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

Tuesday, April 20th—Bar 100

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

Monday, April 19th, 2010—Bar 99

Day 99—Sunday, April 19th
Great Lakes Brewing Company Bar (At the Cleveland Airport)
First off, let me thank James Brennan from Port Clinton, Ohio for sending in a donation of five bucks! His stated purpose on the PayPal form was, “To your health, Marty.” Thanks James, I found out this week that people in Ohio are very nice and generous and this donation was the icing on the cake!

Okay, we’ve been to bars in the evening and we’ve been to bars in the afternoon. Now we get to go to a bar in the morning, because my flight leaves at 1:00 pm and I’m obsessive and nuts about getting to the airport early. I don’t like to be late for anything, especially for a flight. And this way, if we’ve got a couple hours to kill, baboom, we go to a bar and my work for this Sunday is over (until I get home and have to resize photos and write copy and captions). Let’s go!

Okay, we're here at gate A5, it's 10:24 on a Sunday morning and we've got two hours to kill. Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

Airport bar!

The thing I love about airport bars is that they're judgement-free zones. No one gives you attitude about ordering a beer at 10:30 on a Sunday morning. Bartender John happily serves up the first Great Lakes beers of the morning.

Cheers, let the take-off begin!

So far, it's just me at the bar, but I'm sure business will pick up. It always does at airport bars.

The only beer on tap is Great Lakes, which I was introduced to at Sean and Mary's dinner party on Friday. Here's the website: Great Lakes Brewing Company.

Finally someone else joins me at the bar. Here's Scott with his Bloody Mary. Scott was heading off to San Antonio later in the day.

Hot dogs!

Here's Matt Smith, President of RadioActive Electronics (440-632-1600.) He's a Browns fan and has this message for commentator Biff: GO BROWNS! He also told me about an antique store in Brooklyn his friend owns, check it out here: Holler and Squall.

Doug Case was holding down the end of the bar and is a business manager for The Finefrock Law Firm. in Scottsdale, Arizona. They specialize in D.U.I. cases so you may want to bookmark this website: www.finefrocklawfirm.com.

The lovely and friendly bartender Tonya served up the last drink. It's just about time to board the plane.

And here we are, all boarded up and ready to fly back to New York.

And before you know it, here comes my good friend Mr. Drink Cart!

Hmm, this is how we started out, the trip has come full circle!

And now the obligatory bathroom mirror on a plane shot. Goodnight everybody...or good morning...whatever.

Review
It’s an airport bar and the bartenders are friendly here. As with all airport bars, the mood and clientle change constantly, but also as all airport bars go, no one looks sideways at you when you order a beer at 10:30 on a Sunday morning. I like that. And I should’ve gotten a hot dog. Maybe next time.

And once again, thanks to Cleveland’s Minister of Culture, Michael Heaton for being a wonderful host and bar guide! Everybody I met at the Plain Dealer and in Cleveland were super cool, friendly and nice. I have to return before the crawl is over! Cleveland rocks!

Great Lakes Brewing Company Bar

At the Cleveland Airport