Day 100—Monday, April 19th
Ear Inn
Tonight is the 100th night of the 365 Bar Crawl! We’re in triple digits people. There’s been a few rough spots (and I think people like the rough spots the best!) but all in all its been a stone blast so far. Thanks for everyone who’s donated, bought me drinks and shared stories with on this journey so far. And a big thanks and cheers to all of you who tune in everyday and to my loyal commentators, who’s comments add a great dimension to the Crawl!
A lot of people have bar suggestions and one of the one’s I get often is if I’m going to the Ear Inn. The Ear Inn is a legendary bar in New York with a lot of history behind it and inside of it. And supposedly there’s a ghost by the name of Mickey that haunts the place. Maybe he’s 100, too! Let’s go and visit the legendary Ear Inn.
Here's the legendary Ear Inn sign that originally read, "BAR."
This place is usually packed, but since it's a Monday night, I can score a seat at the bar.
And Gareth the bartender quickly serves me up a bottle of Bud.
And upon learning this is the 100th night of the crawl, Gareth presented me with a book on the history of the Ear Inn. Thanks Gareth, that's very nice!
Lots of signage and pictures decorate the walls at Ear Inn.
There's tables opposite the bar complete with crayons for drawing on the table covers.
Zach was seated next to me at the bar and flashes a 100 Bar Crawl card. An instant collectors item, for those that collect this sort of thing.
The colorful bar at the Ear Inn.
Siobhan, Jane and Jim were enjoying the Monday evening at Ear Inn.
All these bottles were retrieved from the basement and are antiques from the 1800's.
Steve and Cathrarna were enjoying themselves at the end of the bar.
Some of the many beers available at the Ear Inn.
Hello!
Noah and Shawna were enjoying drinks and dinner in the back room.
it was Peter's birthday, he's 37, but don't tell anyone. Curious about the two women with him? Then check out this website: House of Jackie Brown.
The Bil Machlow trio was scheduled to play live and Skip Ward the bassist showed up first. Skip has played with numerous musicians and bands and recently won a Grammy for playing bass on Steve Martin's CD, "The Crow, New Songs For The Five String Banjo." Check it out here: "The Crow, New Songs For The Five String Banjo."
And here's the whole trio, from left: Skp, Bill Machlow and I forgot to write the drummer's name down. Let's call him Ringo and he can curse me out in the comments section for being an idiot. Update: Bill just told me in the comments section that the drummer's name is Russ Meissner.
These guys are really good and I think they hold down the Monday spot at Ear Inn, check them out when you get a chance.
Great music and great times. A perfect spot for the 100th bar!
The Bill Machlow Trio! Goodnight everybody!
Review
This building (built in 1817) has been home to many different establishments. throught the years it’s been a speakeasy, a boarding house, a smuggler’s den and a brothel. The bar was previously called the Green Door, but in 1977 to avoid getting a review from the Landmark Commision (the building is listed in the National Register of Historic Buildings) they rechristened the bar the Ear Inn by painting over part of the “B” in the old sign. Inside the bar is packed with nautical nick-knacks, bottles retrieved from the basement, drawings signs and enough imagery to blow away the heartiest of sailors. The bartenders and crowd are a local mix of friendly folks.
The food is American and hearty with of course plenty of seafood entrees to go with the nautical theme of the bar. There’s a full bar and Happy runs from 4pm to 7pm Monday through Friday with a buck off all drinks. Live music is also featured here on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday nights with no cover charge. The music is eclectic and can run from jazz, to folk to cajun and every genre in between. Sunday nights always feature the Ear Regulars led by Jon-Erik Kelso and Matt Munisteri (a personal friend of mine, I’ll have you know!)
The Bill Machlow Trio played tonight and they were great! Think NRBQ meets Dr. John in New Orleans. Check out Bill Malchow’s website here: Bill Malchow Website. I didn’t see Mickey the ghost, but if he was there, he had a howling good time, I know I did. Now on to bar 101!
The Ear Inn
326 Spring St. (Near Greenwich St.)
212-226-9060