Beer bars in NYC

February 18, 2014 4:55 PM

I'd like to go to a beer bar in Manhattan this weekend. I've always liked Zum Schneider but want to try some place different. Prefer a place that's typically not too crowded on a Saturday around 6pm (that seems early enough to avoid crowds, right?); quiet enough to talk; and ideally, which also has good food. Thanks!
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell to Food & Drink (17 answers total)

Burp Castle, except I don't think they serve food.
posted by Sara C. at 5:12 PM on February 18, 2014 [2 favorites]

Jimmy's No. 43, is next to Burp Castle and has good food and a good beer list.

FYI, NYC Beer Week is 2/21 - 3/2.
posted by Frank Grimes at 5:19 PM on February 18, 2014 [1 favorite]

Seconding The Pony Bar (UES).
posted by BobbyVan at 5:26 PM on February 18, 2014

Blind Tiger Alehouse. I was just there yesterday, love the food.
posted by kellyblah at 5:34 PM on February 18, 2014

Haven't been there in a while so not sure how crowded it will be (it's tiny), but I love Earl's Beer and Cheese.
posted by justjess at 5:57 PM on February 18, 2014 [1 favorite]

Woops. Didn't notice the Manhattan limits.

Then I'd say Ginger Man. There was a meetup there a while back.
posted by overhauser at 6:03 PM on February 18, 2014

There's Bier International in Harlem, which has an excellent selection of German and other beers and a variety of wursts.
posted by plastic_animals at 6:06 PM on February 18, 2014

DBA has great beer.
posted by Obscure Reference at 6:22 PM on February 18, 2014

I just went to Antler Beer and Wine on the Lower East Side and it was cute and quiet. Not a huge selection of beer but good stuff. Got some tasty food as well.
posted by mlle valentine at 6:35 PM on February 18, 2014

Blind Tiger has some of the best beer (and phenomenal food!) but it's location means it may have a bit of a crowd on a Saturday evening. And their stupid bar shape means the slightest crowd feels like a packed subway car.
posted by waterisfinite at 7:03 PM on February 18, 2014

Seconding Bier International.
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 7:07 PM on February 18, 2014

To go along with earls, there's ABV, right around the corner.
posted by gaspode at 7:26 PM on February 18, 2014

Go to Zum Schneider, cross C, turn right and then left into ABC Beer. Good neighbors, good beer. No kitchen, but an excellent selection of sausage, cheese, pickles, snacky stuff. And Bob White is right next door.
posted by dogrose at 7:41 PM on February 18, 2014

If you're at all interested in Polish and Czech beer, Klimat has a really impressive list. They also have stellar pierogis.
posted by dizziest at 7:54 AM on February 19, 2014

Two Lower East Side spots: Randolph Beer has a great selection of taps that are half price until 7pm and ok food. Top Hops doesn't have food, but has an incredible beer selection. If you're willing to cross into Brooklyn, St. Gambrinus is right next to Atlantic/Pacific station and The Chip Shop will deep fry anything.
posted by autopilot at 9:31 AM on February 19, 2014

Seconding Pony Bar (HK or UES). Rattle N Hum is also great!
posted by loolie at 3:21 PM on February 19, 2014

I stumbled on a nice place at 13th st and third ave, The Brazen Fox. They had about 20 taps for craft beers, and I thought the menu was more adventurous than usual.
I noshed on Fries with slices of foie gras and a small cup of rendered duck fat to dip. The foie gras was gone in a bite or two, but the duck fat was a pretty unctuous little add-on.
posted by exparrot at 5:44 AM on February 20, 2014