Wednesday, April 21st—Bar 101

Day 101—Tuesday, April 20th
The Parlour Midtown
I have to be to work early tomorrow, so I’m going to a bar that’s just opened up and is just down the street. Seeing as how I’m in a hurry, I think I’ll forgo my usual “meet and greet” photos and concentrate on the shots of the bar itself, I’ve heard there’s some cool artwork hanging on the walls there. The place is an Irish bar called The Parlour. I think it’s only officially been open a week or two, but we’ll find out more when we get there. So let’s go!

I was in such a hurry last night I forgot to take a photo of the outside of the bar. Luckily there was a nice one on their website, so I'm using that one.

Wow, it's huge in here. A nice bar for sure.

And even nicer is super-cute and friendly bartender Nicola who serves up a expertly poured Guinness. And we all know what that will lead up to...

The traditional wearin' of the Guinness on the head. Cheers and too rah loo rah loo!

There's tables and chairs in front of the bar.

And more in the back along with leather banquettes for comfortable seating.

One cool thing here is the paintings of famous Irish men that hang on the wall.

They're very impressive and really add a nice touch to the bar.

Here's Shane McGowan of the Pogues. Very cool.

I found out from the bartender that these are reproductions printed on an ink jet printer using canvas stock. Which is a coincidence because that's what I do at my night job. I don't know who output these prints, but he's an inkjet genious who certainly deserves a raise and should be able to leave early since last night since he had to work late due to a last minute rush job that had to stick around for. Not that I know who this hard-working fellow is.

The artwork definitely gives the place a personality all of its own.

Here's the upstairs.

There's another full bar upstairs.

And more tables and chairs.

I know I said I wasn't going to do the meet and greet thing, but how could I resist this shot? Anne and Dita getting chummy in the bar. Cheers, ladies!

Review
The Parlour just opened up and it stands out in an area of town that’s littered with what I like to call “cookie cutter” bars. They bill themselves as “The Next Generation of the Irish Bar” and so far it appears they’re living up to that claim. The bar is probably one of the largest in the area with a long dark, granite bar that easily seats 20 people. Opposite the bar are tables and chairs and there’s more tables in the back room along with comfortable leather banquettes. Plus there’s a second floor with another full bar and tables. There’s lots of HD TV’s and the artwork of famous Irish men is worth the trip alone. It’s a stone’s throw from Madison Square Garden, so it’s perfect for before and after drinks and dinner if you’re going to a show or sporting event.

The Parlour has a full bar with a good selection of bottled and draft beer including: Red Stripe, Budweiser, Duvel and Blue Moon. And of course there’s Guinness on draft. They’re open for lunch and dinner and the menu follow’s the next generation of the Irish bar idea. They offer up traditional I Irish fare such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and Irish rabbit stew. But other items offered are not so traditional, but equally as tempting such as: crispy duck gizzards, grilled octopus salad and deviled eggs. Rounding out the menu is a nice selection of steaks, chicken and chops.

Check out The Parlour in Midtown, it definitely ain’t your father’s Irish Bar. But he might just be in there boozing it up anyway.

The Parlour Midtown
247 W. 30th St. (Between 7th and 8th St.)
212-967-1070