january
Reif's
302 E 92nd St, New York, NY 10128
Reif's is always a banger. Excellent dive bar. We BYOP from the pizza place on the block because people were a little hungry halfway through. Would return in colonial garb.
A little record of where we drank, what I (aubrey) thought,
and whether I would return.
february
Earl's Beer and Cheese
1259 Park Ave, New York, NY 10029
Incredible beers! Food also was great. We were terrorized by one roach for half the evening. But the alley window was open and the vibe was amazing. Would have been 4.5 w/o the roach interloper.
march
The Raven UES
1471 1st Ave, New York, NY 10075
This bar was PACKED. This turned out to be the first amazing-weather day of spring so everyone was out. Service was totally overloaded so it was a bit tough to get drinks, and the bar was crazy loud. Honestly awful vibe for the book club! Nevertheless, we persisted. 1 star because they had an insane $8 martini deal going.
april
Ed's Elbow Room
308 E 78th St, New York, NY 10075
Despite the fact that we rolled up with 4x the number of people we had let them know about, Ed's elbow room staff were super accomodating and set us up outside on a long high table. Staff was really responsive and kind. Great wine list!
may
Vin Sur Vingt
230 E 51st St, New York, NY 10075
Okay this place was nice, but for me it wasn't ideal. Prices were pretty high, and they only had wine. Beer list wasn't very tempting. We picked it to also get a nice peek at manhattanhenge. Not bad not great. Service was super nice! Outdoor seating area did work nicely for us. But it was unremarkable in the sense that I couldn't remember the name of this place. -at all- to make this page and had to look it up.
june
Johnny's Reef
city island, google it.
BANGER. Great fresh seafood, amazing value. frozen pina coladas absolutely SMACKED. like you're going to feel smacked upside the head after one of these. city island is such a gem, and Johnny's Reef really encapsulates to me the perfect vibe of city island. incredible views with salty air, unpretentious atmosphere, amazing food to back it up to boot.
july
Third Avenue Alehouse
1644 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10128
I really enjoyed this spot! We have been aching for a true happy hour and this place has a happy hour for sure. After 9p, draft beers are $5 as well as the smash burgers and truffle popcorn?? We lingered for a while to cross into the late happy hour window and it was WORTH IT. Those smash burgers are not a joke. Also almost everyone who had a beer that night had this rice lager from Cigar City Brewing (I think called Ikebana (?)) which was super nice and refreshing. Will definitely return! Be careful not to drop your phone behind the sink in the bathroom - you ain't getting that back.
