Day Fourteen—Saturday, January 23rd—Big Bar
Okay, Thursday was a little tough and last night was a total bust-out, so tonight I’m hoping to find a nice little Saturday night bar and have a little friendly, boozed up fun. As I reported last week, I’ve never been a fan of Saturday nights, so I’m hoping to find a nice, little friendly spot. So I thought I’d just wander around till I find one. So please join me on this happy little wandering mission. Okay, one, two, three, four, here we go, out the door!
Here we are on 14th street. I love the fact that Filene's Basement is on the top floor of this building. Irony at its finest moment.
Few people know this, but Jennifer Convertibles is the third cousin of Jennifer Love Hewitt. I know this because I've had sex with both of them. In my dreams.
What a weird coincidence to see this sign. "Tie me up" is what Jennifer Convertibles would always ask me to do to her. In my dreams!
And speaking of irony, here's the Big Bar. A tiny little bar in the East Village. I've been here before and had a great time. It should be the perfect antidote to last night's weirdness.
The bar is full, but there's one seat available with my name on it!
So I sit down and promptly get a beer which is served by...
Stefan, the friendliest bartender in Manhattan. I told him of last night's troubles and he assured me I was welcome at Big Bar. Stefan's also a writer, check out his first book here: New Roses at Lulu and here: New Roses at Amazon.
Bartender, Stefan.
Some of the beers available at Big Bar.
Here's the trio of beer drinkers seated to my right at the bar: Rubel, Luke and Sacred. All of them are Big Bar regulars.
Big Bar makes the most of its limited size by lining the walls and front window with booths, so there's many seats available.
Stefan in action.
These two are visiting all the way from Finland. They are, Jarkko Tiesmaki and Pasi Kolhonen.
Here's Raymond, the owner of Big Bar!
Big Bar has just one beer on tap, but it's such a tasty brew, they don't need any other. It's Six Point Ale and it's brewed locally in Brooklyn. After two of these it was time for...
Bathroom break!
As you'd expect, the bathroom is tiny, but it's very clean!
Although sadly there's no bathroom mirror for the obligatory bathroom mirror shot. (And I also forgot to bring the Frankie Headbanger patented 365 bar stickers, they'll be back on Monday.)
So once again I take the oblgatory bathroom mirror shot in my bathroom at home. Thanks to Big Bar for a great night out! Goodnight everybody!
Review
Big Bar is like going to a fun and cozy party in a studio apartment in the East Village. The Bartenders and patrons are fun and chatty, even if it’s your first time in the bar. If you want to feel like an instant regular, this is the place to go. It’s got a real New York charm to it and if you’re visiting you need to put this place on your list of bars to go to.
And speaking of New York mentality, just like so many of us have to make the most of our small apartment spaces, Big Bar makes the most of it’s space by having a decent size bar and booths that line the walls and front window. There’s a full drink selection (including the just invented Sho-Joung), a decent beer selection and while there’s only one draft available, it’s the delicious 6 Point Ale, which I’ve never seen at another bar and it’s a delicious ale.
The hours here are Sunday through Thursday 5:00 pm to 2:00 am and Friday and Saturday 5: pm till 4:00 am and there’s a daily Happy Hour. Stop by the Big Bar which is limited in space, but Big in a fun, friendly and cozy atmosphere.
Big Bar
73 E 7th St (between 2nd & 1st Aves.)
(212) 777-6969