Celebrating in NYC

May 28, 2004 8:13 PM

Graduation celebration! I just graduated from college and moved in with my girlfriend in northern New Jersey; as such, she and I are planning on going out to celebrate sometime soon (along with some friends). She's been to a few bars in her time in NYC but we're still not sure where we'd like to go. So, I'm hoping for some advice from you Gotham-based MeFites as to what places might be good to check out. A few more details inside.

First, we want someplace in Manhattan or maybe Queens or Brooklyn, but not in Jersey--most of her former co-workers (the aforementioned friends) live in the City proper and we want someplace they can all get to fairly easily.

Second, and I'm sorry this is so vague but my own bar experiences are far and few between, we're hoping for a place with the following:

• Some kind of food offerings, preferrably tasty
• Not too loud--we'd rather it not be a live music venue, or a sports bar
• Somewhat well kept--not a dive bar

And, obviously, anything that makes a place 'cool'--nice or exotic drinks, atmosphere, etc--is a big plus. Also, Irish pubs get a few extra points.

A tangential question, I don't know of any quality NYC-area events/business-listings sites. Sure, I could look on Google/DMoz/Yahoo! but those listings don't tell me what sites are any good. So, advice there would also be welcome.

posted by cyrusdogstar to Travel & Transportation around New York, NY (7 answers total)

I think Puck Fair is likely to be what you're after. And Citysearch does the listings thing pretty well.
posted by nicwolff at 9:06 PM on May 28, 2004

PS. What night? We're all coming too.
posted by nicwolff at 9:18 PM on May 28, 2004

This is like asking "know of any good car dealerships in Detroit?" You just have so many options it's scary. Pick up a copy of Time Out: New York for up-to-date listings and recommendations.

I used to hang out at Local 138 just because the atmosphere was so pleasant and low-key. The interiors are wrapped in wood, there's a back chill-out room with couches, and the "front-bar" has two alcoves on either side of the entryway that can fit 10 people in them. Great spot to people watch. Get the alcove on the right because there's a pass-through window to the bar -- so you don't have to get up.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 6:23 AM on May 29, 2004

Local 138 is cool. And if I were celebrating, I would go to PETER LUGER'S STEAKHOUSE. Oh man I miss New York.
posted by josh at 6:59 AM on May 29, 2004

I'd suggest Old Town, 19th street between Park and Broadway, just north of Union Square. Lots of wood, decent beer, good pub food and a nice atmosphere. They also have an upstairs dining room.

If you're looking for something that's hip and swanky, I'd send you to Bar 89 at 89 Mercer a few blocks south of Houston. The bathrooms are nifty, and everything is sleek and shiny. If you go you should get the water chesnuts wrapped in bacon. Best. Appetizer. Ever.

If you're looking for a website with events, I'd suggest Upcoming.org (by our very own waxy).
posted by bshort at 8:02 AM on May 29, 2004

maybe The Park? (10th Ave/18th--but on a weeknight only). And the new Maritime Hotel (where Covenant House used to be, on 9th ave.) has a beautiful outdoor bar/restaurant space too)
posted by amberglow at 9:18 AM on May 29, 2004

I second bshort's recommendation of Old Town; it's totally unpretentious but very comfortable and they make a damn good burger. (Plus the men's room has amazing huge old marble urinals that make micturation an honor as well as a pleasure.)

By the way, it's on 18th, not 19th: 45 E. 18th St.
posted by languagehat at 2:56 PM on May 29, 2004