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Ace Bar
531 E. 5th St. (Between Ave. A & B)
New York, NY
(212) 979-8476
By b. niemietz
December 17,  2002

You may think that you’re tired of the countless faux dive bars in the East Village, but you’re wrong. That’s right, you’re wrong. If you want to say that you haven’t enjoyed one of those bars in a while, that’s a different story, in which case, you may be right. Either way, Ace Bar has something for everyone and that includes you.

For my money, the East Village is still the best bar neighborhood in the City. Period. Sure, there are lots of good places uptown but I’ve already been to college. Besides, there’s nothing about most of those spots that’s any different than places like them in other cities. And, yes, SoHo is popular but why hang out with tourists in your own town? The West Village has some great places, but for the most part, they’re not “hip”. And, despite the flashy new restaurant/lounge hybrids that are all over the letter-named streets in this part of town, the pseudo dive is still this neighborhood’s lifeblood. The East Village has a very clear cut aesthetic and it’s represented well by Ace Bar.

Upon entering this enormous space, visitors are greeted by a glass enclosed case of vintage, pop-culture inspired lunch boxes ranging from Star Wars to The Dukes of Hazzard. Sure, it’s a little corny but it beats beer lights and Spuds McKenzie posters. In the back of the bar is the game room. While most of the nubile young pretties and handsomes who frequent this joint are fair game in their own right, I’m talking about the dart boards and pool tables. That’s right—plural. How often do you find two pool tables in a Manhattan bar? The correct answer is rarely (I would recommend the pretties but that involves more than putting one’s name on a list).

Drinks at Ace Bar are a just a tad more expensive than what you might expect from a darkened neighborhood shack but someone’s gotta pay the rent. If you’re trying to maintain a holiday budget, stop in during weekend afternoons or after work drinks and take advantage of Ace’s generous happy hour specials.

With a nostalgia inspiring selection that includes the Descendants, the Jesus and Mary Chain, Motorhead, and A Tribe Called Quest, it’s easy to dump your savings into this top-shelf jukebox.

A lot of people “in the know” will talk about how cool this place was “back in the day” but unless you really long to hang out with scabby junkies and bitter curmudgeons in all male bars, the new Ace Bar, admittedly a product of neighborhood gentrification, is a definite improvement over what it was. Old school ruffian bars are cool in theory but do you want to hang out with genuine white trash? No, you don’t. That’s why Ace Bar added some seating and cleaned up the floors while still keeping in tact the things that make this place fun-dumpy.

The place is Ace Bar, this street is full of things to do, and it’s alright to come as you are. I’ll see you there.  

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Belly
155 Rivington St. (between Clinton & Suffolk St.)
Lower East Side
New York, NY
(212) 532-1810  
By b. niemietz
Nov.. 5,  2002

The Lower East Side seems to be on the comeback trail and that’s in no small part due to hip and inventive new places like Belly. Co-owned by the people who brought you Welcome to the Johnson’s, this place was destined to be a hit.

 For dirty-haired struggling artists looking for cheap libations, the Johnson’s has been a necessary mainstay for sometime now. For those who frequent this part of town and love the spirit of the Johnson’s but have finally sold some paintings or had that novel published, Belly’s conversation friendly decibel level, ample seating, and posh décor offers a fresh new alternative for organized loitering and public intoxication. Despite having opened only 6-weeks ago, the word is out that this place is in.  A long, deep room with high-ceilings and low-seating (ala Japanese restaurants), this bright red sake and wine bar will have you sitting and standing elbow-to-elbow and sublime buttocks to sublime buttocks with a stylish crowd that is almost as attractive as the wait staff. Technically, there’s no dress code here but you’ll want to strike a conservative balance between stylish and comfortable lest you feel like the only person at the Halloween party who came in costume.

Belly offers a half price happy hour between 5pm and 8pm but don’t get lured into thinking this much fun comes for free— once the evening starts rolling, drink prices run from $7 to $10 (or so). On most nights, Belly likes to close the doors around 2am but on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, they’ll stay up a little later if you will. If you’re looking to impress a date or friends from out of town with your hipness and cultural awareness, bring them to Belly and they’ll never know you eat tater tots for dinner 4- days a week. It’s rare that a place this happening is so unpretentious but so far, so so so good. I’ll see you there.

 Belly is at: 
155 Rivington St. (between Clinton & Suffolk St.)
Lower East Side
New York, NY
(212) 532-1810  

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Cherry Tavern
441 E. 6th St. (Between 1st Ave. & Ave. A)
New York, NY
(212) 777-1448 
By b. niemietz
December 30,  2002
 
To quote Yogi Berra, “that place has gotten so crowded that nobody goes there anymore.”

Of course that makes no sense and neither does the common claim that this has happened with the Cherry Tavern. East Village locals will tell you that this place isn’t what it used to be and that’s sort of true—but those people probably aren’t what they once were either. The CT crowd is always young and the cast of regulars changes as often as the members of Menudo but, the more things change, the more they stay the same at this deceptively popular dive. It isn’t uncommon to see B+ list celebs sprinkled amongst the masses of young and beautiful rockers who call this place home. A one room bar lined with, you guessed it, cherry wood, the CT’s crowd seems to revolve around the small pool table between the bar and the bathrooms. The sharks that run this table are good but they are fair as long as you put your name on the list (NO QUARTERS ON THE TABLE!) and promise to play by the rules that are posted next to the cues. The Cherry does get an unfortunate amount of tourists who often insist that they didn’t know better, but that’s when that huge structure in the front of the building, known as Rob the bouncer, steps in and settles things down. The pool playing itself is a game within a game, and as is the way with Rock and Roll bars, the table is to these patrons what a dance floor would be to clubbers— a place to strut your stuff and strike up conversations.

The Tijuana Special, (A canned Tecada and a shot of Cuervo), is cheap and the bartenders get them to you quickly but be sure to show some restraint, it is Tequila and you are a mere mortal.

The Cherry’s after work crowd here is small and diverse but it’s only fair that I emphasize this late night crowd is quite young. If you’re past 32 and looking to feel youthful, this flat ab crowd will quickly remind you to get serious about your career and forget about looking like a rock star. Self-conscience about that receding hairline? This place isn’t for you. However, if you’re an aspiring rock star with looks and charm, come on in and you just might have the time of your life. If that’s not you’re situation but you enjoy the type, c’mon in.

 I’ll see you there (in the early evening).

The Cutting Room
19 W.24th Street (between Broadway & 6th Ave.)
(212) 691-1900

By b. niemietz
Oct. 8, 2002

That’s right folks, the rumors are true—the Bar of the Week column is back!
Alas, you can stop wandering about aimlessly and harassing decent, hard-working people all night long. For those of you who insist on drinking your days away, we’re here to help you find the best places to do so. Believe us now and thank us later.

Picking a venue worthy of re-launching this column wasn’t easy but our crack freelance staff of Nobel Laureates and World leaders have formulated an infallible, scientific theorem that has made this decision possible. This week, we proudly bring you the Cutting Room.

The worst kept secret on the celeb hang-out circuit, the Cutting Room is a Godsend to music lovers, dinner clubbers, and level-headed nightlifers who have run out of patience for the "In Scene." Once used for constructing Broadway sets, this enormous space is divided into two equally capacious rooms. The front half of this place is as tall as it is wide and it often fills to capacity with a relatively attitude-free crowd. It’s not uncommon to see visiting celebrities and NY royalty rubbing elbows in this room but to actually name names would be gauche (Russell Crowe, Toby McGuire, Ethan Hawke, David Bowie, Brooke Shields, Kelsey Grammer, Chris Rock, Mathew Broderick, John McEnroe, Jeff Goldblum, Marcus Camby, Dick Cavett, Kyle McLaughlin, and Cutting Room co-owner Chris Noth.) Did we mention that this place has been open for fewer than 3-years?

The bar/restaurant area is nice but the back room is where the magic happens. Despite its long list of visiting actors, artists, and athletes, The Cutting Room is about the music. A large concert space, complete with table service and a cozy bar, the backroom is wired for sound. There isn’t a bad sight line in the house and listening to this sound system is like wearing a good pair of headphones. Why else would big time rockers like Kid Rock, Ricki Lee Jones, Stanley Jordan, Southside Johnny, Will Lee and Jimmy Vivino (of Conan O'Brien's 'Max Weinberg 7'), Wynton Marsalis, and countless others take the time to drop-in and play for crowds of fewer than a hundred people? If a big act is in town and there’s rumor of their playing a late night private party, smart money says it will be happening here. The Cutting Room provides a schedule of upcoming acts, but it’s not uncommon for big-timers to stop in for a drink and end up on the stage; your best bet is to peek in from time-to-time and see for yourself what’s happening. One word of advice—don’t harass the celebs or they’ll stop coming, leaving knuckle-dragging mouth-breathers to stand around staring at each other all night long. We don’t want another Lot 61 on our hands do we?

Technically, The Cutting Room has no dress code, but you’ll be doing yourself a favor by making an effort of sorts. A small cover is sometimes charged for shows but it’s manageable (generally on the lower end of the $5-$20 range).

When you see me there, please feel free to buy me a drink. I’d appreciate it.

The Cutting Room
19 W.24th Street (between Broadway & 6th Ave.)
(212) 691-1900
www.thecuttingroomnyc.com

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Galapagos
70 N. 6th St. (between Kent & Wythe Ave.)
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
(718) 782-5188 
By b. niemietz
December 3,  2002

In the 80s, those in-the-know declared that the East Village had become what the West Village was in the 60s.It had become artsy without being expensive, allowing artists to work on their ideas without having to work for the Man. It was hip when hip was non-corporate and Starbucks-free. Dark skinned people lived there!

By the time the 90s rolled around, the word on the street had Alphabet City becoming what the East Village was in the 80s. It was the new creative hotbed. It was seedy but fun. The smells coming from the windows were a combination of things that were against the law but the Law didn’t bother.

Continuing the Eastward trend of the ever moving Place-To-Be, Williamsburg is the new Mecca of the New York City art scene. Galapagos, a former mayonnaise factory in a formerly blue collar dock on the East River, is the most holy site of the new holy land.

Large, deep, well-decorated, and affordable, even the most dirty-haired Billyburg cynic can’t argue the appeal of this catch-all spot. Combining the size and hipness of a club with the laid back attitude and prices of a bar, Galapagos succeeds on every level. And, as you might imagine, everything in Galapagos is BIG. Upon entering the darkened building, visitors are greeted by a large in-ground pool that is in itself the size of most Manhattan bars. Beyond the pool area, is the main room where a grand stage, a long, well-staffed bar, and a smattering of tables welcomes everybody from uber-hipsters to everyday Joes. When the time is right, a wide range of DJs and musicians share the stage for a cover-free show. 9 out of 10 times, there’s something on the stage worth seeing. If you don’t like the entertainment, feel free to leave, it’s not like you paid for anything. If you don’t like the band but you don’t feel like leaving just yet, head into the back room where another form of entertainment, generally of the more avant-garde variety, is playing to a much smaller crowd. There is often a $5-$10 cover for the back room show but what do you care? You’ve been drinking $5 pints all night long.

 Though Williamsburg is way out there in Brooklyn, it’s easy to reach. Odds are pretty good that your commute to work is as far as the trip to Billyburg so stop your belly achin’, drop the Manhattan elitism, and go to Galapagos (your friends will think you’re cool).

 I’ll see you there.   

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The Half King
505 W. 23rd St. (Between 10^th & 11^th Ave.)
(212) 462-4300 
By b. niemietz
Nov. 19,  2002

In the time honored tradition of literature and alcoholism, author Sebastian Junger has opened a bar and, I’m happy to report, it’s a good one. This place isn’t exactly new but it’s definitely happening. They planned this place well, and in a relatively short amount of time, Half King is well on it’s way to achieving that Pete’s Tavern, White Horse kind of vibe.

Situated on the outskirts of Chelsea’s gallery row, the Half King has managed to attract a smart and attractive crowd that knows how to have fun without being obnoxious. The fact that this place is owned by a celeb occasionally draws disappointed scenesters looking for the next Luahn but this joint is for grown-ups who consider the Half King’s balance between bookish drinkers and general locals to be the Perfect Norm. That’s not to say Half King’s not welcoming to new people, it’s just expected that when this clientele spots a celeb, which is likely to happen, they’ll have enough self-respect to leave them be and act as though they have been amongst pop-culture royalty before now (Of course, it’s fully expected that you’ll tell all of your friends about your big sighting as soon as you get home). 

The Half King itself is large and dark with an Old World feel spread over three separate spaces; a main bar space, a dining/drinking room with big wooden tables, and a quite and windowless champagne room with padded cushions and candle light.  Basically, there’s a space for drinking, a space for dining, and a space for luvin.’ There’s also a time for each of those three things but if you don‘t know that by now…

The food here is good but, it is bar food so, those hoping to impress a date might want to start the evening at one of Chelsea’s many 3+ star restaurants and use this place as the closer. If you’re looking for good food, they can help you here. But first and foremost, this is a bar with a tap selection that’s solid and prices that ain’t Half bad. Throw in the fact that Half King offers table service and ample seating and you’ll find that this is a nice spot for those who enjoy comfort, convenience and that sort of thing. For those who aren’t in to those things, well, maybe they need this spot even more that the rest of us.

If you haven’t yet found your way to Half King, do it now and you won’t be sorry. One night here will make you feel like an instant regular. There are as many suits as there are tennis shoes here and you’ll occasionally see both of those things on the same person. This is a writer-heavy joint with black turtle necks and tweed jackets a-plenty but wear what you want, no one’s keeping score.

I’ll see you there.

The Half King is at:
505 W. 23rd St. (Between 10^th & 11^th Ave.)
(212) 462-4300

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Manitoba's
99 Ave. B (between 6th & 7th St.)
(212) 982-2511 

By b. niemietz
Oct. 15, 2002

You may want to send the kids to Grandma's house before reading this Bar of the Week selection out loud. This week, we're going to a real rock-and-roll bar that's in a Gap- free neighborhood where there isn't a Starbuck's within 100-feet.

Do you remember when Alphabet City was that scary part of town where nervous honkeys came to score drugs before getting the hell back to the West side of First Avenue? Do you remember when it used to be called Alphabet City? Well, some things have may have changed but Manitoba's isn't one of them. OK, until 1999 the place was under different ownership and called itself the Avenue B Social Club, but this bar has stayed the same by changing. That is to say, in spirit and attendance, Manitoba's is as old school New York as an after dark ass-whoopin' in Tompkins Square Park.

A bi-level rock and roll hangout, this unassuming spot welcomes everyone from the hip to the grungy to those who know the difference. Every few years, an East Village mock dive emerges as The Place To Be and this may be the next one. Sure, the Cherry Tavern, Blue and Gold, and Niagara are still in full swing, but on many nights, they're packed with tourists who read about them in Fodor's or Let's Go, New York. Let's face it, if tourists have heard that a place is hot, that means it's been dead for about a year. It's like the fashion report on CNN-- low-rise jeans are in for fall? 

The 5-8 happy hour brings in the locals but the young 'uns start rolling in around 10 or so-depending on when that evening's local shows are ending. This place has already caught on among the real rock and roll set which seems natural as the guy sitting at the end of the bar is The Dictator's frontman, Dick Manitoba. For those of you who haven't put two-and-two together, he owns the place. The walls are covered with tour posters featuring the Clash, Ramones, Sex Pistols and other similar bands who also provide the soundtrack for this spot. And, as of this article's release, Manitoba's is generally not overflowing so it's a great place to bring a crowd. For those who like the billiards, there is a dingy, windowless, very private room downstairs that features a pool table and plenty of seating. It's hard to imagine what might have gone on down here when this was a rugged part of town but by all indications, they've cleaned up fairly well. Regardless, there are no sharks in the pool so it's OK to play even if you suck! Some of the sticks are crooked but that's offset by the slightly pitched table. All in all, it works out well. 

The coolest thing about Manitoba's is that this place feels rough and tumble but it's actually quite welcoming. The attractive and efficient female bartenders have it all under control and, in most cases, they will only cut ya' if you step out of line. It's not uncommon to see employees hanging-out here on their nights off which says something about the place (hello, Annie). Plus, in a city where connections mean everything, you may occasionally see some of NY's coolest musicians doing unadvertised cover-free shows at the request of Mr. Manitoba. If you're not here for the music, there's plenty of room to move around. 

"What should I wear", you ask? Well, it's Tuesday, so wear whatever you're wearing now for the rest of the week and you should be good-to-go come Friday. It's not that you can't dress-up here, but if you do, make sure it doesn't look like you tried to hard; that's not what this place is about. Haven't you heard? Rock and Roll and denim are in again. 

This is a no bull-shit crowd but they're pretty cool, so while this may not be a good place to take a date after a nice dinner, it's a good place to meet one before an early breakfast. 

Manitoba's
99 Ave. B (between 6th & 7th St.)
East Village 
(212) 982-2511 

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Max Fish
178 Ludlow St. 
(between Houston & Stanton Sts.)
Lower East Side 
(212) 529-3959 

By b. niemietz
Oct. 29, 2002


If you haven't heard of Max Fish by now, I'm working under the assumption that you are either new in town or you were recently thawed out of a block of ice where you've been preserved since 1991 when this place opened. You know what? I like you and I'm going to assume that you're a very cool person who doesn't get down to the Lower East Side often because you've been spending your evenings trying to make the world a better place. If that's your situation, take a night off and head down to Ludlow street- you deserve a drink. 

Yes, the Ludlow scene is a bit tired and it reeks of desperately single B-and-T's but for the most part, that crowd hasn't found it's way to Max Fish. Some people come here for the pinball machines while others come to play pool to the musical stylings of a gritty rock and roll jukebox, but most people come here to enjoy the cheapest drinks north of Mexico (Alright, that's an exaggeration but the prices are reasonable to say the least). 

The 'gentlemen' who patrol this neighborhood looking for uber-trendy, sizzling singles in nearby lounges like Swim, Halo, Angel's Share, etc., will be happy to know that Max Fish is where those ladies often come when the aforementioned spots become testosterone soaked sausage fests (a.k.a. midnight). For you ladies who had been using this joint as a safe spot, you'll still be OK here. After all, it'll always be the same ol' Max Fish and that's what we love about it.

The Zagat's crowd may complain that Max Fish is "too bright", the music's "too loud" and the drinks are "no frills" but I say "f*ck them", that's what keeps this spot different from the dime a dozen lounges that surround it. Do yourself a favor and put Max Fish on your list of regular watering holes- you'll be glad you did. I'll see you there. 

Max Fish is at:  
178 Ludlow St. 
(between Houston & Stanton Sts.)
Lower East Side 
(212) 529-3959

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Mug's Ale House
125 Bedford Ave. ( N. 10th St.)  
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
(718) 384-8494

By b. niemietz
Oct. 22, 2002

For those of you who don’t know, Brooklyn lies South East of Manhattan, it can be reached by car, train, or bus, and passports are not required. Furthermore, it’s a pretty cool place to be if you’re looking for something that’s new but still convenient. Most of you whom are reading this piece probably live closer to Williamsburg than you do to where you work. Plus, if you go to Brooklyn, your friends will think you’re cool and maybe even dangerous. A ten minute L ride from 14^th and Broadway, Williamsburg, (a.k.a. the East-East Village), is full of bars, hipsters, and things to do. You don’t believe me? Fuhgetaboutit, they’re fine without you at Mugs Ale House, but you’re missing out on a good thing.

Billyburg, as the locals call it, is known for it’s avant garde bohemian and dirty-rocker-scene but Mug’s isn’t really a part of that. Despite being located on the hip-strip that is Bedford Avenue, Mugs is about the beer. Sure, the jukebox rocks, “the game” is always on, and there’s a Kiss jukebox in the corner but Mug’s is more comfortable than it is fashionable. The people here are nice enough but unlike most of this neighborhood’s bars, this spot has working TV’s thus making it more of a buddies than a honeys joint, which isn’t so bad if you’re looking for an after-work or pre-clubbing fix. After all, every night can’t be Saturday night.

With 27 beers on tap…. let that one sink in….  there may not be a better beer spot in all of NYC—Manhattan included. These folks are so crazy about ale that they even have a beer club which features speakers from major breweries and distributors, (not to mention the samples they bring). One can learn a lot about beer at Mug’s, but unfortunately, most of that knowledge is lost after the 10^th pint. In addition to having a great selection of suds, the prices are low and there’s always a nightly special. 

One more thing, the food here is pretty damn good! You won’t leave here feeling light and sexy but you will leave full and drunk with a few more dollars in your trousers than you might have left after a night in Midtown. Plus, this place is surrounded by great bars and it’s a five minute stumble from the L train so spare yourself the excuses. A night on Bedford street will make non- Burgers feel like they’ve spent the night in a different city for the price of a $1.50 subway ride. Those who live in the neighborhood are probably dreading the fact that many of you will soon be heading for the often empty barstools they used to take for granted. But don’t worry—there’s plenty of room for everybody.

Mug's Ale House is at:  
125 Bedford Ave. ( N. 10th St.)  
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
(718) 384-8494

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Pierres Roulantes Bistro 
featuring Mary Lou's Lounge
21 W. 9th St. (between 5th & 6th Ave.)
New York, NY 10011
(212) 995-2168
By b. niemietz
Nov. 26,  2002

As Thanksgiving approaches, I’m reminded of all the things for which I’m grateful. Among the first things that come to mind are my family, my friends, my good health, and of course, Pierres Roulantes. If I may get up close and personal with all of you, and I think I can, this is one of NY’s few drinking and dining combos that functions equally well as both a restaurant and a lounge. I have reviewed nightlife spots for several guides in several cities over the course of several years and it’s been a while since I’ve been this excited about a place. This is the real deal. Le dernier cri.

Pierres Roulantes, which is French for Rolling Stones, is a fantastic bistro with a separate lounge that (quietly) plays Rolling Stones and Beatles songs almost exclusively. Upon descending the staircase under the old-school NY awning, you will almost immediately be greeted by one of the restaurant’s warm and friendly staffers. The fact that many of the staffers speak with French accents will soon add to the feeling that you’re very far from home. Once inside, you’ll be guided through a labyrinth of stone walls and candlelit red tables to the back room, which hosts Pierres Roulantes Bistro, or, you’ll find yourself in front of a fireplace surrounded by bookshelves in Marylou’s Lounge. This lounge space is so comfortably tucked away that a newcomer might look for days and never find it. This amazingly well-ventilated space is built for smokers but, unless you’re holding a cigarette under your nose, you won’t smell smoke. For those seeking optimum privacy on a more intimate level, the host will gladly lead the way to one of the sub-level nooks and crannies that have literally been carved out of the stone walls. Further adding to the French resistance vibe of this space is the fact that the kitchen opens for lunch and remains open until 4:00 am daily.

I’m certainly not qualified to offer dining advice, but you should eat here. To state these owners’ restaurant creds, they’re the same folks who own the much ballyhooed Le Bateau Ivre (230 E.51^st Street). Between Washington Park, the Village, and Pierres Roulantes, the 9^th St. stretch between 5^th Ave. and 6^th Ave. could make a strong argument as one of the best restaurant blocks in the City (and that’s sayin’ sumpin’).

If  you’re thinking about booking a space for a private party, nothing better than Pierres Roulantes comes to mind. They are also open on Thanksgiving day so, if an afternoon with the relatives has driven you to drink, c’mon in and do just that.  This is the kind of place that I’m tempted to keep to myself but it’s an ambitious endeavor that I would like to see rewarded as I alone can’t pay their rent. In fact, I alone can’t pay my rent. Stop by and help this place get started—you’ll be better for it. Times are particularly tough in the restaurant business right now so show your support and keep this top-notch lounge Rolling. I’ll see you there.

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Whiskey Ward
121 Essex St. (between Rivington & Delancey St.)
Lower East Side
New York, NY
(212) 477-2998 
By b. niemietz
Nov. 12,  2002

It’s hard to tell how it happened but this bar, which was considerably less cool a year ago, has suddenly become a great place to drop in, drink up, and fall down. Some of the newer bartenders seem to have brought fresh blood the Whiskey Ward’s way and the transfusion has paid off handsomely. Fortunately for all of us, these new additions have not come at a price  (the Ward’s drink prices remain pretty middle of the road). 

The darkened wooden interior disguises this joint as a bad-news roadhouse which isn’t helped by the presence of leather-vested doormen who look like they fell off of their motorcycles on a cross-country terror trip and decided to stay. But, fear not—they’re on your side if you know how to behave. 

The Ward likes to play their music on the loud side but, despite the hip looking crowd, you’re more likely to hear Motorhead than Radiohead as you lose countless games on the pool table in the back of the room—and believe me, unless you’re really good, you will lose. Ladies, don’t despair, the sharks that control the pool often run the table against men while playing quite sloppily against attractive women… hmmm, I’m sure it’s just a coincidence.

 The long bar is generally staffed by two bartenders and, as you might imagine, Whiskey is their specialty. These girls look like the movie version of the bartenders from Coyote Ugly but ask them to take off their tops and dance on the bar and… well, remember those cutthroat bouncers I’d mentioned? In fact, this place looks and feels a lot like Coyote Ugly, Hogs and Heifers, Doc Holiday’s, et al.., minus the sailors, construction workers, frat boys, and tourists. And, unlike those other joints, women can come here without being asked to surrender their bras to drunken frat boys.

There is a lot of seating at the Whiskey Ward but if you have to drink while standing on a Friday night, there are worse places to do so.  Don’t be discouraged if it’s crowded when you come by-- the folks are friendly, the bartenders are quick, and there’s plenty of booze to go around. 

Von
3 Bleecker St. (between Bowery & Lafayette)
New York, NY
(212) 473-3039 
By b. niemietz
December 10,  2002

This has always been a great place to hang out, have a bottle of Chimay, a glass of wine and, more often than not, a good conversation. But now, with their recent acquisition of a full-on liquor license, there’s no stopping Von.

With an exciting Germanic translation meaning “of”, Von spares itself an influx of scene seeking German tourists. Word at the bar is that this place was named after the owner’s father, but that couldn’t be confirmed by MurphGuide’s top-notch independent sources (a.k.a. Me). It’s doubtful the naming of the place was a clever ruse to keep tourists away but it seems to work in filling this place mostly with New Yorkers most of the time.

The crowd is hip without being annoying and the bartenders are actually here to help! At one point, there were identical twins working behind this beautifully crafted antique bar but I’m not certain that’s still the case (unless they’re both scheduled to work on the same night, there’s really no way of knowing for sure). 

A former antique shop on a block where there used to be nothing, Von is a huge yet comfortable two room space with benches and seats aplenty. Behind Von’s bar sits an incredible old-school apothecary cabinet that holds the only bottled painkillers they’re authorized to sell. Accentuating Von’s country pub stylings, the olde country bathroom doors close with iron latches and the floors and walls have more wood than Scores. Throw in the brick walls and candle lit tables and you’ve got yerself one of the less obnoxious Sunday through Monday haunts this side of your living room. Though Von doesn’t serve food, the bartender keeps a list of delivery menus under the register and they’re more than courteous in allowing you to eat your dinner at the bar as long as you allow them to provide the beverages.

When Von opened, soon-to-be-famous DJs, (most notably DJ Shadow), hosted all night parties that usually spilled into the streets. After almost single handedly improving this neighborhood, Von’s parties were forced indoors as a result of complaints from newcomer yuppies who reaped the fruits of this spot’s labor. Never-the-less, the Bowie and Thievery Corporation playing DJs are still good, the friendly crowd is as laid back as ever, and this is still a great venue.

If you’re looking for a place to bring a group, this is your spot. Arrive early, grab a table in the back, and I’ll see you there.
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[ b.niemietz is a freelance writer in NYC who, among other things, sometimes writes about the bars he can remember. He can be contacted with requests for a BOTW consideration, or other feedback, to:  baroftheweek@hotmail.com ]

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