Insider's Guide to NYC's Best Pub Crawls
The city's best pub crawls don't need to be the frat-ish, cheap-beer soaked odysseys of old. To appreciate the flavor of each neighborhood, enjoy these mini-crawls, and leave White Horse Tavern for the tourists.
Greenwich Village
Kettle of Fish
59 Christopher St.
212-414-2278
kettleoffishnyc.com
In the Village for over 60 years, the Kettle was, in its original location, a favorite of beat poets and artists like Bob Dylan and Andy Warhol. Start your night off with a cold draft and a little pinball.
Barrow Street
15 Barrow St.
212-691-6127
barrowstreetalehouse.com
This landmark bar serves 15 draft beers, offers daily drink specials, pool, darts, and is home to a much beloved jukebox.
Bayard's Ale House
533 Hudson St.
212-989-0313
bayardsalehouse.com
Another landmark bar, this Irish-style pub serves over 20 drafts and is famous for its Irish comfort food and laid back atmosphere.
Williamsburg
Spike Hill
184 & 186 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn
718-218-9737
spikehill.com
There's live music seven nights a week with multiple bands and singer/songwriters on the roster. It's a rock venue that also hosts Monday night jazz and "Sinner Sundays" featuring folk, blue grass and country.
Soft Spot
128 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn
718-384-7768
myspace.com/mysoftspot
A coveted outdoor garden patio has seating and a BBQ grill. There's also trivia, board games and 2-for-1 draft beers during happy hour.
The Gibson
108 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn
718-387-6296
thegibsonnyc.com
Sit by the front windows and enjoy hipster watching or play foosball. This semi-sports bar with a great bourbon list is known to play movies and hand out free popcorn on slow nights.
Upper East Side
Brandy's Piano Bar
235 East 84th St.
212-744 4949
brandyspianobar.com
Hang at the bar and avoid the two-drink minimum at tables in front of the small stage. Listen to talented singers and piano players belt out pop and R&B standards and watch for surprise performances by Broadway greats.
Hi-Life
1503 Second Ave. & 78th St.
hi-life.com
Great bar food, surprisingly stellar sushi, and a fun mix of music make this bar a no-fail standard. The curved leather booths and retro décor give it a Vegas feel. Top-notch bartenders take obvious pride in their cocktails (and appearance). All that and no attitude.
Iggys
1452 Second Ave.
212-327-3043
End your crawl brimming with liquid courage at this dive-y karaoke spot that boasts the longest bar in the city. Get on stage and warble through your favorite ditty in between the showy, talented regulars. Anything goes in this nonjudgmental, good time joint.
