I can’t wait for Ken Friedman’s Tin Pan Alley-themed bar to open at the Ace Hotel. Rumors are flying that another bar just opened in the Ace Hotel basement that is separate from the Tin Pan Alley bar. The new spot is called Liberty Hall, and is located in the space usually reserved for events. Perhaps it will free up some seats in the packed lobby? Let me know if you’ve visited!
-Caitlin
Rooftop bar 230 Fifth adjusts to the colder temperatures (picture via Eater)
While sipping on sangria this summer on a rooftop bar, I wondered, “What happens to rooftop bars in the winter?” My first winter in the city is approaching, and rooftop bar 230 Fifth is educating me on how to stay warm even on a chilly rooftop. The summertime after work destination has doubled its number of heaters, created a new “Hot Hot Drinks” menu, and even purchased 1,000 signature red fleece robes to keep patrons warm. Hot cocktails include Irish Coffee with Jameson’s Irish Whiskey, Triple Hot Chocolate with Godiva chocolate liquer, and a cappuccino made with Patron. Enjoy the bar through snow, sleet, and freezing temperatures.
-Caitlin
Standings in the East village
You may have guessed that I’m not the sports bar kind of gal. Screaming guys, Bud Light, and the objectification of women reporters and cheerleaders isn’t really my thing. Yes, I get smirks when I order a refreshing glass of pinot grigio at a football game. I can’t help what I like! Last time I went to a sports bar, I may have snuck out to go to a HUGE sample sale and order a peanut butter, banana, and soy milk smoothie… so what? But for many occasions, I will go watch a game with a smile. (I actually do like sports I swear!) So to prepare you for this weekend (Red Sox vs Yankees and football Sunday, of course) I have prepared a list of some of the Best Sports Bars in New York City, guy tested, Caitlin approved.
1. The Blue Seats
Here, you can watch any game. All sports packages are available, even hard to find UFC and Boxing specials. The venue also has movie and television showings upon request. Located in a sleekly decorated building in the Lower East Side (near space for lease 75 Orchard Street), the bar is classy enough that I don’t feel embarassed drinking a mojito, but still a place where guys (and girls) can relax while cheersing to another Yankee win.
Another benefit: oysters at the raw bar
2. The Gin Mill
A spacious, Upper West Side hot spot with 17 TV’s tuned to NFL and NCAA games through satellite, likely to bring you back to your college days. While they are serving your typical bar food: wings, nachos, and burgers, they also have vegetarian options like veggie chilli and veggie burgers. If you are feeling really daring, you can even try the fried oreos. The Gin Mill is taverny in design, with exposed brick, wood paneling, and beer-related decorations, and has a large selection of beers always on tap, as well as Mike’s Hard Lemonade. Not that I’m into that kind of malt beverage or anything…
Another benefit: an outdoor cafe AND located near featured space 2626 Broadway
3. Standings
With every major professional sports package, NFL Sunday Ticket, NBA League Pass, MLB Extra Innings, etc., this East Village hangout (near 83 E. 7th Street) is the perfect place to cheer on your favorite team. Standings has 12 beers on tap, including the seasonal “Dogfish Punkin Ale.” Beer-snob and wine-snob friendly, you aren’t likely to find Miller Lite here, but they do have great deals on pitchers for those who prefer mass quantities.
Another benefit: Networking sessions for colleges, perfect to hang out with fellow alumni
4. Warren 77
A favorite sports bar of Josh Hartnett, this New York Sports-dedicated venue sits in hot neighborhood of the moment, TriBeCa (near featured space 50 Hudson Street). While it is a bit more upscale than other sports bars, u-shaped comfy chairs still face flat screen TV’s, making for perfect game-viewing. Shelves holding old books and sports equipment line the walls, and several beers are on tap, including Guinness, Hoegaarden, and Molson. Wine and mixed drinks are also available, with a large emphasis on their whiskey selection.
Another benefit: comfort food desserts like fresh baked cookies, milkshakes, and sundaes.
Go team.
-Caitlin
Gallery Bar, Photo Courtesy of New York Post
I’ve told you all about clothing shops that double as bars, but I’d like to move the spotlight to another unlikely combination, the art gallery and bar combo. The Lower East Side’s Gallery Bar is at 120 Orchard Street just down the road from featured space for lease, 75 Orchard Street. The New York Post reports that Josh Boyd, owner of the Gallery Bar, says the relationship between artists and bar owners is mutually beneficial, especially in the tough economy. Each month the gallery hosts a new artist, bringing in new crowds.
While much of the art can be pricey, the most expensive piece, a painting by Kevin Berlin, selling for $28,000, artist Antony Zito sold many for between $40-$100. He created portraits of Gallery Bar visitors, showing their likenesses to “found objects.”
Another bar/gallery located just a few blocks away on Second Avenue, Fuse Gallery, opened its bar portion, the Lit Lounge, but not for the ambiance, but to pay for the rent.
“Thank God there’s 5,000 hipsters a month that’ll buy a couple drinks to keep us going,” says Owner Eric Foss. He also noted that sometimes the gallery breaks even, but most of the time it loses money.
Want to support local art but don’t have the cash to pay for it? Order a beer at one of these cool Lower East Side art destinations.
-Caitlin
The Dressing Room Boutique and Bar, Lower East Side
We already featured a menswear store that combines liquor with fashion. But not wanting to be gender-biased, I decided to write about a womenswear shop too. Need a place where you can buy clothing from the latest designers, have a cocktail, and make some cash on the side selling your clothing? Head to “The Dressing Room” on the Lower East Side, right next door to our featured space for lease, 75 Orchard Street.
Voted Best Lower East Side Shop in 2007 and winners of the Fashion Group International Rising Star Award, The Dressing Room Boutique and Bar showcases up and coming designers while serving cocktails and exchanging clothing. Their goal is to be “a community center” where neighborhood residents, artists, and customers can come together. The multi-tasker’s dream offers a full bar, live DJ events, free internet, and a large screen projector for showing movies.
The Dressing Room first opened in 2007, the concept dreamed up by fashion designer Nikki Fontanella. The ground floor is divided into a boutique area, a movie screening section, and the cocktail bar. The clothing exchange is on the lower level with vintage and second-hand pieces. Clothing can be sold to the exchange for 50% of the item’s value in credit for exchange purchases, 60% in bar credit, and 30% in cash. Clothing that the exchange passes on can be dontated to charity if the seller wishes.
Check out the boutique/bar on September 10th during New York’s Fashion Night Out, where you can sip on $2 sangria and $4 champagne while shopping. Designers will also be available for personal consultations, fittings, custom orders, or just to talk! While you are down there, take a look at Besen Retail’s space for lease right next door at 75 Orchard Street.
-Caitlin
J.Crew Men's Shop at the Liquor Store, TriBeCa
If you are a man that loves preppy/vintagey fashion and a little bit of brown liquor, this is the shop for you. Located close by our trendy TriBeCa featured property, 50 Hudson Street, is the J. Crew Mens Shop at The Liquor Store. Veering away from the traditional J.Crew gear, this store is known for its vintage-French style, sporting items like Mackintosh coats, Italian suits, vintage oxford shirts, leather messenger bags, and an array of cashmere.
Formerly an old liquor store tavern, the mahogany and brass bar is stocked with vintage cuff links, tie bars, Rolex watches, and of course, liquor bottles. The dressing rooms are decked out in rotating art exhibits and vinyl albums, giving the entire store a unique yet classic feel.
-Caitlin
TriBeCa Men's Shop, 1968
Blogging with Besen Retail- HAS MOVED
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