As a craft beer lover and afficionados, I had to hit up the Pony Bar while in NYC. After walking along the High Line which isn't too far from this place, we decided to check it out after a friend recommended it (he's a regular there). We walked in and immediately fell in love with the place. The atmosphere is casual, there's wood everywhere including barrels which are part of the decor (and furniture) and a nice long bar where people can sit elbow to elbow and hangout. We did just that, and hung out for a good couple of hours.
They have two locations and I'm not sure how they compare to one another but this one, in Hell's Kitchen, was nice and clean. It wasn't all that spacious though and was packed with people the whole time we were there. That area didn't seem to offer too many alternatives, especially for craft beer so we were pretty excited to be able to remain in that neighborhood and we immediately ordered a few rounds of cold ones.
One awesome thing which I wish more bars had is their tap screen - behind the bar are two giant televisions which display which beers are on tap (and cask) and it is updated very frequently. Their website also updates in accordance to what's on tap just like the televisions. They also have a brand new mobile app available for both Android and iOS where people can check-in, rate and track their beers and win prizes. Awesome, right?!
Their pints are super affordable and their happy hour are between 4:20PM and 5:20PM is great with every pint of beer for $4 making it a great deal, especially for craft beer. Their regular price is $5 a pint as well which is much cheaper than any bar in Boston where I reside.
As far as the beers go, they have a ton of local ones but go to great efforts to keep the selection as diverse as possible. They have something like 20-something beers there and have everything from hop-centric ones to porters, stouts and ales. All served very cold and very fresh. There's nothing super rare there, but then again, I was only there once so who knows.
They also have food there but we didn't get any - Nothing on the menu was above $11 though so it's all affordable as well and most run at $9 or $10 a plate. From spicy gumbo ($10) to Thai calamari ($10) to a short rib sandwich ($10) and a sirloin burger ($10), I'm still not over how cheap it all seems to be. Maybe next time I'll eat there but I'd honestly rather make room for the beer.
The staff was friendly and was able to let us sample a few of the beers as well. No complaints really, except that, like I said, the place gets packed daily so keep that in mind...
Read moreBeers, Beers, Beers! Although I lived in Hell's Kitchen, I didn't really go out and drink in this area. Partly because I wasn't as familiar with the area in comparison to lower Manhattan, but that's not an excuse. I vowed that I'd explore my neighborhood, and thus begins my journey to The Pony Bar. The Pony Bar is located right on 10th Ave, between 45th and 46th. Now before you come here, you better like beer, and you better like it a whole lot. Here, there are just loads of beers on tap, and none of them are PBR or Natural Light. From Kona to Troegs, The Pony Bar has it all.
Now if you're looking for a quiet place to grab a drink, then the Pony Bar probably isn't for you. This is a spot where you can grab a great beer, and have obnoxiously loud conversations with your friends. Prices are incredibly reasonable, and if you suddenly get the beer munchies, then you're in luck because they serve food here. From finger foods such as potato chips, to full blown meals like gumbo, the world really is yours.
Being in Midtown West, you're always fighting for space against tourists. Luckily at the Pony Bar, it isn't too overly crowded with them. I can come inside, grab a beer, and not have to see people walking around with their SRL cameras snapping away at everything. I like beer, and I like The Pony Bar. Perhaps I'll bring my...
Read moreHellcat Annie's is a true neighborhood treasure. It's the perfect place to grab a drink or a bite any day or time of the week.
A beer bar without being a Beer Bar (i.e. intimidating and pretentious), a place to watch sports while also enjoying conversation and music, and a hometown bar for people from all over the country, the owner has really created something special here.
They have an incredible selection of beers on tap (plus special cans!) and the servers/bartenders are knowledgeable and friendly.
On top of that, the food is way better than is needs to be or what you might expect. Their menu includes standard bar fare and a few items prepared with a unique twist, and it's all good. I mean really good. Well-priced, quickly and consistently prepared—ideal for a casual dinner, late night snacks, or for sharing with friends while watching a game. Scruffy Duffy's wings (traditional or boneless) never disappoint, and the nachos and pulled pork sandwich are delicious!
An all-around great spot to enjoy alone, with family and friends, or the lovely strangers you will inevitably end up chatting with...
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