NYC Midtown Bar
January 13, 2005 7:53 AM   Subscribe

NewYorkBarFilter: A good bar in Midtown East? (The details, they are inside).

I have an arty, yet wholly unpretentious friend coming to town next monday. Unfortunately, we have a very limited time to see each other and must confine ourselves to meeting within a reasonable walking distance from her hotel (52nd and Madison Ave). My searches yield no results where I can tell if the places advertised are suitable. Other parameters besides proximity to the hotel are moderately priced drinks, decent selection of beer, no dress requirements, and a tolerance of loud cackling laughter. Comments on the music the venue plays as well are appreciated. Basically, I'm a fan of the neighborhood bar, but it's not my neighborhood.
posted by safetyfork to Travel & Transportation around New York, NY (10 answers total) 1 user marked this as a favorite
 
Well, the best place to take an out of towner is here. It's where Mr Big took Carrie one time on a date. Look past that. It's only pretentious in the later hours. From 5-9 it's a quiet bar with cool cocktails. It doesn't really match your criteria but is fun and close to her hotel, has great NY history and isn't too packed with tourists.
posted by remlapm at 8:44 AM on January 13, 2005


Best answer: The only answer is The Subway Inn.
posted by dame at 8:59 AM on January 13, 2005


To me 20 blocks is reasonable walking distance, so I suggest 36th between Madison & Fifth. You can choose between the pubby Ginger Man on the north side or the comfy-but-more-fashiony Under the Volcano, across the street.
posted by scratch at 9:54 AM on January 13, 2005


How about the oyster bar at Grand Central Station?
posted by moxyberry at 9:56 AM on January 13, 2005


My old favorite is P J Clarkes.
posted by redfisch at 9:57 AM on January 13, 2005


How about the Algonquin? 44th, just west of 5th.
posted by mkultra at 10:02 AM on January 13, 2005


Response by poster: Wow. Thanks for the suggestions, I was worried this question was too narrow. So far, dame's selection seems like the best fit with our tastes and the requirements. But I really am appreciative of all the suggestions. I'm happy to see PJ Clarkes on here as well since it is one from my own searches that I had on my "maybe" list. Thank you all.
posted by safetyfork at 10:36 AM on January 13, 2005


i'll second The Subway Inn.
posted by callicles at 10:40 AM on January 13, 2005


I'll second PJ Clarke's.
posted by astruc at 10:50 AM on January 13, 2005


Response by poster: By-the-by and for future reference, we went to the Subway Inn and it met our needs as only a dive bar can. Thanks again!
posted by safetyfork at 10:29 AM on February 3, 2005


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