Sunday, August 8th, 2010—Bar 210

Day 210—Saturday, August 8th, 2010
Southwest Porch (In Bryant Park)
First off, I got a special donation today. My friend and downstairs neighbor, Deloy Stoll sent in a very generous PayPal donation of 25 dollars in memory of her late husband Dennis. Dennis passed away a few weeks ago and Deloy’s message read, “Have a shot and a beer in memory of your friend and neighbor Dennis.” Thanks Deloy and cheers to the memory of Dennis!

I got an email from my Aussie mate, Tim Clack and he sent me a link to an article about expensive beers, that will probably never be drank on this bar crawl. Check it out here: Brewing Superstars. Thanks Tim and cheers, mate!

Okay, on to the crawl. The other day while walking to my parents hotel in midtown, I found an outside, porch type area in Bryant Park called the Southwest Porch. It was packed and there was no place to sit at the bar so I went to Langan’s instead. I’m hoping since it’s a Saturday, it won’t be as crowded. So let’s venture out into the rotten sunlight and see what’s what.

Wow, another bright-ass day!

This gentlemen offered up a nice solution though.

That helps, who is that behind those Foster Grants cheap-ass sunglasses? Oh, it's just me, never mind.

And here we are...

Bryant Park.

Saturday in the park.

Can you dig it?

Yes I can.

And there's a seat at the bar, let's go snag it.

Here's John the bartender who was quick to serve up an ice-cold beer.

Mike, one of the friendly people on staff at the Porch offered to take my photo at the bar.

And here I am, a rare shot of me in the dreaded sunshine. Thanks for the shot, Mike! And cheers to the memory of Dennis Stoll, a good friend and neighbor.

Some of the draft beer available at the Porch bar.

And booze for the cocktails.

Behind the bar is the comfortable porch area with lots of chairs, tables and umbrellas overhead.

Here's a couple at the other end of the bar, let's go say hi.

Meet Andrew and Lynnann who were chilling out at the bar and enjoying a drink or three.

Popcorn!

Ashley was seated next to me and was enjoying a beer at the bar.

After a few drinks at the Southwest Porch, I met my parents in their hotel room for a drink before dinner.

And here's the whole dinner crowd for the evening: From the right, my mom and dad, me, my niece Cara, her boyfriend John and my big brother, Tom. Cheers and goodnight, everybody!

Review
The Southwest Porch is a relaxing and comfortable oasis at the southern end of the Fountain Terrace of Bryant Park. The bar is small and seats about a half a dozen, but there’s a large porch-styled area with large wooden chairs and tables to relax and enjoy a drink and a snack. Large umbrellas loom overhead allowing for plenty of shady spots if you’d like to escape the sunshine (like me.)

There are three draft beers available, four selections of wine and specialty drinks including a Ginger Margarita, Vodka Watermelonade and a refreshing Bourbon Mint Iced Tea. There’s also snacks to nosh on including: Guacamole with tortilla chips, marinated olives, three styles of popcorn and a cookie plate. The menu also offers 15 handcrafted specialty sandwiches provided by ‘wichcraft.

The Southwest Porch is open Monday through Saturday from noon to 9pm and Sundays from noon to 7pm.

Southwest Porch
Bryant Park is situated behind the New York Public Library in midtown Manhattan, between 40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
212-768-4242