Monthly Archives: May 2013

A review of Clos New York

Located at 64 Kenmare Street in NoLita, Clos New York is an intimate wine bar, specializing in Old World wines (Spain, France and Italy, mostly).  The space is mostly taken up by a 18-seat U-shaped bar (there are also a few small tables along the walls).  Nearly 50 wines by-the-glass available, along with wine bar food and caviar.  What particularly stood out were the prices.  The least expensive glass of wine cost $14, with many in the 20s and upward into the 40s, for one glass of wine!  Even by Manhattan standards, this is very pricey.  A friendly staff and a cute spot, but this place will not be around for too long, unless the prices come down.  Way down.

A review of Hudson Common in Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen

Located in the Hudson Hotel (in the room that used to be Hudson Bar) at 356 West 58th Street, Hudson Common attempts to make the casual beer hall slightly upscale.  The room is spacious with some communal tables, as well as some smaller lounge-y tables.  A food window is available for walk-up orders and the kitchen texts you when your order is ready (try the boneless buffalo wings!).  For a beer hall, we found the beer selection a bit lacking: no more than eight taps, though there were a few local NY craft beer selections.  Hudson Common is worth checking out if you’re in the nabe.

Wishing for the consistent pub crawling weather for NYC

When is it gonna warm up around here in NYC?  We’ve had only a handful of solid warm spring-like weather around here since the end of March.  And we have not yet had three consecutive days of solid, warm spring-like weather (thinking high 60s-mid-70s).  Springtime is a great NYC pub crawling opportunity, but not with the cold spring we’ve had around here thus far.  Today’s weather forecast looks promising.  So, maybe today, already in mid-May, will finally be the beginning of the solid NYC bar crawling weather!

A review of Murray Bar in Manhattan's Midtown South

Located at 58 East 34th Street, Murray Bar is located just below Cash Bar (same owners).  While Cash Bar is somewhat of a rare find for NYC bars (at least the theme and setting is), Murray Bar is more of an easier-to-find sports bar.  Now, by no means is it like the Mercury Bar/Tonic East feel of other nearby sports bars.  Place is long and narrow with different nooks and crannies throughout the space.  Comfortable spot and friendly staff, but when we return to this building, we’d probably prefer to return upstairs to Cash Bar.

A review of Third Avenue Ale House on Manhattan's Upper East Side

Located at 1644 Third Avenue (at 92nd Street) in the old Brother Jimmy’s Baitshack location, Third Avenue Ale House is a beer bar for the Upper East Side craft-beer focused NYC bar crawl.  Offering nearly 30 tap beers and more by the bottle, Third Avenue Ale House feels like it’s been around for a while (even though it opened in late 2012).  The food is solid (try the lamb burger!) and the staff is friendly.  Bar area in front, followed by a sizeable seating area up a few steps and past the kitchen/bathrooms.  This is a place we look forward to returning to.