Posts tagged drinking

“Sometimes too much to drink is barely enough.” - Mark Twain

To which I’d add “Friends don’t let friends drink light beer”. When it comes to today’s American craft beer, Twain is most certainly correct. Ridiculed for generations for its childish, pissy, flavorless pointlessness; American beer has undergone a stunning renaissance over the last 20 years to the point where Yankee suds are now leading the world. Yes, you read that right - American beer is the best in the world. Yes, even better than Belgian, or at the least, more innovative. I know, a big call, feel free to correct me in the comments.

Many American brewers are certainly heavily influenced by the Belgians, I’ll give you that. And London may have a stronger pub culture, and more overall brewpubs - but I’d put money on Manhattan still coming out ahead in terms of gastropubs per square foot. (Manhattan is small). The following list is not meant to be exhaustive, but every one serves some of the best beer in the world.

Top ten brew pubs

I’m pretty lucky to have as my local a bar a place that reinforces my love for American craft beer with every visit. The Pony Bar only serves American beer through its 20 taps, and the menu changes daily due to every keg being replaced by a different beer when emptied. The staff all know their brews and the food is quality too; I recommend the green bean tempura with spicy mustard. 637 10th Ave (Between 45th & 46th). 212 586 2707‎

There are two locations only about 5 blocks apart for the House of Brews, which boasts around 100 different beers in bottles, cans, and on tap from America and around the world. They also have some pretty rare beers if you ask for ‘em, to the tune of $500…  363 West 46th St (Between 8th & 9th). 212 245 0551 / House of Brews - 302 West 51st St (Between 8th & 9th). 212 541 7080

Just up past the American Museum of Natural History is George Keeley’s, which serves free popcorn alongside a fine range of brews from the US and the globe - and more importantly, leaves the Buds, Coors, & Miller at the door. 485 Amsterdam Ave Frnt (Between West 83rd & West 84th). 212 873 0251

The term ‘Blind Tiger’ originated in the 1800’s, when blue laws restricted the sale of alcohol in the US. Bar owners would charge a cover to see a blind tiger, or some other imaginary attraction, and provide “complimentary” alcohol. The Blind Tiger Ale House charges the other way around, and serves infinitely better beer. 281 Bleecker St (Between Commerce St & Jones St). 212 462 4682

One trend I’m definitely in favor of is when bar menus give you the standard ABV, but at Rattle & Hum they go a step further, listing Beer Advocate’s average scores for each brew. 15 East 33rd St (Between 5th & Madison). 212 481 1586

Three blocks up is Ginger Man, with a pedigree claimed to involve the first multi-tap bar in America. Having a proven seventy taps and 160 bottles on offer should impress even the most jaded beer critic. 11 East 36th St (Between 5th & Madison). 212 532 3740

While not exactly famous for its happening nightlife, the upper east side does have David Copperfields, a restaurant and brewery with too many beers to count. 1394 York Ave (Between 74th & 75th). 212 734 6152

In a much more happening area - just down from Please Don’t Tell in fact, is the Hop Devil Grill, which also has fine bourbon and a good food selection. 129 St Marks Place (Between 1st Ave & Avenue A). 212 533 4467

Valhalla is a warm, wooden neighborhood bar with wooden trestle tables and dedicated glassware for many of their brews. 815 9th Ave (Between 53rd St & 54th St). 212 757 2747

By accident I chanced upon The Stag’s Head amidst a wasteland of Irish pubs in mid-town and was pleasantly surprised to find a great selection of all-American craft beers - and a happy hour that lasts from 11am-7pm. 252 East 51st St (Between 3rd Ave & 2nd Ave). 212 888 2453

“Alcohol may be man’s worst enemy, but the bible says love your enemy” - Frank Sinatra

Humans have been getting drunk, falling over, fighting, having sex, and mostly waking up to regret it for many millenia now. If you want to get drunk, Manhattan south of Central Park is one of the best places on the planet to do it - if not the best. It’s the home of the cocktail and probably leads the world in terms of the sheer number of brew pubs and cocktail lounges per square foot. If not in alcoholics.

Manhattan is also extremely compact and flat, which means it’s easy to waltz from one liver skirmish to the next. This by-no-means comprehensive list of establishments is confined to those serving the most delicious cocktails on the face of the earth.

Top ten + 1 cocktail bars

Sasha Petraske helped to spawn the current ‘Speakeasy’ cocktail renaissance in NYC with his flagship lounge Milk & Honey. Such bars often have little or no street signage. To get in here you need to be a member or make a phone reservation (the number changes semi-regularly). 134 Eldridge St, Lower East Side (Between Delancey & Broome). No walk-ins.


Please Don’t Tell. Photo: Vidiot

Please Don’t Tell relies somewhat on a gimmick for its notoriety, but it’s a fucking great gimmick. Not only is there no signage - the entrance is actually via a hot dog diner called Crif Dogs, through a telephone booth on the back wall. It’s a cool space, and makes drinks that deserve a Nobel prize in awesomeness. 113 Saint Marks Place (Between 1st Ave & Ave A). 212 614 0386‎

Another outpost in the Petraske empire is the jazz and blues infused Little Branch. 22 7th Ave (Between Carmine St & Leroy St). 212 929 4360

If you’re busy being fabulous in Chelsea, you’ll want to taste the sumptuous 20’s vibe of Raines Law Room. 48 West 17th St (Between 5th & Avenue of the Americas), then float up the two blocks to the Art Deco splendor of Flatiron Lounge, 37 West 19th St (Between 5th & Avenue of the Americas). 212 727 7741

My favorite cocktail bar that feels like a regular neighborhood bar: real down-to-earth with no pretentions, is Louis 649. Very cool jazz from traditional to avant garde (and often live), very friendly service, and a phenomenal drinks list. 649 East 9th St (Between Ave B & C). 212 673 1190

The Prohibition referencing Death & Co. accepts no reservations, and is first come first served. Strangely, it closes at 12am so best to get there early. Say 6pm when it opens. 433 East 6th St (Between 1st Ave & Avenue A). 212 388 0882

When you’re in Tribeca and live jazz is your ideal cocktail accompaniment the title of B Flat should be a dead giveaway. Performances every Monday & Wednesday from 10pm-1am. 277 Church St, Basement (Between Avenue of the Americas & Franklin St). 212 219 2970

The entrance to Angel’s Share - a reference to the alcohol that evaporates over time while being aged in barrels - is via a Japanese restaurant called Village Yokocho. It only accepts groups of 4 or fewer. Once you’re in if you get a seat by the large window you can survey all in the street below. 8 Stuyvesant St (Between 2nd & 3rd). 212 777 5415

If you want to go somewhere with a little more energy than your standard relaxing cocktail lounge, Employees Only in the East Village fairly crackles with it while still maintaining excellent drink standards. 510 Hudson St (Between 10th & Christopher St). 212 242 3021

And if like most humans that, after leaving the schooling system have sworn off tequila for good, Mayahuel and its 100 different agave tequilas and mezcals is the place you’ll realize that good tequila is as subtle and sophisticated as the finest pinot noir or single malt. 304 East 6th St (Between 2nd Ave & 1st Ave) 212 253 5888 

Next up: A guide to the finest craft beer bars in New York City.