Saturday, October 22nd, 2010—Bar 286

Day 286—Friday, October 22nd, 2010
Do Hwa (Originally headed for Sweet Revenge)
Okay, everybody in New York is all worked up over tonight’s Yankee playoff game against Texas. If they lose they’re out and if they win, the final game is tomorrow. I don’t want a repeat of last Friday night, so I need to find a bar that won’t be packed with people watching the game. I think maybe I found the place. While Googling around I found a place called Sweet Revenge that’s a bakery and sandwich shop and it’s also got a liquor license. I didn’t know if they had an actual bar in there and I just called and they do. I’m guessing it won’t be packed with Yankee fans. I mean, when’s the last time you saw people eating cupcakes at a Yankees game?

Here we are at Sweet Revenge. Shit, it looks kind of crowded in there.

The bar is jammed and there's no seats. Goddamn, time to improvise once again.

But this time there's no lonely walk, for right down the block is this place, Do Hwa. I bet there's a bar in here.

And baboom, here it is with a couple of choice seats front and center. We've arrived at bar number 286!

And Caroline the cute and super-friendly bartender serves up a pepper agave margarita.

Wow, it's really spicy, hence the goofy look on my face. Okay, the face is always goofy, but the drink is delicious!

The back of the lit up bar in magenta hues.

Some of the draft beers available at the bar.

There's a long wooden, candle-lit railing opposite the bar to enjoy food and drinks at.

Silent movies play continuously on the wall at the front end of the bar.

Here's the large dining area.

Back at the bar, Caroline pours me a German beer that's served in special ceramic mug.

The lovely duo of Betty and Tina were chilling out at the end of the bar.

Someone at the bar drew this picture earlier in the evening with the prophetic words: "The river around hell is made of fruity martinis."

Here's a long shot of the bar.

Here's Daniel, Trina and John who are regulars at the restaurant and bar. Trina suggested I check out a bar called Fred's on the Upper West Side, so that's a future stop for sure.

And a new tradition begins on the bar crawl. Caroline happily gives us a double fingered salute! Goodnight, everybody!

Review

Okay, today is my first day off in two weeks and I slept in really late. I have a bunch of stuff to do, so once again, I’m going to laze out on writing a review and use one from New York magazine. I do highly recommend this place though, really friendly bartenders and staff and the patrons are locals from the neighborhood and nice people. Okay, here’s what New York magazine has to say, and it’s one of their critics picks by the way.

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Jenny Kwak and her mother Myung Ja try to familiarize diners with their home-style Korean cooking with family-style dinners for four, as well as various combinations of dumplings, spicy pancakes, stews, sautés, and the barbecue dishes that provide all the drama. If you’re a do-it-yourself type, request a table with a built-in grill. — Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld

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Do Hwa
55 Carmine St. (Near Bedford St.)
212-414-1224

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Bonus Photo!

Al Rizo whom I've dubbed my co-pilot on the adventure due to the number of fine bar recommendations he's suggested sent in a picture of his bar in his home in Miami. I have to try to get there and have a drink or ten before this whole thing is over. I think a winter weekend in Miami sounds nice, stay tuned and thanks for the picture Al. Your bar looks like a dark slice of paradise! Cheers!