We recently offered (because we love you, gentle reader) some important tips for drinking during the recession. We received a deluge of letters after the fact that asked “Barfly – where are some places in the city that I can go to on the cheap?” The letters continued (sometimes for pages) as the writers expressed their undying admiration for us – but we figured that we would focus on the question at hand. New York City plenty of cheap drinking dens – suited to every personality. As always, we’re here to help you save your valuable dollaz with some suggestions (except for you Meathead, you’re on your own “bro”).
For the serious drinker – Don’t pretend – you know who you are. We know how you eye the bottle of wine at the dinner party because you finished your glass in .5 seconds and everyone else hasn’t even started sipping theirs. Do you reach for the bottle – or begrudgingly sit there and wait “patiently” because you don’t want to be labeled a lush?
Well – if you’re looking to go out on the cheap you have to focus on quantity rather than quality. Your nightly quota consists of a ten drink minimum – happy hour won’t do because when you’re on drink #4 the prices will be jacked right back up. For you – we suggest midtown dive bar Rudy’s. The beer is always $3-$4 a pint. This insures that when you decide drink #12 is a “good idea”, you’ll only be out around $40. Not too shabby. The bar also dishes out free hot dogs – meaning that money for dinner can be redirected right down your drink-pipe.
For the Proper Sophisticate – Yes – we understand that swilling Rudy’s Red isn’t “fancy” enough for you. The times are tough – but you are unwilling to do without certain luxuries. You’re like the character in a Mad Max style movie who still takes the time to put lipstick on because it reminds you of “how things were”.
Well – we know your wallet is hurting despite your makeup. Our suggestion is an early week trip to the East Village wine bar The Bourgeois Pig. On Tuesday nights they offer bottles of wine at half price. Sip some red, save some cash, and say things like “its so reassuring that society hasn’t completely collapsed – thank god we still have mood lighting.”
For the laid off hedge-funder who can’t afford his fancy scotch – Sorry, buddy. Usually we would say that you should head over to the Brandy Library with your credit card – get the good stuff and worry about paying later. But, as you know, that’s how you got yourself into this mess (not to mention, ahem, the rest of us).
We think the current crisis provides a great opportunity to reconnect with your roots. Head down to Corner Bistro for some $3.00 beers and delicious $7.00 burgers. As you gorge on cheap pints of McSorley’s ale you can reflect on your time at the top. It will only take you a few mugs, and a few glances at the diverse and boisterous crowd to realize that it might be time for a career change. The Brandy Library might be nice, but life on the bottom sure is fun.
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