Wednesday, November 10th, 2010—Bar 304

Day 304—Tuesday, November 9th, 2010
Reif's Tavern
365 commentator, friend and somewhat frequent guest star, Biff, found tonight’s bar for me. Last week when Bifferoonie was in town we went to one bar on the Upper East Side that we hoped wouldn’t be insane on Halloween night. Well, our hopes were dashed as we could hear drunken screams a block away and sure as shit on a shingle, the joint was a madhouse of people bombed to the gills and glocked out of their gourds. Biff said she knew of another place called Reif’s Tavern and it was a winner. A dark, old school dive bar with a friendly bartender named Michelle, behind the bar. We had a good time in there and I told her I’d be back to do an official 365 night there. And, as I’ve done in the past, much to co-pilot Al’s delight, I’ll quote Neil Young and say, “Tonight’s The Night!”

Here we are, Reif's Tavern. As the awning says, it's been on the block since 1942, let's go check it out.

There's a decent crowd in here for a Tuesday night, but I spy a seat in the center of the bar.

And I meet friendly bartender Bob as soon as I sit down. And Bob's not only just the bartender here, he's one of the owners, his last name is Reif. He, his sister, Taryn and his mother now run the tavern.

And a glance upwards reveals a tin ceiling, once again proving the theory that all the best bars have a tin ceiling overhead.

My view of the bar and an obligatory bar room mirror shot all in one.

Some of the beers on draft available at Reif's.

A long wooden railing and stools stand opposite the bar.

Look at this trio of merry-makers. Let's go see who they are.

It turns out they're regulars here at Reif's and very friendly people. From left: Eileen, Toby and Eric.

Eileen and Toby pointed out this picture which is the tavern's logo made up of a composite of every regular from the place. Pretty cool!

Above that picture is a photo of the original owner and barkeep from 1942, John Reif.

There's a nice back room in the bar...

Complete with a state of the art pool table.

There's also a beer garden and according to this sign, it's open. Let's check it out.

Wow, a large space with tables and chairs. There's also gas grills in the back and if you bring your own meat, you can grill it up back here.

Meanwhile, back at the bar, things have picked up, there's quite a crowd here, let's go meet some of them.

This is Boneau who has his own design studio. Check it and some of his paintings at his website here: boneau design.

Bob came over and poured the three of us a shot. Cheers!

(After I left the bar I realized I left my notebook behind, I hope from here on in I have the name's right, but if I screwed up your name, you can correct me in the comments section.) Chilling out behind me were Michelle and Ian (I think.)

I'm pretty sure these guys names are Mike and John, but I definitely know that they're from Chicago, because we had a nice chat about the Midwest and the Billy Goat Tavern.

For some reason I'm completely drawing a blank on this guy's name. He was a real nice fellow and he's the head bartender at the new Lincoln Restaurant in the Lincoln Center, so maybe our paths will cross again.

Here's Rob with a poster of his band, Diesel America. Check them out online here: Diesel America.

Rob gave me an official Diesel America wristband. Kick out the jams, Motherfuckers and goodnight, everybody!

Review
While frat bars continue to pop up like pimples on a 13-year-old’s noggin’ on the Upper East Side, Reif’s Tavern has been a family-owned watering hole since 1942. The front room houses a well worn wooden bar with locals from the neighborhood gathered around it. The bar is one of the friendliest I’ve been to and even if you’re brand new to the place, you’re greeted and treated as a regular. The back room houses a pool table and chairs and there’s an outside patio area that’s open all year long.

There’s a full bar at Reif’s with martini specials on Wednesdays. They offer up a decent selection of draft and bottled beers including: Corona, Magners, Pabst and Miller Light (no wonder Biff likes it in here.) Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday with two buck cans of Pabsts and one dollar off drinks.

They don’t serve food, but you can bring in slices from the pizza parlor on the corner, or if you feel like grilling you can utilize the grills in the beer garden. Just bring your own meat and turn on the gas.

Reif's Tavern
302 E. 92nd St. (Near Second Ave.)
212-426-0519

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Jukebox Request From Tim Clack in New York City

Clacky’s taking a brief break from the bar crawl to do some sight-seeing, but in the meantime he sent in this request for a song by an appropriately titled band, Ausralian Crawlers. Here they are with “Beautiful People.” This goes out to Clacky and all the Aussie mates out there!

P.S.

Fat Al over at the fine blog, The Half Empty Glass has a nice post about our night on the town, check it out here: The Half Empty Glass.

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!

Monday, November 8th, 2010—Bar 302

Day 302—Sunday, November 7th, 2010
Winner's Circle Restaurant and Bar
The donation bell has rung and it’s from an old friend of mine from Peoria, Illinois, Joe Waugh. Joe has generously donated 50 bucks to the bar crawl and he and his wife Connie joined the bar crawl back in April when I was in Peoria and stopped in at Jimmy’s Bar. His daughter Angela was part of the bar crawl a few days later when I was in Chicago. Thanks, Joe and I hope we can have a drink or four when I’m back in Peoria at Christmas!

Speaking of donations, there’s a fine documentary in the works by a guy who was an editor at Time Out New York years ago, Joe Angio. I met Joe years ago and while I never wrote any stories for Time Out while he was an editor there, I met him once and had a good time at Puck Fair. Joe is now an indpendent film maker and is producing a documentary on a great band, The Mekons. One of the first people I ever met in New York was Sally Timms and I was blown away when she nonchalantly told me she was a member of the Mekons. Joe needs some help in getting the film made and you can donate to help see this film see the light of day right here: The Revenge of the Mekons. You can get your name on the credits if you pledge a certain amount and there’s other goodies available, in fact today is Sally Timms day and she has donated some really cool items, you should go and check them out. Please donate as I really want to see this film. The Mekons rule!

Tonight I have yet another special guest here on the 365 Bar Crawl. It’s none other than Fat Al, who’s one of the writer’s and creator of a blog I really like, The Half Empty Glass and they’ve really supported the 365 blog. We’ve been meaning to meet up for a drink for quite awhile and tonight’s the night. I don’t know if Fat Al is bringing his cranky partner in blogging, anonymous271, but he did have the genius idea of meeting at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant bar in what is, I believe Manhattan’s biggest OTB. My only fear is that they won’t let me take pictures for obvious reasons. What I’ve decided to do is just not ask. And before I get a comment saying I’m invading people’s privacy, I’ll fuzz out any face that doesn’t belong to myself or Fat Al. And so, it’s off to the races we go, Tiki Bar Susie, I think you’ll like this one!

Here we are at the Winner's Circle, let's go check it out.

Wow, it's bright in here and it's got a bit of a prison-yard break atmosphere going on. I found out that the bar and restaurant are upstairs.

A mark of a nice 4-star bar and restaurant is one where they remind you in the title that it's, "Fine Dining."

This is just me, but if all the lighs worked on the sign, it might reflect a more winning atmosphere. But that's just me.

Hmmm...the sanitary grade is pending...all part of the gambling experience I guess. Let's go inside, fine dining awaits!

Here's the stairway to winning, the velvet rope is a nice touch! Maybe there's celebrities up there!

None of the Kardashian clan seem to be here, but here's some of the winners enjoying the evening.

The horse races are shown on these screens in the front room, but I need to find the bar.

And here we are. Could that be Fat Al? Let's go see.

It wasn't Fat Al, in fact he couldn't really speak English very well, but he did have a mastery of the word, "motherfucker" as he lost race after race. Here's the bar and the bartender who talked and resembled a young Peter Lorre.

The top of the bar is lined with TV sets showing the races of the day. By now I was really confused, a little uncomfortable and was wishing Fat Al would show up.

Obligatory bar room mirror shot!

The bartender changes the channel to a new race. It's uncomfortably quiet and bright in here. Where are you Fat Al?

Finally Fat Al showed up along with Half Empty Glass commentator jco. We retired to the "fine dining area" and we were greeted by this friendly fellow who's identity I've saved with a handy black bar.

Here's jco with Fat Al who didn't want his face shown in the picture, due to work-related issues. I think he's a mercenary, but don't tell anyone.

I tried to get into the spirit of things, but had trouble with the OTB guide. It was kind of like a math book with silly horse names in it. Color me confused.

Fat Al and jco were betting wildly though...

And they won 110 bucks on the Snowbound Sailor race. The name of that horse conjured up images of Popeye on a cocaine run.

After about a half an hour we were told the place was closing early, so sadly we couldn't sample any of the fine dining here. But Fat Al and jco said they would take me to a nice Mexican place within walking distance.

On the way we walked by Port 41, which was the 61st bar I went to on the bar crawl. We decided to stop in for a drink.

It was a lot darker in here and I prefer these sights to the horses any day of the week. Oh to be a Sharpie marker!

And here's a familiar face, Frank Wood! I met him on the first bar of the bar crawl at Otto's Shrunken Head.

And here we are at the El Azteca Bar. Time for Sunday dinner!

I had the tortilla soup for a starter, it was delicious!

jco had the nachos which is a huge portion.

Fat Al and I had this dish for a main entree, I can't remember the name, but it was chicken cutlet in a spicy rice mix and it was great. And Fat Al generously picked up the tab as a donation to the bar crawl! Thanks, Fat Al, great to meet you and jco and I hope you'll both join the bar crawl again! Goodnight, everybody!

Review
The Winner’s Circle Restaurant walks that fine, razor edge line of a land somewhere between the unending boring ambience of a DMV waiting room and a “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” therapy session with the evil Nurse Ratched. The name itself is pure irony. “The Winner’s Circle.” Ha! You couldn’t find a group of men more down and out and lost for luck if you called central casting. It’s bright inside the bar and grim all at the same time. For the most part, it’s quiet in the bar and front area and then suddenly punctuated with screams of “Come on and win you motherfucker!” and then quiet again as the men see their horses lose and their last pile of nickels disappear quicker than a plate of fresh eclairs placed in front of Oprah Winfrey.

They have a menu and a kitchen at The Winner’s Circle, but they were closing early and we didn’t have time to finish three beers, much less sample the fine cuisine available. I’m guessing it’s a cross between prison food and grade school cafeteria fare. There’s a full bar available for those that can afford such luxuries as liquor and that’s why the bar is never full.

It’s a true New York City scene and one that I hope never dies. I will return and I thank Fat Al for the fine suggestion.

Winner's Circle Restaurant
515 Seventh Ave. (@38th St)
212-730-4900

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Bonus Photo From jco at Port 41!

We stopped for a quick drink at Port 41 and jco took a shot of the dueling toilets in the ladies room. This could probably qualify for the most uncomfortable toilet area in New York City. Deedle-eee-dee-dee.