in the middle of their brunch rush and the place is nicely busy. The bartenders are less busy at this time and more apt to spend time with your group to go over the menu. But we’ve also been there on a weekend night, and it’s equally as energetic.

Value – You won’t find cheap brews or well drinks here, especially during our visit. When you visit The Brooklyneer you are paying for the scene and that is fine by us when we are in the mood. 

The Lowdown – Sure, you’re not really in a Brooklyn bar but this newcomer to the local cattle call of bars is giving other mixology based, craft beer-centric establishments a run for their  money with an outstanding selection of cocktails. 

- Alex Corrine

Mulligan’s Pub
267 Madison Ave, between 39th St & 40th St., Midtown, Manhattan
212-286-0207
Getting There: 4,5,6 to Grand Central
http://www.mulligansnyc.com/

The after work, or Happy Hour bar is something sacred to the workforce of NYC. It is a place where we collect with co-workers to shake off the stress of the work day, or celebrate the end of the week. Midtown Manhattan is loaded with such spots, many of which are nondescript and seriously not worth your time and money. Dig a little deeper and you’ll find a joint that has been holding down roots in this part of town for over thirty years, providing customers an honest place to drink with no frills. It’s, “Mulligan’s Pub” the home of a Guinness pints, Shepherds pies, and most importantly and escape from the crowded streets just past their doors.

I may have not realized it, but working several jobs in the past in Midtown must have placed me inside, “Mulligan’s” at least once previously. The location, which is right between Grand Central Station and Madison Avenue demands that folks head here for an after work drinking session. Our trip placed us inside the walls of the pub as old as me, on a Saturday afternoon. It had to be right around 4 p.m.  and nearly all the bar stools were taken by patrons. Luckily, we were able to grab two, “Norm seats” (Far end of the bar where Norm sat on the hit TV show, “Cheers”). Once we were settled, I looked around the space to pick out the regulars from the tourists and of course those like us who just wanted a few beers. We literally couldn’t spot any aging drunks, or consistent barflies, making, “Mulligan’s” a sort of transient spot for those just passing few for any number of reasons. After checking out the clientele, we checked out the overall look of the joint. First off, the pub is quite dark inside which I feel it has always been. Lights are kept at a dim, extremely mellow level. The actually bar matches many of it’s ilk. It’s extremely long wooden space, where the bartender is primed to serve droves of customers all at once. In the back tables are place throughout for waiter service. 

Since it was busy the bartender took a little while to get to us, but it wasn’t a problem at all. Once we started ordering beers and wines she kept an eye on us, returning promptly when our glasses or bottle appeared empty. The beer and spirit prices aren’t old school like the pub itself, but still affordable keeping us hanging around for a few rounds. As we drank, music was played mostly of current pop variety. The tunes appeared to be pumped into the room as opposed to an Ipod behind the bar or a customer driven jukebox. The songs were fine to drink to, and at an appropriate volume as to not drown out conversation. During our visit we did not order any food since we were just dropping in. Next time we come in we will definitely try some of their Irish food standards such as, “Shepherds Pie” ($13.25) and the “Traditional Corned Beef” ($13.25). Be it waiting for a train, or kicking back with your office mates, “Mulligan’s Pub” is an honest and relaxing way to imbibe that sweet sauce we New Yorker’s just can’t get enough of!

Bar Type – Old school Midtown Manhattan Irish pub who isn’t trying to change with the times. And that’s a good thing!

When to Visit – Mulligan’s is situated between Grand Central Station and one of the busiest workforce areas in the city. This makes the pub a perfect spot for Happy Hour drinking before grabbing a train home. Our trip to the pub took place on a Saturday afternoon and the place was still packed. So in the end it’s really up to you.

Value – In Midtown you would expect to pay slightly higher then normal prices for alcohol and food. Luckily, Mulligan’s keeps the prices affordable to keep customers happy and returning for future visits.

The Lowdown – If you want to experience one of the last of the old school Manhattan Irish pub then you have to take a pause and head inside Mulligan’s. For over thirty years they have been preserving the New York City of old both with the pubs decor and attitude. We’re not saying that every time you step inside it’s going to be a raging party. But, for a few rounds you can take a break from modern city life.

- Alex Corrine

Since Hurricane Sandy all but crippled New York City’s five boroughs, outstanding relief efforts from everyday citizens have worked tirelessly to bring our majestic city back to it’s feet. Seeing this first hand has been both beautiful and downright humbling. From digging out the decimated Staten Island to serving hot meals to Brighton Beach residents from popular food trucks, people are seriously helping their fellow man and woman. Benefits and fundraisers have also popped up around town in a major way, allowing bars and music venues a chance to raise funds to donate for relief efforts. On Sunday night popular Greenpoint bar, “The Diamond” presented an extremely fun and tasty way to raise these necessary monies. This delicious relief effort came in the form of a Chili Cook Off where eight home cooks were able to do battle against each cause in an immensely enjoyable, yet spicy way. The LocalBozo crew took the G train to sample all the hearty chili’s!

The $12 ticket fee for chili tasting was completely donated to the, “Occupy Sandy Relief” effort. This donation fed not only the hearts of the packed house, but everyone’s stomach in a major way! Tickets allowed guests to sample eight chili’s (vote on their favorite) and receive one pint of the very rare “Hofstetten Hochzeitsbier” beer, served from a wooden barrel. Bands would also be rocking the basement as well, making this a stacked Sunday night in Brooklyn. Before kicking off my personal chili tasting flight, I grabbed my pint of the rare barrel served brew. The, “Hofstetten” had the character of a delicious fall style ale, making it perfect for the mid-November evening.

Once our bellies were primed with fantastic brews, it was official chili tasting time. And even though the chili stations were labeled, 1-8 we felt like bouncing around between the crock pots instead of tasting them in order. Our first stop was at table 2, featuring a team led by Will Stark and his fellow Texas brethren. The chili was called, “Uncle Creech’s Last Words” named after Stark’s uncle who gave him, the recipe before passing away. And for the first chili tasting of the evening, it was also the most complex. Will informed me that they overloaded the chili with choice meats from the renowned, “Ottomanelli & Sons Meat Market” of the West Village. If that wasn’t cool enough these guys challenged taste buds with ingredients such as: red plumbs, chocolate, and Black Session I.P.A. If that wasn’t enough they also used a ton of spices that both provided solid heat and a ton of flavor. Directly next to this Texan treat sat Dave of The Diamond bar’s chili (Table 1). Not only was Dave running the event, pouring the rare beer, but he was also doling out terrific samples of his well refined chili. This chili could easily be described as the hearty comfort food variety you would want to eat on a snowy day! Dave garnished each sample with sharp cheese and a round crouton.

After a much deserved beer break it was time to move on to more sampling! The gentleman who manned table 6 provided one of the spiciest chili’s of the evening. I guess I should have put this together from his somewhat serious demeanor that something was afoot. Upon tasting, I received a jolt of heat yielding instant hiccups. The cook off contestant informed me he overloaded the dish with Mexican red chilies, which explains the spice explosion. Beyond the heat was a truckload of hearty meat flavor. Some notable mentions would have to be, “Table 4′s” chicken based chili garnished with a heaping amount of cilantro and, “Table 5′s” use of duck!

When the final crock pot was rendered empty it was time to count the votes. Dave from The Diamond took to the front of the bar to announce the chili from, “Table 2″ had won head and shoulders above the rest.  Their Texas roots paired with a keen eye for flavor made their win make total sense. But in the end the true winner was the, “Occupy Sandy Relief” effort. At the time of the cook off winner announcement it was stated that event had brought in over a thousand dollars and counting. These types of fundraisers are exactly what makes our city such a special, and closely knit place. On a Sunday night we came together in a cool way while giving back to those who seriously need it most.

- Jay Rubin

Nancy Whiskey Pub
1 Lispenard Street On the corner of Lispenard, 6th Avenue, and West Broadway, Tribeca, Manhattan
212-226-9943
Getting There: A,C,E to Canal Street
http://nancywhiskeypub.com

I believe it was a little over four years ago that I stepped inside the walls of “Nancy Whiskey Pub” for the first time. My crew and I had just rocked out to the 80s comedic hair band stylings of “Steel Panther” next door at the Canal Room and wanted a laid back place to drink and continue the party. I’ll just speak for myself here when I tell you that in no uncertain terms- I was in the bag. Of what I remember, the “Whiskey Pub” was alive that night with rowdy groups celebrating with big laughs, awesome bartenders, cheap booze, and for my table, a gigantic sampler platter containing only the finest in fried foods. And even though this memory remains a bit foggy today, I knew a good time was had. Luckily when it comes to bars, second chances are right around the corner. I recently revisited the Tribeca dive, and am happy to report it was equally as fun and somehow even better than I remember.

This second outing took place on a Thursday during the late afternoon hours. This just so happened to be smack in the middle of the bar’s extremely generous Happy Hour where Monday – Thursday from 4-7pm patrons can enjoy $2.50 bottles or drafts of Budweiser and Bud Light. Moreover, pitchers of both were just $10 until closing. With our cheap brews in hand we grabbed seats at the tables that surround the bar. “Nancy” is filled with regulars who sit up at the bar, “Cheers” style. Sure, they hold down prime bar space, but they are still some of the friendliest and funniest bar patrons we’ve had to pleasure to booze with in quite some time. This place is such a regulars spot that a birthday party was even going down during our visit.

When you’re gulping down multiple bottles of Bud you’re going to get hungry, and you should be eating. Fortunately, “Nancy” is the home to some of tastiest and cost effective pub food in the area- which can be a struggle to find in Tribeca. If you’re like us then “Baskets” are the name of the game. This old school way of snacking is still going strong inside this bar. Start with an order of their “Chicken Fingers” ($7.25). The hearty order comes with a side of fries but you can substitute onion rings or a side salad for just 75 cents.  When you order the fingers, make sure to ask for extra honey mustard sauce because it is killer. Beyond the value you get from the drinks and food, it is really the overall atmosphere that makes “Nancy Whiskey Pub” such an attractive place to hang out at. The legendarily bad “Social Distortion” was playing the city that evening, and a few of the concert goers were hanging in the bar to pregame. And as a nice cherry on top of their evening, the bar played a ton of “Social D’s” greatest hits, making for an excellent tailgating session. You won’t find many other dive type bars in Tribeca, making “Nancy’s” a virtual diamond in the rough both in this neighborhood and in Manhattan in general.

Bar Type – Old school New York City dive with a rock n’ roll vibe.

When to Visit – Anytime. Long day of work? Head there for Happy Hour. Concert in the area? Be cool and they might even play some tracks of the band you’re going to see as a perfect boozy pregame. This joint is perfect for all times and all comers!

Value – If you only have a saw buck in your pocket then Happy Hour at “Nancy” should be your imbibing destination! On Monday – Thursday from 4-7pm patrons can enjoy $2.50 pints and bottles of Budweiser and Bud Light. These prices are unheard of throughout town, thus making “Whiskey Pub” a must visit.

The Lowdown – As mentioned earlier, this was not my first time inside this storied Tribeca dive. The first time was a total blur but what I remember it was a great time. There’s not many joints left in our city that have that well worn divey feeling but with absolutely zero attitude. Sure, there may be a group of regulars who pretty much own the bar stool space but they are all great people who simply add to the overall dynamic making you want to return. During any given visit you can rock out to some Ramones, drink cheap brews, play shuffle board, and snack on a killer sampler plate. And if that’s not good enough for you then take a walk elsewhere pal! 

- Alex Corrine

Uptown Hoboken is arguably where the classier parts of the neighborhood lie. From the cougars at Madison’s, to the newly erected beer hall, to the skyline views from City Bistro’s rooftop, you won’t find many frat boy bars on the north side. Ask anyone where to grab the best steak in Hoboken and the answer is invariably, again and again, Dino and Harry’s. Named one of the top 3 steakhouses in all of New Jersey, the historic spot has sat on this quiet area corner for years and years. Despite some turnover in name alone, the restaurant can still serve a medium rare cut with the best of them.

I sat bar-side after work one night with a couple of my compadres. It was still early so aside from a few tables- and surprisingly a few customers dining at the bar- Dino and Harry’s had not yet had its dinner rush. With Pandora playing some mid-90′s rock we inquired about the happy hour specials and slurped down some well-vodka club sodas from the serious yet amiable bartender- the stiff drink only matched by the manliness of being inside the classic steakhouse.

Inside, the place just has a classic Hoboken feel. It’s a difficult thing to describe, but just knowing the restaurant has been around for so many years and the little things it has- the grand piano as you walk in, an architecturally strange little nook of a room that fits something like three tables, dark wood paneling everywhere, the bright white tablecloths traditional in any steakhouse- all combine for this strange sort of opulence for the area. We only stayed for a few of the $4 drinks, but let’s be honest, you come to Dino and Harry’s for a prime cut of meat. Sitting at the bar only made us hungrier. But one thing is certain here, old school is definitely cool.

So here’s the rundown…

Preconceived notion – A historic Hoboken bar and restaurant and one of the best steaks in Jersey

Bar Type – Upscale as far as bars go, but typically you aren’t having a drink here unless you can afford dinner. Or unless you’re us.

Crowd stereotype – Some big family dinners, some couples, and some afterwork types dining at the bar solo.

Music – Pandora was killing it with Matchbox Twenty and Third Eye Blind

Value – Drink specials are just okay for Happy Hour. Half price drinks, but you aren’t coming here for cheap brews.

Good for a….

Date – Easy moneybags. Don’t go trying to impress her unless you can afford it. Or unless she’s worth it. But if a girl is bringing you here, start making wedding plans.

Hookup – No. You smell like a perfectly prepared steak and sides. Can’t you meet someone somewhere else?

Dance – Not likely.

Catch up with a friend – Absolutely. Not only that, but perfect for big groups, bachelor parties, or special nights out.

First or last drink of the night – I suppose for Happy Hour if you really wanted to.

Overall – One of the more refined spots in Hoboken, Dino and Harry’s is a special place. Indicative of the borough’s rich history, the place screams New Jersey. It’s a steakhouse. It’s a saloon. And it’s in a great location if you’re up for going out after. The bar alone is serviceable if you’re getting some drinks before dinner, but probably not for a destination. And that’s okay too- no knock on the food, but also not worth a trip uptown just for some drinks. I’ll give the bar a 7.9, but I’m coming back for the filet.

-Link Cromwell

Completed Bars
Introduction
Halfway
Marathon Recap
Pier 13 – 9.5/10
Northern Soul – 9.3/10
Pilsner Haus and Biergarten – 9.3/10
Maxwell’s – 9.2/10
The Clinton Social – 9.1/10
Willie McBride’s – 9.1/10
Cooper’s Union – 9.0/10
Green Rock Bar – 9.0/10
Havana Cafe – 9.0/10
The Turtle Club – 9.0/10
Bin 14 – 8.9/10
Court Street – 8.9/10
Hudson Tavern – 8.9/10
Leo’s Grandevous – 8.9/10
The Chandelier Room – 8.9/10
10th & Willow – 8.8/10
3 Forty Grill – 8.8/10
Elysian Cafe – 8.8/10
The Cuban – 8.8/10
Grimaldi’s – 8.8/10
Madison Bar & Grill – 8.8/10
Sammy’s Roadhouse Bar and Grill – 8.8/10
Sushi Lounge – 8.8/10
City Bistro – 8.7/10
Cork City – 8.7/10
Onieals – 8.7/10
Village Pourhouse – 8.7/10
1 Republik – 8.6/10
McMahon’s Brownstone Ale House – 8.6/10
Zylo Tuscan Steak House – 8.6/10
Mikie Squared – 8.5/10
Wicked Wolf Tavern – 8.5/10
Zack’s Oak Bar – 8.5/10
Black Bear Bar & Grill – 8.4/10
Moran’s – 8.4/10
Arthur’s Tavern – 8.3/10
Biggie’s Clam Bar – 8.3/10
Lola’s Tapas and Wine Bar – 8.2/10
Oddfellows – 8.1/10
Trinity – 8.1/10
Cucharamama – 8.0/10
Marty O’Brien’s Social Club – 8.0/10
The Dubliner – 8.0/10
East LA – 8.0/10
Scotland Yard – 7.9/10
The Shannon – 7.9/10
Carpe Diem – 7.9/10
Helmers’ – 7.9/10
Teak – 7.8/10
Mulligan’s – 7.7/10
Karma Kafe – 7.7/10
DC’s Tavern – 7.7/10
Louise & Jerry’s – 7.7/10
Brass Rail – 7.6/10
Hoboken Bar and Grill – 7.5/10
Four L’s – 7.5/10
Liberty Bar – 7.5/10
Texas Arizona – 7.5/10
McSwiggans – 7.4/10
Nag’s Head – 7.4/10
Eight Street Tavern – 7.3/10
Maggie’s Place – 7.3/10
Three A’s – 7.3/10
The Tilted Kilt – 7.3/10
Whiskey Bar- 7.3/10
The Quays – 7.2/10
The Melting Pot – 7.1/10
Tutta Pasta – 7.1/10
Sushi House – 7.0/10
Wilton House – 6.0/10