Thursday, October 21st, 2010—Bar 284

Day 284—Wednesday, October 20th, 2010
Fat Cat
Last Sunday I went to Lederhosen and met a really cool guy there named Alexi David (if you missed Monday’s post, you should really check out Alexi’s website here: Alexi David). Alexi told me that he works at a bar close by called Fat Cat and that it was a cool joint that had live jazz, pool tables and booze. That sounds like a winning trifecta to me, let’s go check out the Fat Cat.

Here we are at Fat Cat.

And here's the stairwell that leads to the underground bar.

The bar area is nice and dark.

Bartender Brendan serves up a can of Pabst and flashes the 365 card.

I'm wearing the 365 colors from the 365 Bar Store.

Alex, Dee and Steph were seated next to me at the bar.

The view from my perch at the bar.

The nuts at the bar are not self-serve.

But ask and ye shall receive.

The booths opposite the bar have checkerboard tabletops for chess and checker playing.

And here's some people deep into a game.

There's also a large billiards area in the bar.

And ping pong for those so inclined.

And shuffleboard. Deja vu!

Here's a couple playing Scrabble at one of the board tables.

And here's their board. Perve has an "e" at the end? Who knew?

There was a jazz band playing in the back room, but they didn't want me to take a picture of them. So a new rule comes into play: Whenever a jazz band refuses a photo, I'll put up the "Zilch" song by the Monkees. So there!

Things are hopping back at the bar area.

Usually you only see paddles on the bar at an S&M club.

Some of the knick-knacks behind the bar.

Free NYC condums for those who really want to play.

The peanuts are gone and the beer is empty. Goodnight, everybody!

Review
Here’s a review from New York magazine about Fat Cat, I have to get into work in about fifteen minutes. Fuck.
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Profile
Great pool halls are the ones with lots of brass, oak, and tables with those frilly leather pockets, right? The kind of joint where you introduce yourself as Mad Dog Sharky the Cat and no one bats an eye? Nowadays, such places feel contrived, as the gruff hearts of most old-time pool sharks have likely stopped beating. Which is what makes the un-saloon-ish Fat Cat the ideal place to hang out, drink beer, and talk plenty of shit over a few rounds of eight ball at a bargain $5.50 per hour. Located underground, it has the ratty psychedelic feel of a saltwater aquarium circa 1976. The 10 pool tables, though, are all kept in top shape.

Live Music
Jazz combos take the stage every night at 7pm. (There is a $3 cover.)
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Fat Cat
75 Christopher St. (Near Seventh Ave.)
212-675-6056

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And now, The Kinks!