It was only a matter of time before the management team behind Boulton & Watt decided they needed a bigger boat. The perpetually packed craft beer meets new American fare gastropub has become a staple of the Lower East Side- be it for the afterwork crowd or for weekend brunchers. But with the opening of Drexler’s in the summer of 2015, the concept would further allow the owners along a similarly relaxed path and with the same understated confidence that they’re hitting all the right notes just a few doors down.

‘Twas not always the case at 9 Avenue A, where the former Ella space has been since transformed from a sultry den of darkness to a warm and inviting rustic bar. The combination of exposed New York City brick walls coupled with wooden tables and refurbished panels overhead combine to showcase a space that resembles an inviting, but scaled down beer hall.  The mood is noticeably low key here, where a handful of booths run parallel to the elongated narrow bar and a short list of draught beers hangs nearby boasting some craft specialties.  But  inside Drexler’s rejuvenated space one thing is immediately clear: the cocktail is king.

Ducking inside for the recently launched weekend brunch menu, we are greeted by a three-piece band performing live music by the entryway- definitely a nice and unexpected touch. The mood inside is definitively positive, brightly lit up from the onslaught of spring sunshine peering in through the front of the space. While the typical menu pairs an array of charcuterie, breads and cheeses to pick at alongside the place’s expertly curated cocktail list, the weekend brunch menu manages to go one step further- tapping local stand out Black Seed Bagels to supply the inventory for the base of your ‘Do-It-Yourself’ meal, complete with some inspired takes on traditional daytime drink concoctions.

Drexler’s is first and foremost a cocktail bar and fortunately the brunch cocktails here are not to be missed. Though the words ‘refreshing’ and ‘Bloody Mary’ are hardly ever found in the same sentence, that is perhaps the most appropriate verbiage to describe the “Bloody Caesar” ($10), a light and inventive take on the classic drink using some Clamato and St. George Green Chile Vodka to complement the use of horseradish, tobacco and Worcestershire sauces. The “Paloma” ($10) was an excellent alternative, sweet and crisp with grapefruit soda and smoked sea salt to counteract the Tromba Blanco Tequila- poured liberally mind you.  Equally as refreshing, the Beefeater Gin loaded “Bramble” ($10) meshes crushed ice and lemon juice for the perfect warm weather drink.

With the brunch menu, guests are encouraged to mark up their papers with whichever spreads, toppings and additions they fancy on a given afternoon. But for those of us that prefer decisions be made for us, “The Larry David” ($12) will do just fine. Layers of delicious pastrami smoked salmon adorn a crispy everything bagel from Black Seed, ensconced with horseradish cream cheese, capers, tomato and red onion. The addition of dill is a stroke of brilliance as the combination is exquisite, leaving you no need to seek out a Sadelle’s or a Russ & Daughters as a dining alternative- you’ll be perfectly satisfied with a seat at Drexler’s with far better ambiance, and some outstanding cocktails to boot.

- Jane Van Arsdale

Affixed to the corner of Clinton and East Houston Streets sits Ariel’s Latin Bistro, an authentic tapas-centric restaurant built around the tenets of flavorful small plates and strong delicious drinks. The cold-air wintry months won’t allow for the space’s sizable windows to open up to the bustling streets of the Lower East Side, but the restaurant’s funky décor and intimate interior allow for a festive and modernized experience built around the place’s traditional fare.

Ice cold and hand-crafted “Caipirinhas” ($12) sat atop the brown marble bar counter-top with hunks of fresh fruit and ripe lime jutting out from the otherwise foggy liquor-laden glass. Deliciously sweet, the bartenders at Ariel’s clearly had a knack for inspired mixology, which also would feature a “Classic Mojito” ($12) as a star cocktail. The space meanwhile is decidedly cozy, dimly lit on this weekday evening with the dark table and chair pairings carefully spread around the room are effectively showcased by the black candelabras that sit over the long and narrow bar space. Though we’re seated at a communal high top in one of the room’s narrowest nooks, it somehow suits us just fine as we people and plate watch for the next two or so hours.

Though the menu is described as tapas, featured items like Tacos & Empanadas, Arepas and Sandwiches are immediately eye-catching during a quick glance at the selection of offerings. Eschewing the requisite “Quesadillas” ($8) filled with either chicken or steak, the seafood dishes often shone brightest at Ariel’s. The savory and crispy flash fried “Fish Tacos,” ($9)- tender and flaky paired with a lacing of pickled red onion strands- and the decadent pouches of “Shrimp Dumplings” ($10) served in a shallow bath of mango, apple and roasted garlic salsa were two of the evening’s earliest highlights. Meanwhile, the balance of carrot puree and red cabbage allowed the perfectly cooked pairing of “Seared Shrimp and Scallops” (a steal at just $13) to similarly stand out, washed down by a cool wave of fresh mint fueled Mojito.

The evening’s richest serving though belonged to the classic “Sandwiche Cubano” ($12.95), a massively decadent portion that enveloped tender pernil, ham, Swiss cheese and a sour pickle between a fluffy sourdough loaf. A smooth spread of creamy aioli delivered just the right amount of balance to counteract the salty cured meats stuffed inside, enhanced by the slight crunch in each bite of its crispy bread shell.

There’s plenty to sink your teeth into at Ariel’s Latin Bistro, from some heartier entrees which are on tap for our next visit, to some expertly crafted mixed drinks by the place’s raven-haired bartenders. But whether you’re coming to dig into some shared plates with a small group or to enjoy an intimate dining experience in the vibrant neighborhood, the festively modern décor and welcoming setting make each dish that much more enjoyable.

Rundown of the Meal

Cocktails
Classic Mojito ($12)
Caipirinha ($12)*

Appetizers
Chicken Quesadilla ($8)
Steak Quesadilla ($8)
Seared Shrimp & Scallops ($13)*
Shrimp Dumplings ($10)*

Tacos & Empanadas
Fish Tacos (3 for $9)*
Chicken & Cheese Empanadas (3 for $9)

Sandwiches
Sandwiche Cubano ($12)*

Desserts
Brazilian Flan ($7)*

* Meal Highlight

In the ashes of the Lower East Side’s swanky ‘inoteca, the second Manhattan outpost of modernized Italian eatery Galli opened its doors back in October. The success of the Soho location proved that given the right setting in the right neighborhood, traditional Italian comfort fare will attract a decidedly young crowd- be it for that first or last drink or for a more authentic sauce-laden dinner. Our latest visit would serve to celebrate the restaurant’s recently spawned ‘Throwback Brunch’ menu inside of a festive atmosphere that meshes 1990′s hip hop classics with anything but run-of-the-mill morning cuisine.

Galli’s corner location is attractive for a multitude of reasons but perhaps none more so than the ample light that peers through the many windows in the daytime. The clean looking white brick interior plays as a perfect setting for an afternoon meal- with plenty of opportunities to people watch on Ludlow Street should your table conversation run stale. A sizable and ornate chandelier hangs overhead illuminating any remaining darkness that the sunlight doesn’t reach as tracks from A Tribe Called Quest and Wreckx-n-Effect ensure that you’ll be bobbing your head in familiar fashion while waiting for your drinks to be delivered. Traditional brunch-time cocktails like the “Mimosa” and house made “Mad Mary” are available, but the sweet with strawberry “Lili’s Curves” left us yearning for warmer weather. With a kick of pepper, the tequila-based drink was crisp and refreshing- a much welcome change of pace to the usual array of drink offerings.

While many restaurants tend to cash in on the brunch craze, Galli doesn’t lose sight of consistency simply because its kitchen is opening a few hours earlier. The “Hangover Platter” ($14) uniquely speaks to that sentiment as a veritable smorgasbord of deliciously deep fried Italian eats. The generous portion pairs two savory “Chicken Parm Sliders” with bulbous “Riceballs” and a pair of “Mozz Chips” near a ladle filled with thick red tomato sauce for a combination platter that will surely make you forget the pulverizing headache that dragged you out in the first place. The “Breakfast Bucatini” ($15) meanwhile is a rich portion of al dente pasta strands lacquered in a creamy cheese sauce with shreds of salty bacon littered throughout the dish. Topped off by a single fried egg, the runny yolk and bacon combination is anything but traditional when paired with the decadent slurps of fresh pasta. Galli’s “Frittata” ($12) is probably the most basic of the brunch offerings, but it’s also jam-packed with a bevy of flavors as the chicken apple sausage and grape tomatoes are smoothed out by an oozing of fresh mozzarella cheese.

Galli’s approach to brunch is hardly a novel one, but when well executed by a friendly staff inside of an entirely comfortable setting, the entire experience is one that begs for repeat visits. While there are other offerings like their “Kale Caesar” ($11) and “French Toast” ($13) that we weren’t able to taste, we tend to live by the credo: ‘there’s always next weekend.’ Especially when it comes to weekend brunch.

Rundown of the Meal

Cocktails
Mad Mary
Mimosa
Lili’s Curves*

Starters
Hangover Platter ($14)*

Classics
Breakfast Bucatini ($15) *

Eggs
Frittata ($12)

*Meal Highlight

Beauty & Essex
A LocalBozo.com Restaurant Review
146 Essex Street near Rivington Street, Lower East Side
212-614-0146
Getting There: F to Delancy Street; J,M,Z to Essex Street
http://www.beautyandessex.com

Original Visit: December 2010

What We Said Then: “Beauty & Essex is going to become a sure-fire New York City hotspot. Its location and its ambiance are ideal. Its menu and its method of entrance are both attractive and inventive. And its service is impeccable, from a management team with a proven, winning track record. Beauty & Essex does everything right and manages to make a night out feel incredibly special, and in New York City, that’s everything we were hoping for.” You can read our initial review of Beauty & Essex at this link- pardon the particularly awful photos.

Then and Now: A recent repeat visit to Beauty & Essex revealed that not much had changed over the three and a half years since the restaurant’s high profile debut. The gaudy yellow signage still hangs over Essex Street with its inviting presence. The kitschy pawn shop remains open out front for guests to peruse as they enter and exit the building. The lavish multi-level space is still regularly busy, although today it’s far easier to secure a coveted reservation. Even the gratis flutes of rose and sparkling wines are still being poured in the ladies room on the basement floor- which remains to this day a nice touch.

Hand Cut Prime Steak Tartare ($16) & Tuna Poke Wonton Tacos ($16)

 

Beauty & Essex continues to be a destination that reeks of opulence- from the fur walls that hug its semi-circular staircase leading upstairs to its bar and lounge area to the grand light fixtures that sit above the many tables in the main dining room. By looking over the menu in advance, you might well underestimate the overall cost of dining here. Our advice to you though is to enter with your eyes and ears open, because the cost of dinner here- especially given the vast and affordable looking menu options- can skyrocket in a hurry.

Similar to sister restaurant The Stanton Social, the small portion plates created by Chef Chris Santos are served American tapas style and are meant to be shared. And while our previous visit afforded us some stellar service, we had no such luck in our follow-up go-round, where our server seemed more focused on going through the motions and working quickly than exchanging pleasantries with our table of hungry, excited diners. What’s worse- considering that the plates are served with three-to-four pieces per dish, she made no mention of the substantial additional charges when adding servings to each portion for our larger party. Tasty as the food was, we would have simply shrugged off paying an additional $6 per “Chicken Meatball” or the whopping extra $9 surcharge per piece for a diminutive cut of “Salmon.” But alas, our server kept it hush hush, until of course our bill arrived.

Prime Beef Carpaccio ($14)

Now, our less-than-stellar service aside, Beauty & Essex delivered us course after course of especially delicious food. Our trio of appetizers from the “Raw Bar” section of the menu were each outstanding. Topping the list, the “Hand Cut Prime Steak Tartare” ($16) was served atop sticky rice triangles and embedded with seasoning before being topped off by shredded crispy mustard flakes. The textural contrast here was similar to the “Tuna Poke Wonton Tacos” ($16), wrapped in a crunchy shell and overstuffed with pickled vegetables, cilantro, sesame seeds and fresh hunks of fish and finished with a dollop of sticky and flavorful sauce that brought all of the ingredients together brilliantly. The “Prime Beef Carpaccio” ($14) was inferior but only slightly, as the thin slices of savory red meat littered the entire plate. Topped with salty potato straws, smoked bacon and an intense grain mustard caviar, the dish was far more complex than its appearance might imply, as our table argued over which of the three starters worked best.

Kale & Apple Salad ($12) & Market Pizza- Grilled Peaches ($16)

 

Surprisingly, the “Kale & Apple Salad” ($12) was another excellent addition to our meal in that it was of generous proportion and incredibly tasty. Doused in an apple cider vinaigrette, the combination of savory pancetta, creamy shaves of goat cheese and sweet pecans paired together nicely and was substantial enough for our entire table to sufficiently enjoy.  On the other hand, you can steer clear of the “Market Pizza” ($16), a perfectly passable flatbread that sounds better than it tastes (ours was topped with grilled peaches) and the “Grilled Cheese, Smoked Bacon & Tomato Soup Dumplings” ($15) which are served in single bite red soup spoons and while flavorful, you’re better off ordering elsewhere from the restaurant’s extensive and diverse menu.

Grilled Cheese, Smoked Bacon & Tomato Soup Dumplings ($15) & Oven Braised Chicken Meatballs ($18)

 

Our beef with the salmon aside, and the “Grilled” ($28) dish was perhaps the best that we dug our forks into. Beautifully plated, the tender fish was perfectly cooked and sweetened up by a sherry vinegar glaze atop a hearty bed of couscous.  We’ll often eschew salmon dishes in favor of more eclectic fare, but the preparation here was absolutely top notch.  The aforementioned “Oven Braised Chicken Meatballs” ($18) meanwhile were also excellent. Each tender sphere offered up a crispy exterior sitting in a wild mushroom broth meshed with truffles and topped with creamy sheep’s milk ricotta. You can’t go wrong with either of these main course offerings, just be prepared for substantial upcharges if your party requires additional fare.

Grilled Salmon ($28)

The indulgent “Lobster Mac & Cheese” ($15) covered with bread crumbs and the sweet and sticky “Heritage Baby Back Ribs” ($19) lacquered in a thick barbecue sauce were other notable if not standout dishes to conclude our dining experience. Truth be told, because we ordered such a variety of dishes some stood out more than others- but every dish that was brought out to our table was really very delicious. An evening out to Beauty & Essex, replete with drinks in the $15 range certainly isn’t going to be a cheap night out, but you’re also essentially guaranteed to leave with a meal that you enjoyed and an experience that you won’t soon forget.

Lobster Mac & Cheese ($15) & Heritage Baby Back Ribs ($19)

 

The Bottom Line: Put the gimmicky entrance and the ostentatious atmosphere aside, and you’ve still got a wonderful restaurant on your hands. And that’s the real beauty here.

Rundown of the Meal

Raw Bar
Prime Beef Carpaccio ($14)*
Tuna Poke Wonton Tacos ($16)*
Hand Cut Prime Steak Tartare ($16)*

Main
Kale & Apple Salad ($12)*
Grilled Cheese, Smoked Bacon & Tomato Soup Dumplings ($15)
Market Pizza – Grilled Georgia Peaches ($16)
Lobster Mac & Cheese ($15)
Oven Braised Chicken Meatballs ($18)*
Grilled Salmon ($28)*
Heritage Baby Back Ribs ($19)

*Meal Highlight

Other Re-Reviews
The Re-Review: The Meatball Shop, Williamsburg

A LocalBozo.com Concert Review
Mercury Lounge, New York, NY
April 21, 2014

M y ears are still ringing from Monday night’s jam packed show at the Lower East Side’s Mercury Lounge. It may have been ill-advised for me to stand directly in front of newly minted drummer Ryan Harding’s kit sans earplugs as I drastically underestimated the loud-as-all-get-out ninety minute set that was to follow. The Illinois two piece band Local H, led by guitarist and vocalist Scott Lucas, absolutely tore through twenty songs leaving nary a moment to relax during a show that wasted little time with ballads or banter and focused heavily on the band’s propensity for unabashed rock music.

Despite a particularly loyal, and on this night vocal following, you may not know Local H by name. And while the band garnered a modicum of mainstream success with their singles in the mid-90′s with “Bound to the Floor” and “Fritz’s Corner”- both of which are sure to ring bells with casual rock listeners- Local H is a band that today seems largely relegated to some sort of rock music wasteland of forgotten bands. But Monday night’s high octane show proved that to be a truly unfortunate sentiment as Local H’s simplistic yet vastly underrated style is one that resonates with their faithful listeners, and if given a fair chance, would be destined to make converts of any one with a passing interest in this band based solely on their live performance.

Though Harding joined up with Lucas just six months ago replacing long time drummer Brian St. Clair, the pair worked together incredibly cohesively- so much so that you’d think they’d been performing together for a decade. Their punk rock infused set meanwhile went back as far as 1995′s “Ham Fisted” through a soon to be released new track with 2014′s “One of Us” and punctuated all of the band’s strongest suits in between, with enough riffs that you couldn’t help but bang your head. Tracks like the slow building to frenzied “The One With ‘Kid,’” the emo-meets punk “Taxicabs,” a rendition of Lorde’s “Team” thrown in for some modern measure and the pounding drum intro to “All Right (Oh Yeah)” were particularly rousing, even for the slightly older skewing crowd on hand to experience it all.

 

Lucas made the most of his moments in between songs, often responding to a crowd member directly or even pausing mid-song during “Hands on the Bible” to make sure that everyone in the house was having a good time. For as energetic and utterly affordable a rock show as this was, pardon the cliche but Local H left every ounce that they had up on the small Mercury Lounge stage. Promised Lucas, “so we’ll play a few more. Then we’ll get lit up,” which inspired a massive ovation from the crowd. Closing the show in fitting Local H style was the raucous combination of “High-Fiving MF” and the lighting fast “Heavy Metal Bakesale,” after which Lucas jumped from the stage and crowd surfed himself to the very back of the room before taking his spot at his own merchandise table, and began doling out the band’s gear to a line of waiting fans. It served as appropriate closure to a raw, without the frills performance for Local H, a band whose talents far outweigh their recognition.

- Jane Van Arsdale

There’s nothing ordinary about topping a standard beef frankfurter with the likes of crushed hot Doritos, strawberry jam or deep fried bacon cubes. There’s actually nothing ordinary about the place that serves them either. The diminutively sized storefront of Los Perros Locos is shrouded a bit by a poorly placed bus stop on the Lower East Side, but you’d be well advised to dodge the pack of commuters patiently waiting for a South Ferry bus and head in for some deliciously unhealthy comfort food.

As commonplace as niche cuisine has become in New York City, every newly opened haunt seems to deliver its own inventive twist. Such is the case at Los Perros Locos, where a dog doused solely in mustard is likely to get you as dirty a look as if you had ordered in French. Inside of the colorful shop meanwhile sits a bevy of distinctive character. Seating options are limited to some small picnic style tables and a counter resembling a skate ramp which sandwich the ordering window on either side, but the decor is definitively unique. Drawing notable inspiration from his Miami upbringing, owner Alex Mitek’s neon meets graffiti inspired vision is utterly fitting and boasts an inviting if not overly casual atmosphere.

Though most orders are likely to be taken out (with a delivery service that runs until after 4am!), we pony up to the high top counter and lay out our dogs for eating. It should be noted that aside from veggie options, Los Perros Locos also offers burgers, a chicken sandwich, grilled corn and their intricate take on ‘Salchipapas’ or fries all of which can run the gamut of ingredients from chorizo to smoked ham.

“There’s no sense in going half-way,” we thought as we ordered up two of the most overly dressed weiners we had ever seen. The dog dubbed “Mas Perfecto” ($7.50) resembled more a work of art than a consumable food product. Topped with a sliced open quail egg and deep fried bacon cubes which served only as the garnish for a lacquering spread of (count ‘em) five different salsas, a creamy apple chipotle slaw, melted mozzarella cheese and a handful of crushed chips. To call this creation messy would be an understatement, but once the embarrassing assortment of colors was wiped clean from our cheeks, true indulgence set in. Each ingredient surrounded the piping hot beef ‘perro’- from the cool slaw to the crunch-laden potato chips- so much so that tasting the actual hot dog itself proved to be a challenge- but the collection of toppings was downright tasty.

The slightly tangier “Chimi-Churi-Chori” ($8) was equally as messy but admittedly a bit inferior to the ‘Perfecto.’ With a smattering of orange Aji Panca aioli atop a chimichurri drizzle, grilled Provoleta and chorizo atop the requisite crushed potato chips which we’ve learned is a staple at Los Perros Locos, the hearty, flavorful dog placed a close second during our initial visit. As the pair of hot dogs dueled for supremacy, they served to adequately fill us up with the kind of guilty pleasure that only a comfort food of this caliber can provide. Though it’s incredibly difficult to narrow down your final selection among an array of delicious sounding options, one thing is for sure- you won’t leave a visit to Los Perros Locos with any pangs of hunger, you dirty dog.

Rundown of the Meal

Perros Tipicos

Mas Perfecto ($7.50)*

Perros Especiales

Chimi-Churi-Chori ($8.00)*

*Meal Highlight

The many windows that wrap around Grey Lady look out onto a busy Delancey Street, which is normally not snow covered. With the sun shining, outdoor tables typically envelop the building, yielding an uber-casual daytime atmosphere considering the fare being handed out. But tonight, we are ensconced in a full on mess of winter weather. It’s cold and snowy and the restaurant acts as a much welcomed respite from the world outside. Decoratively, Grey lady is outlined with small mirrors and picture frames among other knick-nacks that cover parts of the drably painted rustic gray walls. The long and narrow L-shaped bar is striking upon first glance, completely filled with patrons who appear to be stopping here for a small bite and a first drink before braving the elements for the night ahead. The informal dining tables scattered around the room are equally as populated, surprisingly by different groups of women amid the dimly lit setting.

The menu here is neither diverse nor necessarily vast, just as you might expect, but it certainly fits in nicely with the charm of the venue which feels utterly cool. Formulaically though, the team’s strategy seems to be working as sister restaurant Norman’s Cay was among the most anticipated openings of the fall. Prices here are reasonable with the menu divided between Starters (none of which exceed $17) and Mains. That said, there are some distinctive dishes like the smoky “Bluefish Pate” ($12) with mustard caviar and the hearty “Lobster Pot Pie” ($28), though there’s no re-creating the wheel with much of the offerings. We picked at the “Peppers” ($8), grilled shishito style and not overly zested with lemon. The black sesame seeds added a subtle hint of nuttiness to quell the cracklings of sea salt that sprinkled each dark green stem. The heaping pot of “Mussels” ($14) brought with it a literal sea of different tastes punctuated by a flavorful tomato broth that saturated the shellfish and the hunks of cooked Spanish chorizo with a blend that highlighted fresh herbs and citrus notes.

Where Grey Lady really shined though was with their main dishes. The intricately prepared “Swordfish” ($26) proved to be an excellent selection as the ‘Fish of the Day.’ Thick and meaty, the tender filet was generously portioned and served atop some sliced Chinese cabbage and drizzled with a rich red glaze. The Asian inspiration continued with the “Tuna Burger” ($22), a sushi grade cut of ‘Yellow Fin’ served in between the buns of an English muffin lunch tray style with different taste compartments. Thick cut French fries proved pivotal for dipping in the remaining sides of wasabi aioli and the salty meets sweet ginger soy, sided by a portion of crunchy chilled Asian pickles. To no surprise, the Maine style “Lobster Roll” ($26) stood superior to the dishes that preceded it, with a full pound of tender shucked lobster served cold and decadently wrapped in a buttery fluffed bun. With each bulbous bite, the meshing of flavors and temperatures was downright delectable as we unintentionally devoured the handheld sandwich far too quickly for our liking, though in our defense, the dish was in fact, that good.

When you consider the reasonably priced, quality dishes being prepared at Grey Lady, coupled with an ambiance that exudes the essence of the word ‘cool,’ it’s no wonder that the team is already on to their second standalone location. They’ve managed to harness the characteristics of a quaint Manhattan restaurant that also captures some of the authenticity you’d find much further up north on the east coast. And it’s that middle ground that Grey Lady straddles that make it so special and somehow, so normal.

Rundown of the Meal

Starters

Peppers ($8)

Mussels ($14)

Mains

Lobster Roll ($26)*

Tuna Burger ($22)

Fish of the Day ($26) – Swordfish*

*Meal Highlight

Paulaner Brauhaus
265-267 Bowery near Houston Street, Lower East Side
212-780-0300
Getting There: 6 to Spring Street; J,Z to Bowery
http://www.paulaner-brauhaus.com/nyc

With the massive spaces like Reichenbach Hall, Houston Hall and Flatiron Hall popping up over the past twelve months, it was with great anticipation that we visit the latest big bar opening to hit New York City. This time, the Lower East Side would finally be graced with a gigantic German style beer hall as the authentic Paulaner Brauhaus officially opened its doors late in 2013. But the modernized space, formerly a burlesque, is more about the beer itself than it is about the clanking together of large steins festively and refreshingly, the bar/restaurant fits the surrounding area in ideal fashion.

Arriving on an early Friday evening, I was certainly surprised to see such refinement from a place that I expected to be entirely rowdy. In place of the now commonplace long communal tables, we found folks enjoying traditional German fare calmly in the main dining room. The bar, while filled, was lined quietly by after work types chatting casually with each other in front of the enormous copper beer tanks behind them- certainly an eye catching piece of decor to the narrow bar area. What’s most interesting about Paulaner Brauhaus is the fact that all of the beers on draught are brewed quite literally in house. Aside from seasonal selections, the Brauhaus offers three additional and classic styles- their original “Munich Lager,” the “Munich Dark,” and the “Paulaner Wheat Beer” – a hoppy Hefeweizen style that is both refreshing and delicious. In this very location sits the only current US location brewing Paulaner beers which alone makes your visit worthwhile, considering some of the recipes being utilized to craft the beers are more than 300 years old.

Though the beers are exceptional, the cuisine here has been tailor-made for pairing with Bavarian fare like pretzels, wienerschnitzel, spaetzle, sauerkraut and locally made sausages that will have you longing for Oktoberfest. And the Bavarian Cream Pie is as rich and exceptional as you would imagine. Paulaner Brauhaus is an inspired beer hall-lite that manages to be both upscale and relaxed at once, adding a little touch of class to an old fashioned style of beer.

The Rundown

Bar Type - It would be a misconception to classify this as a German biergarten- so don’t. Come for the beer and stay for the casual atmosphere inside.

When to Visit – Anytime. The space is more conducive to a restaurant setting so make sure to come hungry. Otherwise, pop a squat at the bar and enjoy pints, half liters, or liter sized pours of their fantastic Paulaner beers.

Value - Considering what this place is probably paying in rent based on its sheer size and in this location, I can’t imagine you’ll find $3 beers here. But that said, they don’t beat you over the head price-wise either and beers are entirely reasonable here.

The Lowdown – The mood is noticeably subdued during our first visit, a much welcomed reprieve from the loud dive bars with loud music and dartboards. Paulaner Brauhaus allowed us the opportunity to actually enjoy a beer for what it is- a tasty, crisp, refreshing glass of suds- and gave us the chance to catch up with our party without having to scream. Finding some space at the bar to sit was the only challenge that we faced and that was eradicated in only a few minutes. The friendly staff and awesome beer offerings make Paulaner Brauhaus a must hit spot on Bowery- even if it’s for only one beer before you begin a more wild night out elsewhere.

The scorch of July now has us thoroughly entrenched in the throws of summertime, where few things taste as seasonally delicious as a soft serve ice cream cone, a fresh off the grill hamburger, a crisp refreshing golden beer, and a perfectly crafted lobster roll. With the surrounding boroughs each sporting their own distinctive spots, a staple of Greenpoint Brooklyn and Rockaway Beach made its first foray into Manhattan toward the tail end of 2012, opening another of its outposts in the Lower East Side. And for the better part of this year, Lobster Joint’s quaint and casual persona has become a downtown staple right alongside the likes of Russ & Daughters and Katz’s Delicatessen.

The plain white awning with red lettering is surprisingly eye catching despite the busy bodies surrounding Houston Street, similar to a hole in the wall you’d expect to find in a seaside town. The front of the house’s floor to ceiling windows illuminate the entirety of the place with much welcomed natural light, shining onto both the picnic table seating and the small but perpetually busy L-shaped bar inside. The white tiled walls line the restaurant as a border, while perfectly framing the large handwritten menu for ordering ease. Once inside, diners are welcomed to the front counter for cashier side ordering at the bar before a waitress brings out a tray of food, once your table has been secured.

Despite the laid back setting, ordering up seafood anywhere in Manhattan can tend to be a bit pricey. That said, much of the menu falls under $20 with the exception of the steamed 1.5 pound “Lobster Dinner” ($34) and their inventive “Lobster Shepherd’s Pie” ($21). Beach side staples like raw bar items, “Fried Clam Strips” ($8), crab cakes, and all the fish you can handle (“Filet o’Fish Sandwich” ($12), “Sauteed Pollock” ($14), “Salmon Sandwich” ($12), are all over the menu alongside burgers, chicken and vegetarian options for seafood despisers.

We grabbed a table and quickly found the object of our search with Lobster Joint’s “New England Lobster Roll” ($17). Distinctive from the restaurant’s “Connecticut Lobster Roll” (Also $17) which is served warm with butter, the New England variety comes chilled, tossed lightly in an herb mayonnaise with celery. The bulbous portion heaped out of the diminutive but delicious bun, with chunks of fresh lobster meat falling out onto the surrounding plate garnished by a bed of crisp garden salad and a pickle, designed to catch the fall of each piece. Pleasantly, the handheld delicacy was so lightly drizzled in mayo that the flavors of the lobster coupled with hints of herb were allowed to stand out on their own merits, enveloped in a moist fluffy toasted bun. Additionally, Lobster Joint also has a fantastic selection of craft beers on draught, making the “Blue Point Summer” ($6) and “Allagash White” ($6) ideal compliments for each bite of our shared sandwich.

There is no shortage of local eateries popping up that offer similar fare, but Lobster Joint’s penchant for authentically prepared lobster rolls has to place them at or near the top of any seafood lover’s list for fast casual dining. The atmosphere inside is both energetic and fun. The beer and cocktail program is unique and surprisingly affordable. And best of all, the quaint little spot acts as a perfect respite from a sweltering summer in the City. Lobster Joint immediately brings you to a beachfront town, without having to board a jitney to get there.

Rundown of the Meal

Sandwiches

New England Lobster Roll ($17)*

*Meal Highlight

Parkside Lounge
317 E Houston St, Lower East Side, Manhattan
212-673-6270
Getting There: F to Delancey Street

When the rain starts to soak the streets of New York City you want to quickly duck into a place that’s dry for a bit of a respite. On a recent weeknight the “Drink Here Now” crew and I found one such safe haven in the Lower East Side. On the corner where East Houston meets Avenue B sits a bar that easily catches a New Yorker’s eye for it’s old school appeal and uniqueness. If you need a hint, I’m talking about the Parkside Lounge. The bar may not sit directly next to any park, but it’s name holds a lot of truth as to how a classic dive bar should be run.

At around 9pm we found refuge from the rain once through the bar’s glass door and inside the highly illuminated space. Christmas style lights and a medium sized mirror ball provide lighting, a conversation starter from the get go. The bar itself appears to have been there for over forty years, but many people have told me this design was purposely made to appear older than it actually is. Either way, first time patrons and regulars will get treated to a ton of old school eye candy covering every wall to be transported to a New York City of old. On this particular night the bar was packed with leftover Happy Hour drinkers and recreational sports league teams sipping suds and playing foosball. After a short wait for drinks, the sole bartender on duty served us up some very cheap pints of Pabst Blue Ribbon and vodka sodas, making this an easy place for marathon drinking if we didn’t have to wake up early the following day.

Along with foosball, skeeball and nightly live music provide tons of entertainment for folks looking to do something besides drinking and chatting with friends. Our crew is partial to the latter. Therefore we were thrilled that Parkside Lounge houses a digital jukebox playing the likes of Alice In Chains to Marcy Playground. The touchscreen juke provided us with hours of killer tunes while we wet our whistles. After we finished our last pint and song it was time to go back into the rain. We may have been soaked, but the time spent at Parkside Lounge allowed us to forget about our soggy shoes and focus on finding a taxi.

The Rundown

Bar Type - Long running Lower East Side dive bar with live music, Skee Ball and a great attitude.

When to Visit – Seven days a week as there is always a crowd buzzing through this place for a show or just to throw back a few cold ones.

Value – Fans of cheap beer and well drinks will want to call Parkside Lounge home for a session of drinking without breaking the bank feeling cheated out of their dough.

The Lowdown - The outside facade, with it’s neon sign will tell you that Parkside Lounge is a friendly joint to imbibe in the ever changing and trendy Lower East Side. Even the short lived HBO series “Bored To Death” realized as much as they used the bar in it’s very first episode.