Читать книгу New York City's Best Dive Bars - Ben Westhoff - Страница 12

2A

25 Avenue A (at East 2nd Street) Transit: F, M to 2nd Ave-Houston

(212) 505-2466

2A is about as fancy as a bar can be and still qualify for this book. Still, its relative swank gets a pass because, as far as I know, it’s the only place in Manhattan where a poorly-dressed Pabst drinker can enjoy second-floor views through floor to ceiling windows.

The ground level is nice too, and full of its own sharp architectural touches, like the wall of stacked glass cubes and the trap door behind the bar that leads down to the basement. But it’s upstairs where you’ll feel like you’re living the good life. Benches butt up to the windows, which look out over the intersection of 2nd Street and Avenue A. You can get drinks up there as well, and the bartender’s station has a beautifully-crafted wooden bar. Printed tin plates run along the bottoms of the walls, and much of the seating is comprised of plush, curved booths. These details will make you wonder how you’re managing to drink cheaply here.

The bouncer is of the introspective variety, looking up from his mobile device not to see your ID, but to ask how you’re doing tonight. He’ll then wave you through if he deems it appropriate, and wish you well. If you’re with someone you shouldn’t be, go ahead and seat yourself in the almost-pitch black back corner of the first floor. Preferably, however, go upstairs and take in the views. It’s kind of like one of those restaurants on the top floors of hotels, except for cheap guys who want to impress their dates.

Dive Bar Rating