With the play-offs in full swing where are you going to gather with friends, fellow fans, & "friendly" rivals to watch the games? I've always found it odd the New York doesn't have great old school "institution" Sports Bars like Boston & Chicago do...yet recently some new places have opened up. So whether you're a Jets fan psyched to see them beat New England for the 2nd time this year, Green Bay go up against Atlanta, the Minor-Mini Metropolis's of Baltimore take on Pittsburgh, or the how did they get this far this year Seahawks can they beat Da Bears....where are you going to go? I've compiled a list of places to go with good crowds, plenty of screens, & grub (varies). Of note, a major pet peeve of mine is blaring loud music during the commercials. Not that I want to hear them...but that's when you talk with your friends or make a "new" one (otherwise we can all watch the games at homes on our over-sized TV's...like people in the burbs). I love R&R but don't need to hear it blaring & the only thing worse is Hip-Hop with the Bass turned all the way up. I'm going to a Sports Bar to....watch sports...if I want to shake it like a Polaroid picture I'll go to a club. Sports Bar Owners & Manager please take note. Now on to the venues....
The 13th Step - This place has a 30+ foot bar, 2 areas full of tables, 30+ flat screens & a good selection of beers at 1/2 price! Of top of all that is a really good full pub grub menu...burgers (made from Pat La Frieda ground beef the butcher most of the best restaurants in NYC use) are $11.95, sandwiches, wraps, salads, & appi's of special note the Pulled Pork Nachos (what happens when good old fashioned Americana comes together with immigration reform!) for only $10.95. This place does get crowded & is a bit young but still a lot of fun.
Pour House - Two huge rooms & loaded with TV's. Great selection of beers on tap & in bottles & pretty good food as well. The burgers & sandwiches average $9.99 as well as a plate of wings that come from Mild to Death! Similar crowd to The 13th Step. Generally has a pretty good looking staff working the bar. Of note...they are an offender often of my pet peeve...
Billy's Hurricane- A little different looking then most...it's a Mardis Gras themed bar painted orange, with tables, lounge areas & porch swings (yes you read that right) with plenty of TV's, good selection on tap, Mardis Gras style drinks & Cajun/Creole menu..ie po'boys etc.... Not nearly as big as it's neighbor across the street Croxley's Ale House or as crowded...which can be a good thing. Of special note...if you're a Bourbon fan check out their selection & better yet the adjoining bar downstairs Idle Hands.
Croxley's Ale House - Huge selection of seasonal beers & tap & plenty of choice in bottles, a full menu that includes .20 cent wings on Sundays, and more the enough TV's. Usually very crowded & the spill off lately is making it's way to Billy's across the street.
The 13th Step - 149 2nd Avenue between 9th & 10th Street
Pour House - 64 3rd Avenue corner of 11th & 3rd Avenue
Billy's Hurricane - 25 Avenue B between 2nd & 3rd.
Croxley's Ale House - 28 Avenue B between 2nd & 3rd
