Day 335—Friday, December 10th, 2010
Broadway Dive
If you recall last Tuesday I visited the Ding Dong Lounge on the Upper West Side. I told my friend and fabulous and best DJ in the universe Gidget (listen to her on Woody Radio and check out “Boris’s” “Secret Weapon” show as well), that I was going there, she immediately reminded me that she knew a woman who DJ’s there occasionally and that her name is Linda. Sadly Linda wasn’t there, but Gidget told her I had stopped by and she left a comment on the 365 fan page on facebook, (which Gidget set up and it’s maintained by her and “Boris,” and I thank the two of them for doing that for me!) and invited me to stop by on Friday night when she’s behind the DJ booth at the Ding Dong Lounge. So I decided to find another bar in the neighborhood, do that as tonight’s official bar and then stop in and say hi to Linda and the folks at the Ding Dong Lounge. Oh, tonight’s bar is called the Broadway Dive. Let’s see if it lives up to its name.
And here's the place, the Broadway Dive.
And there's a seat at the end of the bar. Perfect!
And even more perfect is friendly and pretty bartender, Alison serving up a cold beer. Let the Friday bar crawl begin!
A view of the bar from where I sit.
Ian was seated next to me at the bar and lives on the block.
And seated next to Ian was Arnaud who is visiting New York from Paris, France.
Cheers from the three of us.
Christmas lights and wreaths add a festive touch to the joint.
And Santa's hung his hat and is passed out in the back room.
A fish tank looms over the bar, always a nice touch for a dive bar.
Just some of the draft beer available at the bar. They have 17 taps and they rotate the selection weekly.
Marble-topped tables and stools are lined up opposite the bar.
Which is where Julie and Dylan were sitting and enjoying some beers.
Meanwhile, back at the bar...
Alison is busy pouring beers for thirsty patrons.
But she's not too busy to stop and pose with the other bartender on duty, Joe.
There's lots of activities going on above the bar. A plane zooms overhead...
And a bicycle hangs from the ceiling.
And elephants are on parade.
But when those elephants turn pink, it's time to go home. Goodnight, everybody!
Review
And I continue to slack off as far as reviews go, I’m running late today and have a lot of stuff to do, so here’s a review of the Broadway Dive from New York magazine.
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Marked by a twin red-and-white neon tavern sign over the door, this quintessential neighborhood hangout has been around for almost 20 years. Many patrons have been drinking here for over five years, more than earning their unofficial bar stools. But don't be put off. Broadway Dive is a bar for socializing, supported by an easy-mingling crowd of off-duty cops, writers, actors, shopkeepers and laborers. A mounted wild boar's head, an oversized model airplane, a few ceiling fans and a couple of bullet holes evoke a long-gone era when this 'hood was decidedly dodgy. Entertainment comes in the form of an iconic jukebox on which Patsy Cline and Elvis meet Marvin Gaye and The Ramones, plus a dart board and eight sports-tuned TV screens. A word to the wise: This is a bar for Mets fans and beer drinkers; Yankee fans and cocktail sippers are tolerated at best. — Michael Anstendig
HAPPY HOUR
Daily, 11:30am-7pm; $4 domestic draft, $5 well and selected wines
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Broadway Dive
2662 Broadway (Between 101st and 102nd)
212-865-2662
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Bonus Photo of Groovy DJ Fa La Linda at the Ding Dong Lounge!
Okay, since we’re in the neighborhood, let’s stop by and say hi to Gidget’s fellow DJ friend, Linda at the Ding Dong Lounge.
And here she is, Groovy Dj Fa La Linda, a virtual DJ who, according to her card, spins a go-go gourmet blend of garage, punk, soul, funk, freakbeat, psych, surf rockabilly and beyond. And having heard her work, I agree, she’s a great DJ and the tunes were superior. Great to meet you Linda! If you’d like to contact Linda for a DJ gig here’s her email: Groovy DJ Fa La Linda.
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Video Via Clacky
Clacky sent in this video of The Cosmic Psychos, Take it away, Psychos!