Believe it or not, if you were to ask some New York City residents about their favorite bar, they would have to think about the answer. How in the holy hell is that possible? How does one live in New York City and just not have a favorite bar? Meet my favorite bar in NYC: 169 Bar.
Moreover, how is this even a dilemma when 169 Bar exists??
This funky, gaudy, homely, cozy, grungy haven is the place.
Do you want to drink a hideous amount without having to deal with the cluster fuck that is a New York City nightclub? Or you love animal print, rainbow string lights, fake plants, and disco balls? Maybe, you love being in New York, but secretly wish that you were in New Orleans most of the time? Ding ding! 169 Bar is your spot.
It’s got that Big Easy, come as you are attitude, and it’s authentic as the owner is from the Crescent City himself. When you come here for a drink, make sure that you have nothing to do for the rest of the day, because you’re set to get wrecked. Not in a trashy, college kid, tacky way. But in a slow, romantic, artistic way. A kind of drunk that makes you want to wear a beatnik hat, a leopard skin top, and listen to blues music while getting a small-ish tattoo.
Swedish fish
I made the decision to order two hurricanes here on one particular visit in my youth. I ended the night with inviting a young, Swedish couple to a beach house that I and a friend had rented for a week in the summer. We literally were best friends for two hours, talking about life in Sweden and popular music there. Our interaction wasn’t loud and full of, “OMG, I LOVE YOU GUYS. I LOVE SWEDISH FISH.”
It was poised, calm, and just…joyfully relaxing. Needless to say, go straight home after you pound a hurricane at the 169 Bar, trust me, that’s enough drinking for the day or night. If you’re feeling especially brave, you can try a raw oyster shot. It’s a small shot glass of Bloody Mary with, you guessed it, an oyster inside. Given the place’s “B” rating on the window, carefully consider if this is a chance you really want to take. I mean, I did and I loved it.
Starting to feel peckish after all the imbibing? Time to text in your snack order. My favorites are the microwave popcorn still in the bag. Five-dollar dumplings. And, of course, the oysters flambe.
Sounds like a wild ride - I\'d love to join the fun. The Oyster-thing sounds great, however, mixed with the booze, I\'d be afraid that my stomach might rebel ;-) This instant - in this case, Swedish - love is a very US-American thing. I\'ve never experienced this instant friendship for a limited time with any other nation. For me, as a solo traveller it\'s actually a great thing. Hence, 169 bar seems to be a good place for me ;-)
ReplyI don\'t really go to bars but you make this sound like the best bar to go to...and thats important in a city that never sleeps!
ReplyI have only been to New York once, and while there, I hit the bars only once. The location as recommended by hotel staff. It would be great to explore bars where the locals go. I will park this post until I go back.
ReplyThe bar isn\'t necessarily my go to place, but this one does look neat.
ReplyI think the reason some people might have to think about their favorite bar in NYC is that there are so many choices. I love New Orleans, so I can see where this would be a favorite.
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