Friday, December 17th, 2010—Bar 341

Day 341—Thursday, December 16th, 2010
Max Fish
First off thanks to Beth Robinette who has sent in a generous donation of 20 dollars here on the home stretch. She found the site through her friend Rick Halberg, so I thank both of you. Beth wanted me to mention the fine website, Atlanta Culinary Tours and whoops, I just did! Check out this site here: Atlanta Culinary Tours. Thanks for the donation, Beth, you’re helping me make it to the bitter end here on the bar crawl.

And speaking of bitter ends, Max Fish is a bar that has been a fixture in the East Village since 1989. I remember going there in the mid ‘90’s when you couldn’t find an ATM anywhere in the East Village. Now sadly, the area is slowly turning into one huge cash machine. The bar is owned by German artist, Ulli Rimkus and sadly her greed-head, dick-snot landlord tripled her rent and is forcing her and the bar out of the neighborhood and a death knell is sounded for another East Village landmark. Ulli said in an interview with Grub Street that she plans on finding a new place and re-opening and keeping it the same as it ever was. I hope she can pull it off, it’s sad it’s closing and I dread to even wonder what will go into that space. Yesterday, Jeremiah Moss advised me to check it out soon, so here we go.

Here we are, over 30 years on the block and then the landlord triples your rent and you're fucked.

Wow, it's after one in the morning and there's still a huge crowd in here.

It's packed at the bar, but there's no turning back now.

I finally made it to the bar and here's Daniel, the funny and friendly bartender who not only posed behind the bar...

He climbed up on the bar...

Almost there...

Baboom! The 365 card is flashed from atop the bar. Daniel told me it's pictures like this that continually get him fired. Luckily Ulli rehires him afterwards.

And he captured a shot of me from up there. Cheers to Daniel, a great bartender!

I managed to squirm into a seat at the bar and here's a shot from my perspective.

Here's a full shot of the bar.

Daniel's chatting with a couple of people at the bar, let's go meet them.

This is Anton who's a photographer and you can check out his work here: Anton Perich. Anton's work has appeared in Interview magazine and he publishes his own magazine, NIGHT magazine.

Andrea is working on a TV program with Anton. She's an actress and an artist and a regular at Max Fish.

Happy birthday Max Fish. Sadly, the last one in this location, thanks to a greedy-ass landlord.

Some festive decorations above the bar.

A nod to the past, a graffiti covered pay phone.

Blue banquettes and polka dot wallpaper line the wall opposite the bar.

Some art and photography on the walls. Max Fish has always supported local artists and shown original work on the walls of the bar.

More photos next to a mod painting on the wall.

The back room has a pool table and a jukebox with an eclectic selection of tunes.

However, the jukebox was off this evening because a DJ was spinning tunes.

Here she's getting the next selection ready. She told me her name and I forgot to write it down. Yes, I've had several drinks by now.

Two turntables and a microphone.

Meanwhile back at the bar the night moves along.

Malik walked in and approached the bar.

And bought shots for the two of us. Thanks and cheers to Malik!

Okay, time to say goodnight to Max Fish.

Max...

Fish. Goodnight, everybody.

Review
There’s no sense in reviewing Max Fish since it’s going to be closed in about eight weeks. Instead I applaud Ulli Rimkus for creating a space where artists and free-thinking people could gather, drink, share ideas and display their works. The cliental has changed somewhat since the bar has opened, but some of the old regulars remain and it stills retains a vibe of the East Village of yesterday. I wish Ulli all the best luck finding a space for the new Max Fish and I raise a glass to the old one. The New York Times reports that on the last night, January 31st, the staff plans on painting the walls in pitch black paint. Paint it black, people, paint it black. Cheers to Ulli Rimkus and Max Fish.

Max Fish
178 Ludlow St. (Near Houston St.)
212-529-3959

Tuesday, November 9th, 2010—Bar 303

Day 303—Monday, November 8th, 2010
The Delancey
Last night I ran into Frank Wood, who I met on the very first night of this bar crawl back on January 10th at Otto’s Shrunken Head. Every year Frank has a ten day birthday party at various clubs around town and it’s dubbed, “The Ten Days Of Wood.” (Insert Viagra joke, here.) Tonight’s the fourth night of this festival of Wood and it’s happening at The Delancey, a club I’ve always wanted to go to. So let’s seize the moment and go get some Wood. (Insert Beavis and Butthead laughter, here.)

There's no sign outside, but this is 168 Delancey, so I guess this must be the place.

And look who's outside having a smoke, it's Shannon, Clacky's better half. She was hanging out with this guy, who's name is...

Marty! That's right, another excuse for a "Marty Squared" photo.

After the photo, Marty told me to check out the pipe behind us. More Martyness! Too weird!

And then I about shit as I looked down on the ground. It's full-blown Martymania, people!

Here's the ground level bar/lounge area. As you can see, it's really dark in here.

Here's a flashed photo to give you a better look.

The lovely and friendly Brit served up an ice-cold bottle of Budweiser and flashed the 365 card.

Here's the comfortable lounge area in the back. The live music happens in the basement bar and that's where Frank's party was happening, so let's go check that out.

And here we are. Wow, that loud scarf is drowning out the music. Who the hell would be wearing such a thing?

Why it's none other than Clacky along with Shannon. Great to have them back on the crawl!

Here's some "10 Days of Wood" posters, but where the hell is Frank?

Oh well, let's go get a drink at the bar. Hey, look who's there, the other Marty. That figures, all of us Marty's think alike!

Noora's the super-cute bartender on duty down here, and she breaks 365 tradition by giving us a two finger salute.

And look who shows up, the birthday boy, Frank Wood! We drink a shot and toast the "10 Days of Wood!" Cheers!

Hey, I think I see another familiar person in the crowd...

It's Lani, who was the first bartender pictured on the bar crawl at night number one, back at Otto's Shrunken Head, the same night I met Frank. This whole thing is coming full circle!

Lani also appeared on night number 63 when her band Stark played at Arlene's Grocery, here's a shot from that night. Lani and Stark are playing tonight at the Delancey and you should check them out, they're a great band.

Here's Frank introducing one of the acts of the evening, Marni Rice.

It's unbelievable the sound they get out of an accordion, a bass and Marni's vocals. It's like cabaret meets punk rock, really a unique sound.

A wonderful stage act!

Here's Frank with the next artist on the bill, singer/songwriter, Patti Rothberg.

And here she is on stage singing her great original tunes.

Patti's performed on the Tonight Show, Late Night with David Letterman and Canada's Much Music. Don't forget to check out her website here: Patti Rothberg.

And a triple flip from Shannon, Frank and Clacky, goodnight, everybody!

Review
Once again I’m going to be lazy and not write a bar review of this fine establishment. I have to run some errands and then get into work. Here’s what the New York Citysearch reviewer has to say about the joint:

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Nestled at the foot of the Williamsburg Bridge, this three-story nightclub summons the young, the broke and the devastatingly hip. Cute 20-somethings wearing side-swept bangs and distressed jeans catch the East River breeze in the lounge on the first floor. Behind them, a long bar and DJ booth lead to the back room--a cozy, red velvet-swathed seating area. Downstairs, mirrored walls work to expand a small space with a stage that attracts buzz-worthy bands and DJs. There's usually a line for the rooftop bar, but it's worth the wait. Atop the faux island getaway, palm fronds wave in the wind and guests mingle among the patio tables, a fountain and an umbrella-topped bar. Monday through Wednesday from 5pm to 8pm and Thursday from 5pm to 7pm, drinks are $2 off. A bonus in summer: The roof isn't too crowded in the early evening.—Kara Zuaro

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The Delancey
168 Delancey St. (Near Clinton St.)
212-254-9920

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Bonus Photos: Tim Clack in New York City!

Here’s some more shots and captions from the Australian on the move in the Big Apple! Take it away, Clacky!

A night shot on Fifth Avenue.

All the single ladies!!!

Before...

And after...come on folks! the puppy was the cutest thing ever. I couldn't let her go to waste!

Literally Chilling out on Marty's balcony before dinner, last Saturday night.

Clacky and Shannon scored tickets to the Letterman show and he sent in two photos early this morning, but there were no captions. Here's an autographed photo of Aerosmith.

And while you can't take photos at the Letterman show, here's the next best thing, Clacky and Rupert from Hello Deli!

Wednesday, October 27th, 2010—Bar 290

Day 290—Tuesday, October 26th, 2010
169 Bar
Okay, while Googling around, I think I found a real hidden gem that I’m amazed escaped 365 Bar co-pilot, Al. It’s called 169 Bar and is located in Chinatown. From what I’ve read it’s kind of a combination dive bar and somewhat tiki bar and it’s been on the block for decades. Sounds like a winner, let’s go see.

Here it is, the 169 Bar, looks promising, let's check it out.

I love it already and plenty of seats at the bar.

And super-cute Kaley serves up a beer. Kaley just moved here in June from Miami. Miami? Hey, Al, do you know her?

Cheers!

The bar in all its cyan and magenta lit-up glory. A beautiful sight!

There's lots of knick-knacks and trinkets hanging behind the bar.

And here's a few of them, Chinese currency hangs above a skull and next to a bar sign.

They have a nice canned beer selection. Colt 45? Where's Billy Dee Williams when you need him?

Oh, he's right here! It works every time...whatever the fuck that means!

The TV's show vintage movies, here's one with Dino from the '60's.

Steve was the other bartender on duty, here he's posing behind the bar with Kaley.

Some of the draft beers available at the bar.

Festive lights hang from the ceiling and masks hang over some of the foliage in the area opposite the bar.

There's booths in the side room for comfortable seating.

Which is exactly what these three were doing. From left: Mike, Brian and Fiona.

There's a pool table in the back room.

And not just any pool table, a leopard-skin pool table. Too fucking cool!

Godzilla!

Here's Crystal and Tiffany who were chilling out in the back room. They work as waitresses nearby at Noah's Ark, stop by and tip them heavily if you can. And now a word to their boss, Ziv. Hey Ziv, give these two women a raise for the love of sweet corn! They couldn't pay their bill and quite frankly it was a little embarrassing watching them wash dishes behind the bar to pay for their drinks. Come on, step up to the plate, Ziv!

Meanwhile, back at the bar...

Steve is pouring shots for the bar.

Cheers from me and the bar!

And history is made as we get the first quadruple flip-off from Kaley and Steve! Goodnight, everybody!

Review
The 169 Bar has been a fixture on this Chinatown block for over 80 years and was formerly nicknamed, “The Bloody Bucket.” Inside the bar is lit up with festive low-lit lights and the space combines the best aspects of a tiki bar meets a dark, dive bar. The bartenders are friendly and the crowd is mainly regulars from the neighborhood and beyond. There’s lots of kitsch and kaboodle on the walls and behind the bar with disco balls hanging over vintage posters of Billy Dee Williams hawking Colt 45. The back room houses a leopard skin pool table with Godzilla art on the walls and a fish tank with a lone fish swimming in it. The music is ‘60’s soul, jazz, pop and Harlem swing. Go-go girls dance in the bar on weekends and DJ’s and live music happen regularly.

169 Bar has a large selection of canned beer including: Pablst, Schlitz, Genesee Cream and Colt 45. Some of the specialty cocktails include: A Hellboy Margarita, Pickle Martini, Frozen Pina Colada and Bourbon Mint Lemonade. Happy hour runs from opeing till 7:30pm with three buck cans of beer and a shot, two buck bottles of Bud and Jameson and Jack shots going for four dollars. Sunday’s they offer three dollar shots and 12 ounce canned beers all night.

They also offer a limited food menu including: Vegetable or pork dumplings, salted shell peanuts and popcorn. The bar is owned by former New Orleans and New York City musician Charles Hanson and it’s apparent that he’s taken a nice slice of New Orleans atmosphere and transplanted it to Chinatown in New York City.

169 Bar
169 E. Broadway (Near Rutgers St.)
646-833-7199

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Bonus Photo: Brooksy Relaxing Down Under With Another Item From The 365 Store!

Aussie follower and commentator David Brooks, a.k.a. Brooksy has sent in another photo of him with another item purchased from the 365 Bar Store, which is maintained by in house artist, “Boris.” Here’s the photo and the caption he sent in. Cheers to you Brooksy!
Got another photo from a party at my place on the weekend, as you can see, all the important elements are featured: Me, 365 Bar Crawl Beer Cozy, Coopers Pale Ale and a beer gut!