10/16/2024
I found a spot in the Bronx right next to a subway station that I’ve been staying at since I got back to NYC. When you find a spot to park in NYC you camp on it as long as possible. The Bronx mural was right across the street too. My parents said that the Bronx was really dangerous, but I didn’t see it. At least in the part I was in.
The MET is closed on Wednesdays so I asked Kiel where the cool spots in NYC were. He’s been here more than I have and has friends that live here. The restaurants that he suggested all looked expensive so I just had lunch in the van and got a couple slices of pizza and a beef patty. I did go to some of the more divey bars that he suggested though. I’m super glad I asked him.
The first spot I went to was Rudy’s Bar and Grill in Hell’s Kitchen. This place was packed, it was around 5PM so I think it was after work people and people wanting to watch the Mets game. This place was an awesome dive. The beer was cheap, it was cash only, and they had free hot dogs. They had this tiny patio area in the back where they showed the game.
The next spot was McSorley’s Old Ale House. This is the oldest bar in NYC, started in 1854. There was sawdust on the floor, pics covering the walls, and they only serve lager and stout. The beers are served two at a time in pint glasses half full of head so they can pour as many possible quickly. Their food looked good too.
When I got there I ordered a stout and sat down at a table with this 20 something guy. We talked for a while until his cousin got there. I hung out with them for a few more beers, talking and bs’ing with the bartender.
I left McSorley’s and walked to Maguire’s Ale House just down the block. This place was covered in Christmas lights and decorations. I only stayed for one drink as they were kinda expensive and didn’t really have the vibe I wanted.
Next, I got the pizza and patty and walked over to Bronx Brewery. They have a few locations around the city and were on the Hop Passport, so I got a free beer. People were watching the WNBA final game and the Mets game. When the WNBA game ended people filtered out and I started talking to one of the last guys at the bar. We closed the place down and I moved on toward the Holiday Cocktail Lounge.
The Holiday Cocktail Lounge was awesome. I loved the atmosphere here. The old school lounge style is my jam. The drinks were expensive so I only stayed for one here too.
The last place I went to tonight was the Blue & Gold Tavern in the East Village. This was another great dive bar. Beer was priced well and they had a pool table. I ended up playing pool until 3AM before taking the train back to the van.
