Sunday, June 13th, 2010—Bar 154

Day 154—Saturday, June 12th, 2010
Malachy's
Okay, it’s Saturday so that means it’s time for a cheeseburger at a bar. Al Rizo, one of the commentators here who resides in Miami suggested I try the cheeseburger at Malachy’s bar on the Upper West Side. Al’s last suggestion was the Dublin House where I had to sneak pictures because of a crabby bartender. Let’s hope today’s crawl is a little easier. There’s only one way to find out, let’s get crawling!

I was going to take the subway, but decided to splurge and hailed a cab. This guy was a good driver and really got me there fast, so it was a good decision.

I snapped this shot at a red light near Times Square. I think he wanted some money, I couldn't help him out, but since he had a damn fine lunch of a bucket of chicken, I didn't feel too guilty.

I got out of the cab at 72nd and Amsterdam to have an appetizer before we get to the bar.

The line's are always out the door, but it's worth the wait and soon you'll see what I'm talking about.

Getting closer!

This is what I'm talking about! A Gray's Papaya dog with extra mustard, a little slice of heaven in a bun.

On my way to Malachy's I look at a spot that used to house a family chicken joint where I used to always eat my Sunday dinner when I lived in the neighborhood. You could get a half a chicken, a drink and two sides for $4.95, which was great because I was on a tight budget when I first moved here. Now it's going to be a Trader Joe's. What a shame, I hate the Trader Joe's!

And here we are, Malachy's. I haven't been in here in over a dozen years, let's see if its changed at all.

Hasn't changed a bit and the local's don't seem to be camera shy in here.

I haven't even sat down and already captured a portrait of one of the locals, "Big Bry."

And here's the star of the show today, Dorian Yeager. Dorian's one of the best bartenders I've encountered on the crawl so far. She has great stories, is quick with a drink and a joke and she's also a writer. In addition to murder mystery novels, Dorian has written an hilarious anecdotal book called, " Life Is A B****...and then you get your period."

Copies are available at the bar and from Dorian's website: dorianyeagerland.com.

Dorian ran for President a few years ago and snagged 93 votes. Her campaign slogan was, "Dorian Yeager, You've Done Worse." Ha ha ha, how true!

Once the regulars saw my camera out, everyone wanted to pose with Dorian. Here she is with Dennis.

Megan was also working at the bar and here she is with Dorian.

Dorian's mom Ruth was at the end of the bar after attending a Met's game. I've met a lot of wonderful and pretty women on this bar crawl, but Ruth has to be at the top of the list. A friendly and wonderful woman and a pleasure to have met her.

Here's Ruth with Don, who was seated next to her at the bar.

Joe's a neighborhood regular who was enjoying a cold bottle of Budweiser.

Robert was drinking a Guinness, cheers, Robert!

There's some real nuts in this joint! (rimshot)

Here's Ali and her booze-loving dog, Jasper.

Dorian tried giving Jasper a treat, but Jasper had his eye's elsewhere.

Now that's a good doggie! Cheers, Japsper!

And now it's time for the grand event, the cheeseburger!

Dorian serves up the feast.

Goddman, Sam, it looks delicious, and you get all this for $4.75! Craziness!

Delicious!

Thanks to Dorian and everybody at Malachy's for such a wonderful evening! Goodnight everybody!

Review

You never know what you’re going to get on this bar crawl. Some nights are fun, some are challenging but some are almost magical. Tonight was one of the magical ones. Malachy’s is about as old school New York as you’re going to find. The bar is long and the space is narrow in the front with a few tables in the back. Black and white photos dot the walls and you’ll find a crowd here that is almost all local neighborhood regulars. I used to be part of this crowd when I lived in this neighborhood over a decade ago. I haven’t been back here since I moved downtown and wondered how I’d be treated bring my bar crawl act in here. Well, I wasn’t disappointed. If you’re lucky enough to be in here when bartender Dorian Yeager is working you’re in for a treat. Dorian is one of the best bartenders I’ve had the pleasure of meeting on this bar crawl so far. She’s funny, entertaining and has great stories about celebrities in the bar from Michael Anthony Hall to Woody Allen and Mia Farrow to Ray Davies of the Kinks and to Tim Conway, check out the photo below.
The regulars at the bar treated me like a long lost friend and Dorian’s lovely mother was holding down the end of the bar, enjoying some wine after watching the Mets win a game. Malachy’s has a full bar and a full menu. I didn’t look at the menu, as I had to try the $4.75 quarter pound burger and fries. It was one of the best burgers on the crawl and the price is crazy-cheap for what you get. As Doran said, “We should just give everyone two bucks and tell them to go down the street and get something and we’d be ahead.”

In a town where real estate is being gobbled up by Trader Joe’s and Chipotles “Mexican” restaurants, it’s nice to see a joint like Malachy’s on the block. Stop by and support a real New York watering hole. Thanks for the recommendation, Al, this was a great night!

Malachy's
103 W. 72nd St. (Near Columbus Ave.)
212-874-4268