March 27th, 2010—Bar 76

Day 76—Friday, March 26th
Whiskey River
First off, thanks to my friend and co-worker Joey D. for generously donating ten dollars in good sweet cash to the 365 bar fund! Here's a picture I'm calling "Father and Son Reunion," because it's Joey with the ten bucks and a picture of his dad, Joe D. over his shoulder. Cool shades on Joey's dad!

Thanks for the dough, Joey, it's greatly appreciated, my friend!

Last Tuesday I had a great time at Common Ground and Vinny the bartender provided great service and was a great guy to chat with while downing some beers and shots. He told me he also tends bar at a place not too far from where I work called Whiskey River and he graciously invited me to stop by, so tonight that’s where we’re going. First, a video to get us in the right frame of mind.

Whiskey River take my mind!

Friday night and the joint is jumping!

Behave yourselves, because here's Julio the bouncer at the door!

A crowd of guys are gathered at the bar watching the game on one of the many big screen TV's.

There's a familiar face, Vinny the bartender and drummer. He's standing with Ned, who's been the manager of Whiskey River for the last couple years. Ned's a friendly and hospitable host and check out Vinny's bands here: Sam Hill and Bulletproof Lincolns.

Now we're talking! Check out the evening's beautiful and fun bartenders, Amelia and Mariya. Two of the best looking bartenders in the city and more fun than a barrelful of whiskey! And Mariya was voted hottest female bartender of 2009 by Shecky's. Check it out here: Hottest female bartender of 2009.

I told you these two were fun. I just got seated and shots are already being poured!

The shots are poured...

And the shots are drank. Cheers!

Mr. Bones attracts racks. Hmm...I gotta hang out with this guy!

Jacklyn and Emilee were enjoying the Friday night fun in Whiskey River.

This party in the front room were camped out on the large black leather banquette.

Mike, Lorna and Sarah were hanging out at a side table and cheered me on in my 365 bar crawl efforts.

Winter's officially over, but they're always ready for a blizzard at Whiskey River.

Amelia's on the outside of the bar and on the loose! Woo hoo!

A crowd is gathered around a lively beer pong game.

And in the back room, Brian, London and John were competing in a fun game of darts.

The pussy says it's time to say, "Goodnight everybody!"

Review

Christmas lights intersect with dear antlers, snow shoes and vintage beer signs giving Whiskey River an Animal House meets hunting lodge feel. The bar is actually three rooms with the action happening in the large middle room where people are happiily beer ponging, swigging shots, playing Buck Hunter, Golden Tee and Megatouch and watching sports on the big screen TV’s. The front room has a spacious leather banquette and table and chairs to relax and enjoy the 2nd Avenue view in a somewhat quieter atmosphere. The back room has a rec-room feel complete with a big screen TV, faux fireplace, darts and Nintendo Wii on a big screen. The bartenders are attractive, attitude-free and keep the fun rolling at the bar and will do the occasional shot with the happy patrons guzzling away in the wooden-walled, cabin/dive bar atmosphere.

There’s nightly drink specials at Whiskey River and happy hour happens every day from 3pm to 8pm. Drafts can be had for three to four bucks, mixed drinks are available for four dollars, and buckets of Natty and PBR can be had for 10 bucks a bucket. There’s a decent selection of draft and bottled beers including: Brooklyn Lager, Yeungling, Sierra Nevada and Hoegaarden on tap. Budweiser, Coney Island Lager, Blue Moon and Corona are just a few of the bottled beers available. And of course the place is called Whiskey River, so there’s a nice list of whiskies to be had including: Basil Hayden’s, Jameson Gold Reserve, Maker’s Mark and Woodford Reserve.

And if Willie decides to drop by and sing the bar’s signature tune, he’s in luck. You can smoke on the patio in the back!

Whiskey River
575 2nd Ave. (Between 31st & 32nd Sts.)
212-679-6799