Donnybrook
35 Clinton St, Lower East Side, Manhattan
212-228-7733
Getting There: F to Delancey Street

The Lower East Side love is spreading wide friends! The “Drink Here Now” crew has taken up a temporary residency in this ever popular neighborhood to give you our best picks. The word “Donnybrook” has often been associated with fighting amongst wrestling fans and those who fancy classic English. But on the corner of Clinton Street, Donnybrook is the name of a popular and pleasantly laid-back watering hole. The cream white exterior and hand painted signage welcomes drinkers with open arms. The crew and I were planning on having dinner in the neighborhood on a recent weeknight and spotted this joint and knew we had to duck in for at least one beer solely on it’s exterior. Yes, we judged a book by it’s cover in a positive way.

We quickly entered through the large wooden door and knew that our first impressions were correct. The dimly lit space recreates the New York City of old with stunning accuracy. This alone was booze for the eyes. As we walked through the large space we spotted parties of various sizes sitting at long wooden communal tables that are actually made from reclaimed barn doors. Since it was only three of us on this night we opted to pony up to the long marble topped bar, knowing that on a future visit we had to hold down one of these tables for some Saturday or Sunday afternoon drinking. As we sat down at the bar we quickly scanned the beers on draft and their extensive stock of liquor. There’s a little something for every type of drinker here. Fortunately for us we arrived during Happy Hour where bottled beers will run you $3 and drafts just $4 till 8pm. The crew and I opted for drafts, going for frosty pints of Stella Artois and Newcastle.

Both beers were crisp and fresh which perfectly paired with how clean and classic this joint feels as a whole. I am not sure if they were playing any music at the time of our visit. If they were it was kept extremely low, making Donnybrook a perfect place to have an actual conversation where you can hear every laugh as you and your friends gulp down pints and bust on each other. Sometimes it’s all about the simple pleasures when you go out drinking and the team behind Donnybrook understands this conceptually.  We gladly raise a cold brew to their low-key approach to building a better bar.

The Rundown

Bar Type - Vintage-styled laid-back pub situated on one of the Lower East Side’s busiest corners.

When to Visit – Our visit was on a weeknight where it was quite low key and there was plenty of seating available. Weekend visits are rather different, as the bar’s long communal wooden tables will fill up by mid-afternoon.

Value – Brew fans will love their weekday Happy Hours where bottled beers will run you $3 and drafts just $4 till 8pm.

The Lowdown - If your night will be filled with raucous partying, spend your day at Donnybrook for a chilled out and lively pre-grame. Grab your friend or significant other and pony up to their classically designed marble topped bar or communal wooden barn door tables for some pleasant imbibing and people watching.

Soda Bar  
629 Vanderbilt Ave, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
718-230-8393
Getting There: 2, 3, 4 to Grand Army Plaza

Since the opening of the Barclays Center, bars in the surrounding area are beginning to receive a much deserved influx of attention. The neighborhood of Prospect Heights directly borders the newly opened venue and its longtime mainstay watering hole, Soda Bar is primed to get a ton of new business. The “Drink Here Now” crew and I made our way to this multipurpose pub- (you’ll find out later) – on a weeknight to throw back a couple and share a few laughs.

From outside the bar, Soda Bar appears to have once been a typical shop in the heyday of this ever changing neighborhood. It’s beautiful glass windows may have once held mannequins donning the fashion of the day or even a soda fountain. We’re speculating of course but the latter is most likely, hence the bar’s name. As we headed inside we were instantly impressed by the dimly lit space with its very mellow vibe. Candles light up the wooden bar making the entire room feel both casual and comfortable and nearly the entire room is similarly covered in worn wood. Our crew grabbed up a few of the remaining stools facing the window to people watch inside and outside of the bar. On this particular night we wanted to stick to the craft beers and wines and pints of Kelso Pilsner ($6) and hearty pours of Sauvignon Blanc ($7) were ordered. This is about the average price we expected to spend given the fact we weren’t drinking light domestic brews or well drinks. I guess it was a classy night for the crew! We had already eaten dinner before coming, but we spotted patrons around us eating hot wings and fries that looked rather tasty. These eats are sure to be on our list for the next visit.

As the night rolled on, the crowd thinned out slightly but fortunately the great atmosphere did not. Throughout our stay we kicked back to great tunes from late 80s bands like The Replacements and”The Smiths, which also happen to be some of our personal favorites. And even though we made our visit during the week, we intend to head over on a weekend and check out Soda’s second room which doubles as a cozy lounge with huge couches, vintage cushion chairs and a DJ spinning a little bit of everything. On Sunday nights, fans of popular AMC shows Mad Men, Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead will be tickled pink to find out the bar plays all these shows on a huge projection screen. Remember when I said this was a multipurpose bar? Well, now do you get it?

Bar Type – Extremely laid back neighborhood bar that wears two hats as both a divey joint to grab beers and food and a lounge to kick back to some tasty DJ spun grooves.

When to Visit – Weekends are best to go since you will be able to experience all the different crowds that inhabit this highly diverse watering hole.

Value – Nothing at Soda Bar will ever break the bank from the brews to the food. During weekend Happy Hours you’ll have a “Sunday Funday” with dollar off drinks.

The Lowdown – If you want a truly unpretentious spot that allows you to chill out, party and even watch all those popular AMC shows you love, then prepare to have a new best friend at Soda Bar.

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.

The Royal
127 4th Avenue, West Village, Manhattan
212-260-1099
Getting There: 4,5,6 to 14th Street – Union Square

Sports bars in New York City have changed dramatically over the past five years. They are no longer the home to gravely old men sharing three teeth between the lot of them. If you read last week’s entry of this column it was easy to see how a classic institution for sports can make improvements to enhance the experience for the modern consumer. This week the “Drink Here Now” crew traveled to the border of Union Square and the West Village to bring you another shining example of this terrific trend in updated sports bars. The Royal, which opened in January of 2013 is an upscale sports lounge perfect for the bustling streets where the two neighborhoods converge. Formerly known as The Forum- where a scene from the film “Black Swan” was filmed- this relatively new sprawling watering hole was the perfect joint for us to pop into for some sports and brew action.

It was the middle of the week and therefore a perfect day for some Happy Hour imbibing. As we walked into The Royal’s wide open glass door we gazed upon the long wood paneled walls literally loaded with gigantic flat screen HDTV’s. Every wall and even behind the bar space is covered in these televisions, making this a sports bar where everyone- including people on the street- will have a view of the action. During “March Madness,” The Royal was packed to its limit with passionate and tipsy Syracuse fans looking for a good time. It was insane in the best possible sense of the word. Our most recent visit was slightly more mellow, as the crew and I were able to get prime seats at the bar on their uncommonly soft bar stools. Even though the place was abuzz with activity, the bartender came right over to take our order. The fact that there were three bartenders on duty during this time was a great way to keep customers happy with constant drink service with no lag.

Our bartender was extremely attentive, quickly pouring us pints of Shock Top, which were only $5 during Happy Hour. When it came to cocktails the bartender was happy to make several recommendations during some friendly banter- such as which bourbon makes the best Manhattan. While we threw back multiple pints of wheat beer we took in the tunes coming over the bar’s outstanding sound system. Sure, we are rockers at heart but had no problem bobbing our heads to some hot classic hip hop and modern jams. The Royal may be the best example of a sports bar where you can watch the Super Bowl, while also bringing a girl on a date and impressing her with your style. If that’s not a win win, we don’t know what is!

Bar Type – Upscale sports bar and lounge perfect for catching a major sporting event or just kicking back with some cocktails.

When to Visit – This all depends on how packed you like a bar to be. During college games and NFL Sundays prepare to be elbow to elbow with other fanatics. If you like it more on the mellower side go during the week after work.

Value – $5 draft beers during weekday Happy Hours make The Royal a perfect joint for getting a solid buzz on while saving some dough.

The Lowdown – You no longer have to go to a divey bar with crappy TV’s for watching the game any longer. The Royal proves a bar can easily combine gridiron action with girly delights and come out on top with both parties having a blast. 

Duke’s
560 3rd Ave, Midtown East, Manhattan
212-949-5400
Getting There: 4,5,6 to Grand Central-42nd Street

If there’s anything the “Drink Here Now” crew loves, it’s staying power. Since 1995, Duke’s has been providing New Yorkers with their version of the southern roadhouse experience. And in this ever changing economic landscape of our city they are doing something right to have stuck around this long. The last time yours truly dropped into Duke’s, it was roughly eight years ago at their Union Square location.Despite having had a blast, for one reason or another, I haven’t been back since. But with this column in mind, all of that changed this past week.

It was right around 7pm when we ducked into Duke’s, which sits on the the ground floor of a residential building. Their classic neon sign welcomes in those off the street with a warm “Howdy.” At the time of our visit, the NHL Playoffs were kicking into high gear. Luckily for us we were able to secure a few seats at the bar with absolutely no problem. The joint is loaded with the exact type of knick-knacks found in similarly kitschy spots around town, but Duke’s doesn’t overdo it. As such, the bar doesn’t feel like you just walked into a chain restaurant with flare abound. The friendly female bartender headed right over to us to take our drink order. As we slurped down the first few bottles of Budweiser ($5), we began to drink in our surroundings as well. The music selection at Duke’s is stellar to say the least. Throughout our hour long stay we heard tracks ranging from Faith No More to Rusted Root. If that’s not an awesomely eclectic mix, we don’t know what is.

Duke’s is also the home to some of the most popular wings in town. And being part of a crew that never shies away from wings we ordered the “Buffalo” style wings ($10). Each wing was perfectly slathered in their award winning sauce. A large cup of blue cheese was provided to yield some hearty dipping. These are definitely wings you need to try if you have not yet experienced them. Overall, Duke’s will provide jaded New Yorkers with an extremely laid back day or evening out at the bar with no pretension whatsoever. The staff is cool, the atmosphere is relax, the beer is relatively inexpensive and the food kicks some country butt! Plus the outdoor patio, while small, offers up some spectacular people watching during warmer months.

Bar Type – Roadhouse styled sports bar perfect for dive bar fans as well as the after work crowd. The energy inside is always high.

When to Visit – Duke’s is actually a fairly good example of an anything bar. Sure, you’ll see it a lot more crowded on weekends or when a major game is on but if you go when it’s empty (which is rare) you’ll still have a solid time.

Value – Frozen cocktails and specialty shots are priced below market value for this part of town. So if you like your drinks fruity or pickled they have you covered! 

The Lowdown – Plenty of other bars around town have adopted the “Roadhouse” look when it comes to the overall layout of their space. However, Duke’s has been building on this idea since the mid-’90s and they are still going strong today. Whether you want to grab a few beer and wings with the guys or throw back a few Jell-O shooters with they ladies they have you covered.

2A Bar
25 Avenue A, East Village, Manhattan
212-505-2466
Getting There: F to 2nd Avenue

Whoever said “one is the loneliest number” was spot on correct. Things are always better in multiples and that’s a fact. A watering hole exists in the ever popular East Village-Alphabet City area that captures everything that’s great about the number two. It’s “2A,” the bi-level, corner located bar that has been happily serving an ever changing and thirsty clientele for nearly thirty years. If you have never been inside this joint before, I can almost guarantee that you have walked past it wondering what this huge blue lit establishment displaying movies on the opposite side of the street from a projector actually is. Well wonder no more and step inside for a bar that truly takes provides customers with a ton of great values.

This writer has been going to 2A on a sporadic basis since 2004. Most of these visits took place on weekends when the bar is pleasantly packed. The main floor or front bar allows the wilder set a place to let their hair down and imbibe while getting the chance to people watch outside the bar’s huge windows which face the bustling Avenue A. While you drink and rock out inside, you are literally seeing one of the best shows in town just through their windows. Forget Broadway, I’d rather have a drag queen arguing with a Parisian poet in the middle of the street. The front bar may not be the largest space, but it can easily accommodate a sizable crowd both seated and standing. The music varies as it should with such a diverse crowd- you may hear some indie rock one hour and hip-hop the next. Having a birthday, or just want to get away from the crowd a little? No problem, just make your way up to the second level.  As you ascend the stairs you will see that the view of the street is even better from above and the vibe is even chiller. The second floor is perfect to gather with a small group and celebrate the day of one’s birth in semi-bohemian style as a small yet cozy bar exists up here. It is also the location of one of my favorite  celebrity encounters with one of late night’s friendliest hosts. You can guess who I am talking about.

Sure, weekends are a blast at 2A but let’s not forget about the five other days that make up a week. My most recent visit went down on a Wednesday right after work. This is when the bar has their Happy Hour which I would say is one of the best in the area because the joint does 2 for 1′s. After placing your first drink order (ours was drafts of PBR) the bartender places a chip next to your glass for you to redeem for a second drink at no charge. Obviously this is a rare deal especially in this area. Just be sure to tip well especially during these cheaper times. The music during these early hours are kept low and mellow, which makes sense since you are trying to have conversations during this time. 2A is doing several things right in order to stay relevant and most importantly open for many years. I guess being number 2 really isn’t a bad thing at all.

Bar Type –  Bi-level laid back, near dive joint with spectacular views of all the Avenue A craziness from their huge windows and corner location.

When to Visit – Weekends are really when 2A truly comes alive. The place is generally packed to the gills with like minded folks who all want to just drink and party instead of being stuck up.  But at the same time one cannot deny hanging out here on a weekday after work for an extremely laid back time with a good selection of beers and great people watching.

Value – 2A is the home to a great buy one get one deal. During Happy Hour customers are given chips when they place an order to turn in later for the same drink again at no charge. And yes, I just explained how this works to people who are reading a bar blog. I get the irony.

The Lowdown – It’s rare these days to find a bar in the East Village where both 20 and 30 somethings can co-exist peacefully. But that’s exactly what you’ll find at 2A. The bi-level set-up also helps the flow, allowing a jammed bar on the first floor and room for a birthday party on the second.  In addition to the set-up and vibe, the drink prices are reasonable and the bar is no stranger to the occasional celebrity drop in. 

- Alex Corrine

Bar 4
444 7th Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn
718-832-9800
Getting There: F, G to 7th Avenue
http://www.http://bar4brooklyn.com/

The corner neighborhood bar is a mainstay of Americana. It’s that trusted stop where you go to get your favorite cold brew or a heavy handed pour of whiskey. Basically, it just feels right. Located in the South Slope section of Park Slope you’ll find a watering hole that fits this ideology like a glove. It’s Bar 4, a no nonsense, laid back spot from the owners of such popular spots as Matchless and Greenwood Park. “4′s” charm extends beyond it’s cute corner locale once you enter through the large black door. I discovered this joint roughly six years ago when I first started frequenting the area and since then things have only gotten better.

Step inside any night of the week and you will find out why Bar 4 is unlike any drinking spot you will find in any NYC borough. Your first glance will offer up a cozy, dimly lit space featuring an amply sized bar space, perfect to seat a small crowd. The boozing selection fits every imbibing personality. With innovative cocktails like their ”Fresh Basil Gimlet,” local beers (Six Point, Brooklyn Brewery, Kelso) and tasty wines, everyone has something to sip on. Grab your drink and spin on your seat to view the other more relaxed side of the room. While you may think you’re inside of a Bushwick art gallery or even someone’s cool apartment,  you find youself in a pub that just happens to featuring an infinitely comfortable setting.

Order a cocktail at the bar and join your friends on the Davenport for hours of funny or insightful chit chat (I believe either is acceptable). Tired of small talk? No problem! Bar 4 is the home to daily live performances on their very own stage. Seven nights a week patrons can watch the likes of local bands, DJs, and comedians strut their stuff in a very welcoming and friendly space with some of the best acoustics around.  Sundays at 9:30pm, comedian Yannis Pappas takes over for “Ditch Comedy Night,” a free comedy show hosted by the extremely funny and raw Pappas doing sets of his own, while sharing the stage with his fellow up and coming comedy brethren. For a few hours you can enjoy what’s left of your weekend with a cold drink in a cool space while you laugh your ass off. If you are into the arts on any level, this is the bar for you. It’s always fun to arrive not knowing what type of entertainment will be presented that evening, giving yourself a fun little surprise. Just be sure to not let the booze get the better of you especially when someone is on stage. So grab a brew and a comfy seat, and let the bar and it’s talent do their job. We swear you’ll leave happy and tipsy.

Bar Type – Highly laid back bar featuring an always revolving line up of comedy, live music and DJs on a daily basis.

When to Visit – Bar 4 is perfect for literally any night of the week to kick back in its warm candle light space. But if you really want to make the most out of your visit, head over on Sunday for “Ditch Comedy Night hosted by Yannis Pappas.” Pappas is a seriously funny comic who is going to blow up any day now.

Value – Besides the bar’s reasonable prices to begin with, patrons can enjoy daily Happy Hour specials as well as beer and shot combos.

The Lowdown – We truly feel there is a bar for any personality. Sometimes you like to rage all night, and sometimes you like it mellow and cool. The latter is exactly what you will find during any visit to Bar 4. The low key atmosphere, paired with a fine selection of beers, cocktail, and entertainment makes the corner watering hole a true Brooklyn star.

- Alex Corrine

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

Thursdays in Hoboken can often be better for going out than Friday and Saturday combined. Maybe it’s the thrill of the work week almost hitting it’s climax. Either way, most places along the highly popular Washington Street will be jam-packed even before you get out of the PATH station. That is why checking out places deeper into town may be your best bet for a solid and worry free start to your night out. As we begin to wind down “Spirits in the Sixth Borough” this week’s travels take us off the beaten path to Madison Street and inside “The West Five Supper Club.”

Established in October of 2010 the less than three year old “Supper Club” set up shop in the former space that once housed the very overpriced and full of itself “Lounge 11.” With it’s former inhabitants now far in the rear view mirror, the new proprietors have made a wealth of highly positive changes to bring in the crowds and grow clientele. My Thursday visit into the bar was perfectly timed with their Happy Hour. Needless to say with the walk from the main drag I was quite thirsty. The overly friendly bartender informed me that Yuengling and Coors Light draughts were $2 (til 8pm on weekdays). Half priced cocktails and mixed drinks were on the docket as well. Although both sounded tempting, I opted for a cold pint of, “Yueng.”

The cocktail list at “West Five” reads like a Mixology menu that you would find at a Manhattan speakeasy served by a mustache wearing gent. Instead it exists mere steps away from many of Hoboken’s long standing Italian shops like Fiore’s Deli. Drinks like the “Wrath” ($11) are made with only the freshest seasonal ingredients. The drink features: Ketel One vodka, chambord, pineapple, guava, and fresh grapes. The cocktail list is always expanding, so please check with the bartender for availability.

Hungry? No problem. Sit up at the long, multiple seat front bar to catch a game or in the large, warm colored restaurant space and enjoy some “Thai Style Wings” ($12) tossed in sweet chili, lemongrass, ginger, and served with a side of Indonesian Soy sauce. A far cry from the hot sauce and blue cheese variety indeed. The restaurant area also features a refinished fireplace, cool hanging lights, and even a tree branch sculpture to feed your eyes while you feed everything else. On many nights DJ’s hit The West Five Supper Club’s backroom area spinning danceable tracks from various decades. This space is also ideal for renting out for holiday parties. Make the trip to Madison Street yourself, and chat with the cool bartenders to find out more information. And while you’re there, make sure to grab a pint and tip well!

So here’s the rundown…

Preconceived notion –  Off the beaten path bar with an indistinguishable theme.

Bar Type – A “Jack of all trades” type joint that marries a fully stocked front bar, restaurant, and dance club together.

Crowd stereotype – During Happy Hour there was a few thirty-somethings at the front bar having a drink or two, and one couple in the back having dinner.

Music – Top 40 and danceable hits like LMFAO.

Value – Weekday Happy Hour specials like $2 Yuengling and Coors Light are unbeatable. Ladies will also love half off mixed drinks as well.

Good for a….

Date – You got that right pal. Bring your lady or first date here and impress her with your knowledge of cocktails and eye for trendy decor.

Hookup – Yes, if the former Lounge 11 space has taught us anything, this location is like Spanish fly.

Dance – Totally. DJ’s appear nightly, and if the front area is packed there is a huge back room.

Catch up with a friend – If you want to sit and talk, then go during happy hour and sit up front.

First or last drink of the night – Perfect for a few Happy Hour brews or a full night out.

Overall – Most people who live in or travel to Hoboken tend to stay close to Washington Street when going out for drinks. The West Five Supper Club is all the way down on Madison Street, which can be a challenge for drawing customers who are stuck in the typical Hoboken routine. But with an overly generous weekday Happy Hour special, a full innovative food menu, and a perfect place to dance on the weekends maybe you should consider taking a longer walk to the bar for a change? That being said, I’ll give it a 7.6.

-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
Baja Mexican Cuisine – 8.1/10<
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
Las Olas Sushi Bar and Grill – 7.9/10
The Shannon – 7.9/10
Carpe Diem – 7.9/10
Dino and Harry’s – 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

One of Hoboken’s most recognizable images was the faded, illustrated billboard pointing you toward the old Clam Broth House, a staple in the borough that dates to past decades. But as the rest of the area gets rejuvenated so must this formerly iconic staple, and in its ashes rises a new flame. Enter Biggie’s Clam Bar, a massive bar and restaurant that adds a polished touch up to the old neighborhood relic, giving locals and commuters a spot to stop near the Path, but off the beaten path.

The bright red cursive signage flashing out into the street proudly displays the Biggie’s moniker, as several patio tables line the place’s exterior for warm weather days- ideal, if you can secure yourself a seat. Inside, Biggie’s has a very excitable energy about it. Perhaps it was because we ducked in before a recent concert when seemingly every bar was swarming with people, but the area was packed nonetheless. There are flat screens mounted all around the bar area, making this yet another prime place to be on those Sunday afternoons.

Although my party stopped into Biggie’s primarily to check out the bar, we managed to get pretty hungry and after a short wait, plopped down at a table for some food. The place serves up a pretty extensive menu of fresh seafood as well as some hearty sandwiches and comfort foods. Fast forward to us chowing down on a meatball parmesan sandwich and a fresh tuna wrap, and our appetites were immediately appeased. We washed the food down with some of Biggie’s competitive happy hour prices, which differ just about every night of the week. Thursday’s $2 Miller products, and Tuesdays $3 Blue Moon beers are among the highlights, alongside $5 specialty martinis served up every day of the week. After a few Miller Lights, it was time to settle up and head on out.

So here’s the rundown…

Preconceived notion – This was always a location I took note of, but never managed to patronize. The historic place was and is a Hoboken staple.

Bar Type – More of a restaurant with a big bar setting.

Crowd stereotype – Lots of young families with their kids dining, but the bar was jam packed with groups of friends.

Music – The bar and restaurant were both packed and pretty loud so I couldn’t hear the rest of my party, much less the music.

Value – The values are better on some nights than others, but overall nothing sticks out as much more expensive than any other local bar.

Good for a….

Date – Certainly not the fanciest of spots, but on a tamer night, you can absolutely grab a table for two here.

Hookup – You never know. With a full late night menu and a kitchen open until 12am most nights, buy her those chicken fingers and she’s yours.

Dance – Not on this night.

Catch up with a friend – Probably best suited for this.

First or last drink of the night – Ideal for a first drink, or if you’re stopping before heading into Manhattan.

Overall – This is just one of those places that is part bar and part restaurant that are tough to quantify. The values were fine, the place was packed, the food was acceptable, and it looks like a relatively new bar from the inside. Biggie’s is absolutely fine as a meeting spot for big groups considering the sheer size of the place and of the bar area. But I just don’t know that I got enough out of this visit to warrant a return trip back, when I found other spots to be more accommodating. Until I give it another shot, Biggie’s gets an 8.3 from this humble writer.

-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
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
Oddfellows – 8.1/10
Lola’s Tapas and Wine Bar – 8.2/10
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