Bar Brief: Keg 229

The South Street Seaport in Manhattan is known for tourists, traps for tourists, and cobblestones. It's not really the kind of place a NYC resident thinks to hang out in. Keg 229 was a welcome surprise. 

Don't trip on the cobblestones.

• Location: South Street Seaport, Manhattan
• Designation: bar bar
• Whisky selection >60, including Japanese whiskies, rare American brands, and a good collection of Scotch
• Very reasonable prices for Manhattan

This is winning the pour lottery.

Keg 229 is a traditional American-style bar in a lot of ways: there are cheap wings, pretzels, and a couple of TVs playing sports while music plays. Two things differentiate it: digital self-pour kegs at the back for beer drinkers, and a surprisingly extensive & diverse selection of whisky. Just look at it, that's all whisky.

Japanese whiskey and Scotch to the left.

Service was quick, friendly & knowledgeable. Pours were variable - but they varied from "just okay" to "that's a lot of whisky," so your only real complaint might be that your neighbor lucked out. Prices are a close match to what you might find in Brooklyn, which makes them a steal for Manhattan.

Keg 229 had us double-taking and checking the map to make sure we were in the right borough. Recommended if you can make it when the tourists aren't there (or, if you're a tourist, anytime).

Rating: recommend x3.

"I typically (as many NYC residents) LOATHE the Seaport, a wretched hive of scum and villany (and tourists) if you ask me. But this bar gives me hope. Mostly a hope that I can someday sample all the fantastic whiskies this place has to offer. Also the bartender, Diego, was cheerful and helpful, also not common of the area. The fact that they offered up High West Campfire, one of my favorite newer whiskies, definitely made the overall experience a highlight of the night. Will be coming back here to try the potentially dangerous self-serve beer taps and a few more of their whiskies."  - Evan

"This place was awesome.  Fiddy cent wings were a good value.  Not a sports bar at all but they did have TVs on showing 'the game.'"  - Greg

"We definitely hit the sweet spot with only a half dozen other patrons. A little scared of what it might look like with tourists."  - Quinn 

Website: http://www.bin220.com/keg-home.aspx

Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/keg-229-new-york
Get to there: 229 Front St New York, NY 10038