NYC CBR of the Week

Thanks to Dave Power for this weeks Bar suggestion!

Coffee Shop: Upright Brew House

Atmosehere: Feels homey and East Coast but new. Dark wood, jewel tones, high end couch-booths and lovely exposed brick.

Offerings: Bathroom, seating, bar food, wine and beer (this is a brewery at night), coffee, wifi.

Perks: Charming, friendly staff, sit and stay. Low key drinks for nighttime.

Downsides: Closes at 11. Expensive.

Favorite: Decor. Super cute- feels distinctly like you're in New York at a nice place, without being pretentious.

Pricing (Penny Saver, Average Joe, New York City Slicker, Indulger, Money Flinger): New York City Slicker- you're looking at upwards of $3 for a cup of coffee.

Bar: Kumas (Koodo Sushi)

Atmosehere: Underground, divy meets financial district.

Offerings: Bathroom, seating, food, full bar, goldfish and peanut snacks.

Perks: Kuma (the bartender) allows you to play your own music, always lively, free goldfish, incredibly boozy and inexpensive drinks, greasy food, Kuma!

Downsides: Can be really hot, not open on weekends, greasy food.

Favorite: The obscene amounts of alcohol in a my tie (yes, my tie).

Pricing (Penny Saver, Average Joe, New York City Slicker, Indulger, Money Flinger): Penny Saver- you'll get a drink that is at least half booze when you order, and pay about $5-$6 for it.

Restaraunt: Burrito Loco

Atmosehere: Mexican (American Mexican) Decor. Lots of tile and colorful paintings. Not shabby, not over the top.

Offerings: Bathroom, food, full bar, fresh made guacamole, free chips.

Perks: Friendly staff, full menu, large space (no wait), great for parties, fantastic margaritas with lots of flavors (guava to mango to strawberry), reasonably priced pitchers.

Downsides: Can get loud.

Favorite: The margaritas- the perfect blend of tequila, tart citrus, and fruit. Not too sweet and they use fresh fruit.

Pricing (Penny Saver, Average Joe, New York City Slicker, Indulger, Money Flinger): New York City Slicker- these prices are average. You're looking at $15-$25 entrees. 

NYC Coffee Shop, Bar, and Restaurant (CBR) of the Week

Coffee Shop: CaféPanino Mucho Gusto

Atmosehere: Worn, cozy, and adorable. Has an international feel, a communal table, and it always smells fantastic. Music ranges from Arabic to classical to nothing.

Offerings: Bathroom, seating, lunch food, wine and beer, coffee, pastries, wifi.

Perks: Charming, friendly staff, sit and stay.

Downsides: Sometimes really hot, average prices (a la NYC), wifi signal weak.

Favorite: Atmosphere- cozy, the baristas pour my coffee before I’ve ordered, and I can sit for as long as I like.

Pricing (Penny Saver, Average Joe, New York City Slicker, Indulger, Money Flinger): New York City Slicker- these prices are pretty average- you’re looking at about $3 for a large coffee and $5 plus tax for a mocha or fancy drink.

Bar: Boots andSaddles

Atmosphere: Grimy, entertainment oriented, gay.

Offerings: Bathroom, full bar, karaoke (Wednesday and Sunday), drag show (nightly), friendship (always), some food.

Perks: Amazing staff, amazing clientele. Open to everyone, entertainment, cheap drinks.

Downsides: Can be loud, sometimes crude.

Favorite: The PEOPLE.

Pricing (Penny Saver, Average Joe, New York City Slicker, Indulger, Money Flinger): Penny Saver- cocktails cost about $6, happy hour until 10 with $5 drinks. $1 shots.

Restaurant: Meme Mediterranean

Atmosphere: Intimate, charming, great window seat. Small bar.

Available: Bathroom, full bar, great wine, great food.

Perks: Friendly staff, great wine, fantastic food. Not one thing on the menu is bad. The hummus, scallops, and mezze are all outrageous.

Downsides: Not very large, but they are usually accommodating. On the pricey side.

Favorite: Hummus. Gooey with a glob of tahini in the middle, four delicious falafel balls, and warm pita.

Pricing (Penny Saver, Average Joe, New York City Slicker, Indulger, Money Flinger): New York City Slicker/Indulger- these prices are pretty NYC standard, but the quality is not normal, it’s above par. Count on an entrée costing $15-$30, a glass of wine $9-12, and mezze $8-16.