Tuesday, December 21st, 2010—Bar 345

Day 345—Monday, December 20th, 2010
Julius’
I’m near the end of this journey and I just got a Christmas donation from the 365 Canadian correspondent, Lex. She sent in a generous donation of fifty dollars. In case you weren’t following the blog, Lex was in town last September with her in-laws, Mary Ann and Morley and they joined the bar crawl when we went to Hurley’s. And Lex not only sent in a nice donation, she sent me pictures from when she was at when she and her family were on vacation in Revelstoke, British Columbia. Lex sent in some photos of a bar she got trashed in nightly visited a few times. The photos are down below in the bonus section following the review. Thanks for the donation and photos, Lex, have yourself a merry little Christmas!

Okay, on to the bar crawl. I’ve been meaning to go to Julius’ bar for awhile now, and since there’s just 21 days, I’ve decided I better go tonight, before this thing is over. Julius' is important to Manhattan’s rich bar history because it’s the oldest bar in Greenwich Village and it’s also the oldest gay bar in the city. The bar has been in operation since 1864. According to their website, the bar started getting a gay crowd in the ‘50’s and in 1966, four activists staged a “sip in” at Julius’ to challenge the NYS Liquor Authority’s regulation that prohibited bars and restaurants from serving homosexuals. From what I’ve read, this place is not only New York’s oldest gay bar, it also sounds like a classic dive bar. Let’s go dive in to Julius’.

Here we are, it looks nice and dark inside, let's go check out Julius'.

It's late on a Monday night, so there's plenty of seats at the well-worn, long wooden bar. Let's settle in.

And Scott, the friendly and hospitable bartender quickly serves up an ice-cold beer.

Cheers from the 345th bar. Only 20 more to go!

A shot of the lit-up bottles behind the bar.

There's circular wooden tables opposite the bar, with a nice view of the street outside.

The vintage cash register is adorned with some Christmas ornaments and decorations.

Here's Greg with a dancing doll. We named the doll, Santa Julius.

Vintage photos line the dark, wooden walls. Walter Winchell tells you why to go to Julius'.

There's a brass dachsund foot rail beneath the bar to rest your dogs on.

David was seated at the end of the bar. When he found out my hometown is Peoria, Illinois, he told me he was stationed in nearby Champaign, Illinois for year when he was in the air force.

Vintage horse photos hang atop the festive, lit-up bar.

Here's the kitchen that stands opposite the bar where the legendary Julius burgers are made.

Karen was the chef on duty for the evening and we had a nice talk about the whole 365 journey.

They have a great jukebox here stocked with everything from Barbara Streisand to the Animals to Liza with a "Z", to my favorite, Joan Jett.

Single antique lamps hang overhead and illuminate the bar.

A long shot of the etched wooden bar.

Thomas was seated next to me and raised his glass for the 365 camera.

For five dollars you can buy your very own Julius shot glass, which I did, and then I had Scott pour some whiskey in it for my nightcap.

One final glance out the window and it's time to hit the road. Goodnight, everybody!

Review
Julius’ is a true dive bar. A gay dive bar, but as far as dives go, this fits the bill. It’s dark and the long, well-worn wooden bar has been there since prohibition ended and is carved with initials and memories from days gone by. Dim antique lights illuminate the bar and there’s circular woodend tables and chairs opposite the bar. The walls are lined with black and white photos and old reviews of Julius’.

There’s a full bar at Julius’ and you won't have to go on payday to enjoy a few drinks in here. Everything’s inexpensive and there’s a generous happy hour from 4pm to 9pm with half-price beers and well drinks. Sunday is the day that they have an all day beer blast with half-priced beer all day long. There’s not a huge selection of food here, but they’re known for their hamburgers which are just five bucks. There’s also hot dogs, grilled cheese, french fries, onion rings and assorted sandwiches to be had from the kitchen which operates directly across from the bar.

If you’re looking for a slice of New York history, go have a drink at Julius’. It’s a gay scene, but you’ll enjoy it if you’re straight, slightly curved or even a hexagon. It’s a friendly place filled with nice people and it’s a true New York City landmark.

Further reading: Jeremiah’s Vanishing New York, Edmund White in New York magazine, Julius’ Wikipedia entry.

Julius’
159 W. 10th St. (@Waverly Pl.)
212-243-1928
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Bonus Lex Photos!
As noted above our Canadian correspondent Lex, sent in some photos from The Village Idiot tavern in Revelstoke, British Columbia and here they are, take it away, Lex!
Bartenders Adam and Kaylee serve up some mean local brews.
The local brew, before and after!
The menu? Hilarious! as funny as a good comedy show. The food? Well let's just say that we all look like we're about 7 months pregnant!

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Bonus Reader Photo!
Last week Jaws sent in a photo of himself and challenged other 365 readers to do the same. They haven’t exactly been flying in, so I was pleased when I got an email from Guilherme Stecher all the way from Brazil. Here’s what he had to say:

Hey Marty,

Following Jaws idea, I'm sending a photo from a Brazillian fan. I don't do many comments, but I pass through your blog every day.

Cheers from Brazil, and have a Rock'n'Roll X-mas.

Guilherme Stecher.

Thanks, Guilherme! Merry Christmas to you and yours in Brazil. And here’s his photo:

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Well, as well as Fat Al Liked that Joan Jett video, why not play another. Oh, Joan...

And what the fuck, why not announce my complete love for Joan Jett. You are the total rock star!

Monday, December 20th, 2010—Bar 344

Day 344—Sunday, December 19th, 2010
Nomad (Originally headed for Frank)

First off, I want to thank Tiki Bar Susie for sending in a generous Christmas donation of 45 dollars. I don't even know how many contributions she's sent in, but she's the top donator and has helped me make it through the bar crawl. Merry Christmas to you Tiki Bar Susie and thanks for your support and generosity!

Yesterday I reported that the Stoned Crow is closing and Jeremiah’s Vanishing New York put up a link to that information today. Then while perusing other blogs, I see that EV Grieve has a post today about Hickey’s closing., check it out here: Hickey's Is Gone at EV Grieve. That really sucks monkey lungs on toast! Hickey’s was a place that the BBC recommended and it’s close by where I work and I planned on hanging out there a lot after this bar crawl was over. Now I’m wondering if anyplace will be open when I’m done. Will I be forced to...gasp...drink at a T.G.I. Fridays? The horror...the horror!

Okay, today I got my hair cut at the Fifth Avenue Dramatics NYC and they invited me to their Christmas party! So that’s tonight’s first stop and then I’m meeting one third of the BBC, Gene at Frank restaurant. We’ll be eating at the bar of course! And just like that, I’m off.

After I got my haircut today, I went over by the Union Square park to check out the artwork for sale. Last year I got my mom some local art for a Christmas present and I decided to make a tradition of that. The artwork at this table caught my eye.

I picked out two pieces and took a photo of the artist. Her name is Elinor and I asked her if she had ever heard the song, Elenore, by the Turtles. She laughed and said that her mom named her after that song. She told me that when her mom was pregnant with her she was driving and that song came on the radio and Elinor kicked her in the stomach, so it was decided that would be her name. Check out Elinor's website here: Elinor Studio. And if you'd like to purchase some of her art you can do so here: Elinor at Cafe Press.

Let's go check out the Christmas party in here.

It's a full house of festive fun in here.

A DJ was spinning tunes.

Here's my stylist, the lovely, Love with her daughter, Jertour.

And here's beautiful, Lyric who invited me to the party.

Even Santa is here!

And this Santa gives booze for presents, that's my kind of Santa!

Parties are fun, but I have to do my duty and get to a bar, so it's off we go.

And here we are at tonight's destination, Frank restaurant. This Italian place is supposed to be very popular.

Wow, it's so popular that you can hardly walk in here.

The bar is completely packed and people are waiting for seats. Time to abort and start a new plan.

Normally we'd have to take a lonely walk and look for another place and you'd be subjected to that Ricky Nelson video for the bazillionth time, but just a few doors down, I see this place and there's a bar inside. Let's check it out.

Plenty of seats in here, I called Gene and told him there was a change of plans and he said he'd be here in a little while. In the meantime...

Halil serves up an ice-cold beer. Let the Sunday bar crawl begin!

It's not a full bar, there's just beer and wine only, but as you can see, there's an extensive wine list here.

They also have a decent selection of drafts as seen here and bottled beers as well.

There's a full dining room opposite the bar, with comfortable seating and a nice, dark atmosphere.

It's a nice, romantic place for a candle-lit dinner.

And it's also a nice place to hang out at and have a few beers on a chilly Sunday evening.

And speaking about having a few beers, here's Gene! Cheers from both of us.

And it's Sunday night, time for a nice Sunday dinner.

I got the ribeye steak and it was delicious.

Gene got the lamb chops and mashed potatoes and said they were excellent.

And in a deja vu moment from Saturday, Gene's clean plate and tongue. Great hanging out with Gene all weekend and nice to have him along as this crawl grinds towards the end. Goodnight, everybody!

Review

Okay, I’ve been slacking the last couple of days in the review section and today is going to be another example of that aforementioned slackdom. It’s Monday and I’m running late for work, so here’s a chunk of Nomad’s history lifted from their website.

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For more than four years Nomad has been one of the East Village’s quiet jewels, serving authentic North African and French inflected food to local residents and to the cognoscenti.

While the restaurant started off with a small but dedicated group of aficionados, its reputation is expanding rapidly. Owner Mehenni Zebentout, a restaurateur extraordinaire from Algeria, has expanded the exquisitely designed physical space of the establishment and the scope of the menu, and Nomad is now poised for widespread recognition.

An open, inviting exterior with French doors that swing open in warm weather beckons visitors into a beautiful front room, replete with a magnificently carved metalwork bar, in the style of the Grand Maghreb. Custom mosaic tables and traditional Moroccan jewel-like lamps complete the decor. The sumptuous backroom is adorned with North African grillwork and original murals and
artesian artifacts. Entering the enchanted courtyard behind the restaurant, where a grape arbor flourishes along with flowering plants, elicits comparisons to a Mediterranean garden and offers a relaxing respite from the rigors of city streets.

And then there’s the food! Since its founding Nomad has been serving North African food that is among the finest and most authentic available in New York City. The preparation is exacting and inventive and the menu includes dozens of delectable dishes. There are slow cooked tender tagines; couscous royale, a traditional stew of vegetables served in a superb broth with lamb and chicken and house made merguez––the spicy lamb sausage of the Maghreb; seafood couscous, the North African equivalent of Bouillabaisse, featuring fresh mussels, clams and giant prawns; and fish dishes, set off with spicy seafood broth, over perfectly cooked couscous grain.

Lamb and steaks are grilled to perfection, served with perfect fries, and other French or North African side dishes. Entire Mediterranean fish, like branzino and dorado, are always fresh caught and carefully grilled, complemented by both a green salad and a couscous salad. They are also plenty of delicious options for vegetarians, making Nomad a great meeting place for friends with varied tastes. The generous portions, infused with love, remind visitors of family dinners and are guaranteed to send even the most ambitious eaters home satisfied.

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Check out their full menu here: Nomad menu. Now I have to get to work. Fuck.

Nomad
78 Second Ave. (Between 4th and 5th St.)
212-253-5410

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Clacky and Gwar
Our Australian mate, Tim Clack recently saw a concert with Megadeth and Gwar and sent in these photos, check them out below. Thanks, Clacky!

Holy shitballs! Clacky's gone and got zombiefied on us! Rock on, Clacky!

Sunday, December 19th, 2010—Bar 343

Day 343—Saturday, December 18th, 2010
Amity Hall
Live from New York it’s Cheeseburger Saturday Night! Starring Amity Hall with a special appearance by one third of the Baltimore Bar Crawlers, Gene Rubbico and featuring the ready for prime beef player, Marty Wombacher. Tonight’s episode is brought to you by a generous donation of twenty dollars from Packer fan, Jamie Bettis, who we met at the Kettle of FIsh. Thanks, Jamie! And now, please welcome...Amity Hall!

Goddamn, Broadway is packed with people and all of them are motherfucking slow-walkers.

Fuck, I looked up and saw I was at Broome Street and realized I've walked way past 3rd street. Shit, now I have to backtrack through the slow walkers on Broadway.

I'm terrible with directions and after about an hour of missed streets and backtracking, here we are. Thank, god, I need a drink!

Wow, it looks great in here. Hey, there's a familiar face at the bar!

Bartender Nav pours up an ice cold bottle of Duvel. Nav's from Ireland and is a first-class bartender and all-around good guy.

365 commentator and pal, Biff sent me this stocking cap and three Metro cards for Christmas! Thanks Bifferoonie! And cheers from Gene and I!

They've got an impressive amount of beers on tap.

And an equally impressive selection of bottled beers below in the refrigerated beer coolers.

A candle-lit railing and stools lead up to the bar.

Fire!

Sneezin's greetings!

Meanwhile back at the bar, Gene and Nav are shooting the shit.

Shannon is the other beautiful bartender on duty. She was taking a dinner break till I interrupted with the pesky 365 camera.

And suddenly this group has overtaken the end of the bar.

Luckily, they're a friendly group and we chatted about the bar crawl for a bit. From left: Melissa, Michelle, Davy, Abeed and Daniel. Daniel has a blog and you can check it out here: No Is The New Yes. I've only had a chance to quickly peruse it, but any blog that has Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash giving the finger looks to be first rate!

Here's Shannon, back to work.

And suddenly...cheeseburger! Where's the cheese though?

It's stuffed inside of the burger! And it's horseradish cheddar cheese and it's one of the best burgers I've ever had!

Here's Gene getting ready to devour his cheeseburger.

Gene truly cleaned his plate. Nav joked that they wouldn't have to put this one in the dishwasher.

We decided to stop in at the Stoned Crow for an after dinner nightcap.

And here's a familiar face, Josh the bartender. If you've been following this blog you may remember that he was the bartender on duty on our 84th night out, last April.

The bar is all lit up for the holidays.

I went back to the office to say hi to the wonderful and beautiful owner, Betty. I told her I was looking forward to the end of this bar crawl in January because I could go back to being a regular here. Betty looked sad and told me that that wasn't going to happen. I asked her what she was talking about and she told me the bar is closing due to steep rents from her greedy-ass landlord. Anybody see a recurring theme here? I felt like someone had slapped me in the face with a cold 37 pound piece of fish. Motherfucker, another classic New York bar closing. I'm so sorry for Betty. She built and maintained a great New York bar in Greenwich Village. The last night this place is opened is New Year's Eve. I think I know where I'll be that night. Quite a sad way to end a Saturday night. Goodnight, everybody.

Review
Okay, I’m running late and I have an appointment for a haircut, so I don’t have time to write a regular review, but I do have to say that this was one of my best bar and cheeseburger experiences on the bar crawl. The cheeseburger was fantastic and I always say that the bartenders at a bar are the captains of the ship and can make or break the place and Nav and Shannon were two of the most fun and hospitable bartenders I’ve had the pleasure to meet. Thanks to both of them for a great night. And now you can check out the bar via this video: Amity Hall.

Amity Hall
80 W. 3rd St. (Near Thompson St.)
212-677-2290