A new midtown Irish pub located just east of 51st Street and 8th Avenue.  No, this is not a redux of the classic old New York bar at 46th & 8th that closed for business a few years ago.  The new spot is bi-level, very welcoming addition to the neighborhood.  The staff explained that the name pays homage to the old McHale’s spot, but otherwise has no connection to it.  The front doors and globe lightbulbs at the entrance came from the Helmsley estate!  Beer selection is a mix of the standard tap beers (you know, InBev products plus Sam Adams and a few non-InBev imports) and some local craft beers, including three lines from the nearby Chelsea Brewing Company.  The food menu was not yet finalized during our visit, but it looked promising and we will sample the fare on our next visit!

The second location in the Pony Bar empire, Pony Bar East is a new addition to the Upper East Side NYC beer bar crawl.  The spot has a similar feel to the original location in Hell’s Kitchen.  Pony Bar East is also a corner bar location with 20 quality tap beers that rotate frequently.  Most beers are 140z. pours that cost $5.  Pub Crawl NYC can’t wait to return!

This spot pays homage to the 20th Century British leader and statesman, Winston Churchill.  Famous quotes are visible throughout the establishment and a framed painting of Churchill sits above the fireplace opposite the bar.  The space is divided into three areas: a front seating area, fitted with high-top tables, followed by the main bar area in the middle and the back makes up the dining area (with restrooms just beyond the dining area).  A dozen mostly-quality tap beers, along with some scotch and whiskey make the drink menu that Churchill would be proud of.  The food menu is a mix of English pub fare and some American bar food.  To quote from the bar’s website, “With a great staff, stone fireplace, and tuneful piano, The Churchill offers an atmosphere like no other bar/restaurant in New York City.”  Having visited nearly every bar in Manhattan, Pub Crawl NYC concurs with that statement.

The $3 Tavern picks up where 1 Republik Lounge left off.   The space at 613 Second Avenue has changed names, but the look and feel of $3 Tavern is pretty much the same as its previous incarnation (it’s still a good candidate for the Murray Hill NYC dive bar crawl).  As one sign hanging behind the bar shows, the drink prices are very affordable for Manhattan.