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McSorley's Old Ale House

Laura Kennicutt — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:24:12 +0000

New York’s history is as dense and rich as the head on a good pint, but you don’t need to spend hours shuffling through some stuffy museum or wear out your shoes taking walking tours to find it. The history of any city is as entwined with the underworld as the mainstream culture, and some of the best places to find well-preserved windows into an older time are bars and pubs. From Fraunces Tavern downtown (where George Washington toasted the end of his presidency) to Chumley’s in the Village (the speakeasy where some of our greatest literary minds poisoned their livers), the Big Apple is chock full of historic watering holes. Although it may not be the oldest, McSorley’s Old Ale House holds a spot as one of the most unchanged, historically-significant, and most importantly, beloved bars in all of New York.

McSorley’s (according to their own accounts) opened in 1854, and though some historians dispute that date, it’s safe to say the place has been around for a long freaking time. Women were famously only allowed inside starting in 1970, which might explain why the women’s bathroom is so poorly labeled (listen for the shocked apologies issuing from the men’s room if you don’t believe me). McSorley’s is still a bit of a guy’s bar (expect to hear some gruff sports talk from the tie-wearing after-work crowd), but mixed-gender groups of friends make up much of the clientele these days. This is definitely a bar you want to bring pals to, otherwise you’ll be awfully lonely toasting to yourself amidst the raucous crowds. When you step up to the counter or order from your waiter, the first thing you should know is that the smallish beers here are served in pairs, so if you order three, prepare for six. The wee mugs of beer (two make for about a pint’s worth) come in only two varieties, McSorley’s Light and Dark, and both are perfectly palatable. Observing the servers’ mastery of the art of multiple-mug-holding is half the fun – you can place bets on how many glasses they’ll be able to carry in one trip.

If you come too late you’ll be lucky if you can find a spot to drink standing up, but if you can manage to secure a table in the crowded seating area, you’ll most likely end up making friends with your neighbors. Such close quarters, along with a large number of devoted regulars (who, by the way, swear by Monday nights as the best time to come here), make for a vibrant community atmosphere that is hard to find in any bar, much less one with so much history. Speaking of which, one of the only downfalls of such a crowded atmosphere is that you sometimes feel awkward reading over people’s shoulders, and that’s a shame when there’s so much worth reading on McSorley’s walls. You’ll find framed newspaper clippings and photographs commemorating visits by luminaries the likes of Abraham Lincoln, as well as moments from the bar’s, and the city’s history. Faded images speak of New York’s wild west past, when McSorley’s looked more like an outlaw-filled Texas saloon than a New York pub.

McSorley’s greatest asset is how little has changed there over the years, from the sawdust on the floors, to the old wooden kegs outside, to the friendly cat that’s known to leap onto your table at unexpected moments (though he might’ve come on the scene somewhat later than 1854). Even the simple bar foods like liverwurst sandwiches and saltines with cheese, mustard, and onions go unchanged with time – no coconut shrimp or cheeseburger spring rolls here. No, McSorley’s sticks with what works, namely, good beer and good people, and that’s the kind of tradition New Yorkers are happy to get behind.

Fancy A Pint? 3 Beertacular Irish Pubs in the East Village

Laura Kennicutt — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 03:13:15 +0000

We Americans can claim talent and often superiority in a variety of pursuits these days, but when it comes to drinking, Ireland still put us to shame. At least we still have better breakfast. But you don’t need an airline ticket to visit this magical land of drinking – just a liver of steel and a high tolerance for slurred singalongs. Thanks to their customers’ natural talent for holding the hooch, as well as a rich history in NYC, the Irish bar has become near-synonymous with tying one on in the Big Apple. So whether you’re as Irish as a whiskey-soaked potato, or whether you don’t know your soda bread from shortbread, these three East Village bars will give you a taste of the Emerald Isle without having to leave the Isle of Manhattan.

Bull McCabe's

Irish eyes are smiling at this St. Mark’s Place institution, where the standard 1-2 punch of cheap beer and Jäger shots will leave you with a hangover and a lot of fun (but fuzzy) memories. The spacious garden, complete with a crumbling airplane, is one of the sweetest spots in the neighborhood for a drunken summer evening. The crowd is a crazy mix of employees from the local shops and restaurants, wee NYU kids with low tolerances, and hard-drinking Irish nationals looking for a taste of home. Add to that that the ever-friendly bartenders know the value of the occasional free shot to good customers, and you’ve got the makings of some excellent Gaelic gallivanting. Oh, and did I mention they have a beer bong?

Finnerty's Irish Pub

Even though its old location in a cavern-like basement on 3rd Avenue was far superior and a lot less generic-looking, the beloved Finnerty’s Irish Pub has managed to preserve much of its dive bar charm in the move to its new 2nd Avenue digs. This isn’t a bar for discerning cocktail-sippers; the standard order is a Tall Boy of PBR and a shot of whiskey (for $6, not a bad deal). If you come with friends who don’t mind Budweiser and plastic cups, the pitchers are the way to go (plus, you can usually count on a buyback every three or four rounds). Besides the cheap beer and some seriously enormous well drinks, Finnerty’s is pretty basic; diversions include a pool table, foosball, decent digital jukebox, and of course, Erotic Photo Hunt. But the super-nice staff and funny sodden regulars, as well as one hell of a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, make this place a neighborhood treasure.

Ryan's Irish Pub

Ryan’s Irish Pub (which is owned by the same people as neighbor The Thirsty Scholar and the aforementioned Bull McCabe’s) is, like most Irish bars in New York, a tad overpriced and a little too sports-bar-ish for my usual taste. However, when you come in the afternoon, before the frat crowd settles in, there are few better places to sit and hash out your day with the bartender over a pint or three. The bartenders are often Irish and always fun to talk to, and they’re usually happy to take requests for the iPod sound system. Or you can always come with friends and stake out a table on the outdoor patio, which fills up fast during the warmer months. If you stay for dinner, stick with the authentic Irish and British food, like Bangers and Mash (my favorite) and Shepherd’s Pie – nothing soaks up Guinness quite like gravy-soaked meat and potatoes.

5 Great Places to Get "Bowled Over" in NYC

Laura Kennicutt — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 03:03:27 +0000

Dinner, movies, bars…what do all these things have in common? Answer: they’re unoriginal date ideas. To show your loved one you recognize how special and unique they are, you have to take them somewhere better than the Red Lobster now and then (not that cheddar biscuits aren’t a delicious delicacy). Bowling is a surefire date classic for a reason. Cold brews, cool shoes, and a bit of playful combativeness….who could ask for more? The following five bowling alleys are spread out across New York City, so that no matter what part of town you call home, you can take your special someone out for a date that’s a perfect strike every time.

300 New York

Upscale alley cats can bowl in style at 300 New York, where this pastime of the working class gets a metropolitan makeover. From the trippily atmospheric permanent lightshow playing over the lanes to the shiny blue bar and ultra-modern furniture, there’s no shortage of pretty things to look at. Too bad the supposedly fancy food and drinks are no better than your standard pub grub. The upstairs VIP lounge (with a private 8-lane bowling area and, more importantly, a bar of its own) would be perfect for a party, but bowlers on a budget will have just as good a time downstairs among the plebians.

Leisure Time Bowl

Most people are surprised enough to learn that a bowling alley actually exists in Port Authority, much less that it’s real classy-like. With a recent renovation and a fantastic new menu, Leisure Time has secured its position as the nicest corner of Port Authority, bar none. Positives include the delicious food (I still crave their steak-on-toast appetizer) and the central location, as well as the easygoing and unassuming attitude. However, the bill can add up fast, and the staff members are often slow and apathetic. The energetic city crowd can be a mixed blessing – a lively atmosphere is one thing, but the younger bowlers can get a little obnoxious late at night – so come early if you want to be able to hear your date talk.

Bowlmor Lanes

Sure it’s overpriced and tries too hard to be like a cool nightclub when it should be sticking to the basics – bowling, beer, and bar food. But Greenwich Village’s Bowlmor Lanes still attracts the crowds, partly because it’s conveniently located within close proximity of about a dozen NYU dorms, and partly because of its appearance in Sex and the City (in a particularly memorable Carrie-Big date scene). The crowd here consists mostly of googly-eyed couples and groups of tipsy college kids blowing their parents’ money, so if you don’t enjoy overhearing deafening discussions about the cute TA in Psych 101, you may want to steer clear.

Harlem Lanes

Harlem’s newest bowling alley speaks of the elegance and cool style of Harlem past, while its slick modern elements reflect the rapidly modernizing Harlem of today. Unlike the overly flashy quasi-futurism of 300 and Bowlmor Lanes, Harlem Lanes presents an idealized representation of bowling lanes of old with its classic, almost retro design. The food and drinks are as pretention-free as they are delicious, and the staff is refreshingly friendly and alert (a big difference from places like Leisure Time Bowl). It may not be a kitschy dive like the bowling alleys of suburban nostalgia and memory, but Harlem Lanes is a serious bowling lover’s dream hangout. The Dude would love it.

Melody Lanes

Melody Lanes Bowling Center is one of the only ‘real’ bowling alleys left in the New York area. By that I mean, everything is cheap, the customer base is colorful and composed mostly of locals, and the bar food is awesomely greasy. No escargots or lychee-tinis here. Between games, chat up the kindly bartender and throw back some cheap beers in the lounge, or pump some quarters into the arcade like the old days. The location (across the street from the Jackie Gleason bus depot on Brooklyn’s 5th Avenue) may not scream romance at first glance, but take your date on an after-bowling stroll through nearby Sunset Park for an amazing view and the, ahem, activities that tend to go along with such a lookout point.

3 NYU-Area College Dive Bars That Are Worth Matriculating For

Laura Kennicutt — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:55:55 +0000

College bars (especially of the dive variety) are great because the crowds there focus on what's important – getting wasted, and fast. No pretention, just sloppy, loud people who can't hold their liquor. There's never a shortage of overplayed Top 40 on the jukebox, and there's always a sick girl in the bathroom with her friends holding back her hair. Those were the days, all right.

When it comes to college bars in the Big Apple, you need look no further than the vicinity of New York University in bohemian Greenwich Village, where cheap drink specials draw fake ID-toting freshmen like flies to a pile of garbage bags on a New York street corner. The following are three of the best time-tested dives in the NYU area, all of them perfect for a wild night out with friends. Grab your letterman jacket and pop a few Chasers, because you're about to go back to school.

Grassroots Tavern
The age-worn wooden floors in this historic basement bar have been trodden upon by artists, writers, and scores of naïve students over the years, not to mention a handful of jaded cats and dogs who strut around like they own the place. Some come for the cheap pitchers and popcorn, some for the dart tournaments, some for the company of the amusingly no-nonsense bartender and sodden regulars, but everyone leaves happy. Between rounds, take note of the old pressed-tin ceiling, heavy wooden bar, and other charming Old New York details. Just don't bother the cats when they're sleeping – trust me.

Bar None
Bar None is the kind of place where you always go in for one drink and end up staying for four. Perhaps it's the fact that they offer the self-proclaimed longest happy hour in New York (11am to 8pm every day), where $4 will get you a well drink or a pint of better draft beer ($3 for boring Bud and Bud Lite). Newcomers are mystified by the incessant pounding on the ceiling, which actually comes from a karate class that meets upstairs. The place turns into a dance party late at night, but the afternoon is the time to come, when you can chat up the tough-looking but super-friendly bartender and his son, and/or enjoy an episode of "Cash Cab" with them. And honestly, you stop noticing the karate class after a while. It's like the stench in New Jersey that way.

Josie Woods Pub
This deliciously 70s-looking stone-and-wood basement bar is in the dead center of the NYU campus, so there's never a shortage of tipsy coeds to ogle. Cheap pitchers of beer and decent bar food make up the offerings here, doled out by a genuinely nice staff that always remembers your face, if not your name. The frat guys and ditzy girls that pack the bar on weekends can get annoying, so come after work if you prefer a laid-back atmosphere and access to the pool tables and the MegaTouch. Although there's something to be said for the spectacle caused by dozens of fresh-faced college kids reaching record blood alcohol levels at the same time. It's enough to make you want to sign up for classes all over again.

AC Gears

Laura Kennicutt — Thu, 29 May 2008 03:42:45 +0000

Electronics junkies have been raving about online retailer AudioCubes for years, so when the company opened their first physical store at the end of 2007, it was cause for some geeky celebration. The diminutive storefront resides in the middle of NYU country on overdeveloped 8th Street, which is more or less an outdoor shopping mall for first year students and their parents’ money. In short, a brilliant choice of location.

Beautifully-designed gadgets and unusual imports, from simple toys to straight-up robots, are the main event at AC Gears, and half the fun is figuring out what everything does. If you find yourself stumped, the super-knowledgeable and friendly salesmen are always on hand to show you how something works or let you down easy when you ask how much it costs. Oh, to be a freshman again. The majority of AC Gears’ products are Japanese in origin, thanks to their Osaka-based office and warehouse, and that means they’re able to offer awesome and unique items you won’t find anywhere else in New York.

I could write about the cool things they sell here all day. First of all, if you know any Guitar Hero fanatics, the “Takaratomy Air Guitar Pro Acoustic” ($55.99) is just about the most perfect present they could ever ask for. This magical guitar neck (really the upper neck) uses infrared technology to create realistic sounds, and the small size makes it extremely portable. Another item on my wish list is the Segatoys Dream Cat Smile Robot ($149.99), which puts the robotic cat Salem from “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch” to shame. True, having a robot cat creepily smiling at you all day might give you nightmares and/or psychological issues, but it’s so damn cute!

More AC Gears stores are planned for New York and around the country, so soon we could literally have a full-fledged robot takeover on our hands. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Micro Museum

Laura Kennicutt — Fri, 09 May 2008 09:55:34 +0000

The gallery system in New York can be daunting for artists just starting out (or “emerging artists,” as they’re referred to within this insular world). If it’s not about who you know, it’s about how you look. Even worse, once you do manage to make a name for yourself, the industry demands that your work be consistent above all, so that you’ll have a recognizable style that’s simple enough for the most feeble-minded buyers to grasp. It’s enough to make an artist sell his studio and take up doing sidewalk murals for tips again. But there has also always been an undercurrent of true art, the art of the people, in New York and around the world. In recent years, a handful of arts collectives have managed to combine the modern gallery with the bohemian salon, in ways that are often daring and inspiring, and Cobble Hill’s Micro Museum is one of those collectives.

Since 1986, Micro Museum has been serving the community by offering a variety of programs and classes for children and adults, and by housing an impressive media archive, which now includes hundreds of pieces of digital and video artwork and a huge collection of 78 records donated by the Met (the art one, not the opera one). They also host regular Open Wall installations, where the public may submit artwork for display based on the cryptic themes of the upcoming shows (“Animals in Your Kingdom” and “DNA r’ US,” for example). Most importantly, they serve as an “arts incubator” for artists of truly mixed media, from dance to interactive sculpture (I’m sure there’s a more correct art term for the latter), allowing opportunities for struggling artists to develop their style and collaborate with others in a nurturing environment.

Micro Museum is only open to the public on Saturdays and during special events and openings, and unlike most New York galleries, they charge a two-dollar cover. I rarely recommend paying to view art, but the money goes to support the museum’s community programs, so I’m OK with it…this time. If you really want to get your money’s worth, stop by before closing – every Saturday from 5-7pm, gallery owners William and Kathleen Laziza, as well as the artists responsible for the work that’s currently on display, are on hand to lead a discussion and answer questions. The complimentary tea and light snacks served during these talks are a thoughtful touch considering the limitless appetites of the poverty-stricken Brooklyn artists and writers (like me) in attendance. Okay, I admit it, I go to art galleries for the free food. But this time, I actually looked at the art for more than ten minutes, and for me, that’s saying a lot!

Gusto Grilled Organics

Laura Kennicutt — Wed, 07 May 2008 19:37:00 +0000

As admirable as it is to eat organic food, there’s still kind of a Birkenstock-wearing hippie connotation to it. This is probably because, as with vegetarian and vegan food, most organic-only restaurants (at least until recently) have been rather one-note. Fans of variety, authentic ethnic dishes, and interesting preparation methods were forced to dine elsewhere. But restaurants like Gusto Grilled Organics are changing all of that.

The food at Gusto could best be described as Argentinean with a modern twist, and of course it is all 100% organic. Grilled empanadas and steak sandwiches serve as the focal point of the small menu, while grilled flatbread pizzas reflect the massive Italian influence on Argentinean cuisine. The really brave (and hopefully dateless) can order the Fugazza ($4.45), which is topped with heaps of grilled onions and olive oil, but perhaps the coolest pizza option is the Tenderloin ($7.95), with hunks of grilled sirloin, tomatoes and green olives. The empanadas are equally good; try the Humida ($3.95), which is stuffed with corn, homemade salsa blanca, and oregano, for a satisfying afternoon snack or light lunch. All other dishes aside, beef is for all intents and purposes the national food of Argentina, and it is given appropriate reverence at Gusto with their grilled steak sandwiches, which are kept very simple in order to highlight the flavor of the meat.

The cafe culture of Buenos Aires is also nicely represented at Gusto with their breakfast menu, which allows you the chance to start your day with a strong coffee and a media luna (croissant) like the Portenos do. Of course, a true Argentinean wouldn’t be caught dead out on the town before midnight, so it’s a shame Gusto closes so early (11pm on the weekdays, midnight on weekends). They have all the makings of an excellent after-dinner lounge, with a great wine list, scrumptious desserts like Dulce de Leche ice cream and Sweet Bread Pudding (all $3-5), Yerba Mate, cocoa, coffee and tea drinks. Despite this cultural inconsistency, Gusto Grilled Organics is still a fantastic (and guilt-free) place to eat.

Sidecar Bar & Grill

Laura Kennicutt — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 01:30:56 +0000

Sidecar is just the kind of medium-priced bistro that Park Slope is overloaded with, but its location at the southern end of the neighborhood makes it a welcome new hotspot nonetheless. As I’ve written before, the South Slope has come a long way, but it still suffers from a drastic shortage of quality bars and restaurants (at least according to gentrifying yuppie standards). From the outside, Sidecar looks like just another generic bar and grill, but inside it’s filled with cute old-fashioned touches like a pressed tin ceiling, heavy wooden booths and a long retro bar. The narrow nature of the space and the reddish lighting make it feel somewhat like a cross between a speakeasy and a train car, but whatever it’s supposed to be, it’s a nice looking place.

You’ll probably want to start with one of their signature drinks, like the Ramos Fizz (with gin, lemon, egg white, cream and orange flower water, $9) or the eponymous Sidecar (with cognac, Cointreau and lemon, $8). They’ll delight your taste buds and get you tipsy before you’re even done figuring out what to eat. The small menu represents an appealing cross section of international influences, from French to Vietnamese to Mexican, all with modern American touches. The prices are reasonable enough that you can order a couple of courses, and I recommend pretty much all of the appetizers. My favorite is the white bean dip with tortilla chips for a reasonable $6 (add delicious bacon for $2), but if you’re into pate, the Chicken Liver Pate appetizer (with apples, currants, shallots, brandy, port and cream, served with toast points) is a steal at $7. The entrée I’ve found the most intriguing is the Bahn-De (a Vietnamese sandwich with grilled pork chops, pâté, carrots, cucumbers, cilantro and mayonnaise on a fresh baguette, $11). You can order it spicy or not, but I highly recommend the spicier option. The shot glass full of oily green sauce that accompanies the overstuffed sandwich is like a magical shot of spicy deliciousness, and once you pour it on, there’s no non-sloppy way to go about eating this thing. Just dig in and save your napkins for the end.

The food is all well and good, but surprisingly (for this neighborhood), the service is even better. The friendly servers and managers are always quick to offer a free drink for inconveniences like asking you to move tables to make room for a big party, or when the kitchen is backed up on a busy night. Food and drinks aside, that’s what will keep me coming back and bringing my friends. Even if it makes me a heartless gentrifying yuppie.

Rancho Alegre

Laura Kennicutt — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 10:27:13 +0000

As someone who grew up in the Southwest, I have great respect for authentic Mexican cuisine, but sometimes even I have a hankering for crunchy tacos, chimichangas and giant blue margaritas. At times like these, I thank the burrito gods for Rancho Alegre. A whimsical but slightly dated mural overlooks Park Slope’s 7th Avenue, promising to whisk you away to a magical world of Tex-Mex flavor. Inside, it’s all neon beer signs, gaudy decorations and oversized sombreros. Pathetic or not, you have to appreciate a place that wears its tackiness on its poncho-draped sleeve.

After you’ve ordered your Technicolor margaritas and pitchers of sangria (it’s arguable which is more watered down), you’ll probably want to indulge in some cheap nachos or guacamole (appetizers average a reasonable $4-6) while you ponder the plethora of combination meals, tex-mex favorites, and semi-authentic Mexican cuisine on the menu. The basic beef and chicken burritos, tacos and enchiladas that comprise the combination meals here are the blandest of the menu items, and can be safely ignored. Opt instead for the La Bandera platter (featuring three different enchiladas, with sauces representing the red, green and white of the Mexican flag, $10.25), or the rich and smoky Chicken in Mole Poblano ($10.75), both served with rice and beans. Sizzling fajitas are also a good bet when you want to make everyone else in the restaurant think you’re important, and nothing says fun like food you assemble yourself.

Once the bellies of you and your dinner companions are swollen and content, it’s time to get back to business. Namely, the business of getting drunk on margaritas. If you really want to be economical about it, you’d probably be better off ordering beer, but somehow it would seem like a betrayal not to order a brightly colored drink in a place like this. If you somehow still have room, you’re in luck, because when it comes to desserts, Mexican restaurants know where it’s at. They don’t just serve you a sad little melty bowl of ice cream, they fry it! Through some kind of magical ice cream frying technology! Flan, fried bananas, and other delights will take care of any hunger you might have had left, and around then you’ll start to realize that tequila plus Mexican food equals heartburn. That’s when it’s time to move on.

A Snobbery-Free Guide to Wine Stores in Park Slope

Laura Kennicutt — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 23:04:18 +0000

As fine dining becomes more accessible to the common man, so too does that fermented liquid of the gods, wine. Gone are the days of hoity-toity shops that only seem to be there to make you feel stupid. Nowadays, finding a cheap and delicious bottle of wine is easier and more stress-free than ever, especially with shops like these that do the thinking (and drinking) for you.

Red White & Bubbly
Red White & Bubbly is one of the newest additions to the Park Slope wine scene, and with its sleek design, large selection, and rotating deals and specials, it’s a welcome one. Owner Darrin Siegfried formerly served as President of the Sommelier Society of America, and personally trained over six hundred wine captains as Education Director. He even represented the U.S. at the ‘Olympics’ of wine, the Concours Mondial de les Sommeliers. Clearly, this is a man who knows his stuff. If you can’t make it out to the store, Red White & Bubbly’s sleek, easy-to-use website lets you browse and shop from home. Just what I need, an online booze store. I have enough distractions as it is.

Prospect Wine Shop
This family-owned Prospect Wine Shop was established in the year 2000, but it looks like it’s been around far longer. The worn wooden shelves are packed with so many wines it makes your head spin at first, but you need not fear, for the ultra-friendly and extremely knowledgeable staff is ready and willing to guide you. If you prefer to browse, color-coded stickers identifying each wine’s price range make sizing up bottles a snap. Bulk discounts for cases or event-sized orders (think weddings) will help to keep you within your party budget no matter what the occasion.

Big Nose Full Body
Big Nose Full Body is an adorable little store, with a selection that is strategically small so that instead of being overwhelmed by varietals and vintages and regions, you can rest assured that any bottle you buy will be fantastic. You can take the time to read every wine’s description or get a quick recommendation from the young, hip staff if you’re strapped for time. If you buy 12 or more bottles you get free delivery and a 15% case discount to boot, so you don’t even have to get off your couch to live the good life. But my favorite thing about Big Nose Full Body is the free wine tastings they host every Saturday (4-6pm). Fun, informational, and intoxicating…who could ask for more?