Question: with a tagline like “Bourbon. Beer. Rock”, how can you go wrong? Answer: you can’t. Every Friday is Devil’s Night Happy Hour at this good-whiskey-and-craft-beer mecca in the East Village, and if you’re around on September 16th, check out their one-year anniversary party: $1 whiskey shots all night and $1 craft beers until 8pm. Rock on.
(image via metal-army)
25 Avenue B, between 2nd and 3rd St. (East Village)
917-338-7090
“That’s a pretty nice haircut…” Oh, come on, cut us (haha?) some slack for the Pavement reference. We’re just getting nostalgic ’cause we’re old enough to remember when this joint was Drinkland – and if you remember that too, we’ll buy you a beer. By day, you can get an old-fashioned shave, haircut (ask for Gogy), or beard trim complete with free cocktail. By night, head straight for the “secret” back room full of gin, Depeche Mode, low lighting, and lots of dancing.
339 E. 10th St. (between Ave. A and Ave. B), East Village
212-228-2123
Ready for some civilized drinking? You’ve come to the right place. A strict door policy (first-come, first-served; no parties over 7; no standing; “We’ll call you on your cell when your table is available”) might put some people off, but don’t let it faze you. The cocktails can’t be beat, and the atmosphere is reminiscent of a bygone era when men wore fedoras and said things like, “Wiseguy, eh?”, and ladies could throw drinks in their faces with grace.
433 E. 6th St., NY NY (East Village)
212-388-0882
New Nolita spot Mother’s Ruin makes you feel comfortable the second you get there: no attitude, no door policy, no door-that’s-impossible-to-find, and a crowd of friendly, good-looking neighborhood locals. Owner TJ is usually behind the bar, mixing up tasty cocktails (tip: tell him your poison and let him decide how you’ll drink it), and there’s a great people-watching table positioned right at the large windows that open up onto Spring Street.
Mother’s Ruin
18 Spring St., NY (Nolita)
No matter what your vibe, there’s a place in NYC that can match it. Punk fan? Check. Heavy metal karaoke? You bet. Regular karaoke? That too. Dancing until 6am? Uh-huh. Mellow spot for afternoon whisky drinking? Yup. Motorcycle garage that serves beer? Okay. You get the picture.
Honestly, we don’t have many local tips for drinking in NYC. You’re a pro – no, we didn’t mean it that way, ok? – so you know what to do. Here are a few that might come in handy:
As the name implies, Saint Vitus is a straight-up metal bar with live bands, Kill ‘Em All metal karaoke, and a weekly hardcore night. $3 buns (cheese steak, sausage, bbq tofu and more) sop up booze specials like the Pope: a Coors Banquet tall boy and shot of Tullamore Dew with a Brooklyn Brine pickleback. If we could live here, we would. All hail Saint Vitus.
1120 Manhattan Avenue (Greenpoint, Brooklyn)
We can’t believe we’re quoting It’s A Wonderful Life, but there’s one part in the film where Nick the bartender is all, “Hey look, mister – we serve hard drinks in here for men [ed. note: and women] who want to get drunk fast.” That’s Whiskey Ward and their astonishing selction of whisky. Plus, they have a pool table for all you sharks. Anyone up for a game?
121 Essex Street (Lower East Side)
212-477-2998
Stepping into Smith & Mills is like stepping back into the 1800s, and not in a weird steampunk kind of way. The tiny bar sits in an old carriage house, and the bathroom (believe it or not) is something you’ve got to see. Twists on classic cocktails are the main thing here; the wine list is small but good, and the ricotta cheese with honey pretty much rules when it comes to bar snacks. They’re also open for lunch and dinner.
71 N Moore Street (Tribeca)
212-226-2515
1016 West Beech Street, Long Beach
516-432-9185
Billed as “Long Island’s premiere live music venue”, The Inn also has a restaurant that boasts nightly specials like Taco Tuesdays with $1 tacos and $3.50 Dos Equis, and Extended Happy Hour Fridays, with cheap-ass drinks and 2 for 1 entrees from 7pm – 10pm.
(image courtesy Thomas Brookins)
943 West Beech Street, Long Beach
516-432-9499
Quiksilver Pro NY Guide 