Bar Brief: Northern Bell

A trendy whisky bar serving southern-inspired BBQ food. Want?

Bar Brief: Waterfront Ale House

Waterfront Ale House is a mainstay of the Kips Bay area, promising its patrons "Warm Beer, Lousy Food, Ugly Owner." We ventured inside to see if they made good on their tag line.

Bar Brief: The Gibson

The Gibson is a self-proclaimed "Whiskey Bar" in the heart of Brooklyn's hipsteriest neighborhood. Let's go to there.

Bar Brief: Beer Culture

A slice of kitschy Americana with a great beer selection... and also whisky.

Bar Brief: Huckleberry Bar

Huckleberry Bar is a cocktail bar located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  But how's the whiskey?

Bar Brief: The Dingle Whiskey Bar at Fraunces Tavern

The Dingle Whiskey Bar at Fraunces Tavern is a great place to sit by the fire with friends and take in some history while enjoying a dram. It is a stop on both the American Whiskey Trail and the New York Freedom Trail.

Bar Brief: The Rum House

With its historic play houses and constant pulsing energy of tourists and art-lovers alike, the NYC Theater District evokes all the charm of a bygone era.  And just as its theaters are renowned, so are its locations for libations.  The Rum House is one such institution.

Bar Brief: Bondurants

Unless you already live there, the Upper East Side of Manhattan is not what most NYC Residents would consider a "hang out spot." But for those intrepid whiskey drinkers willing to brave the extra subway stops, Bondurants more than makes up for the added commute time.

Bar Brief: Desmond's Steak House

No, this isn't a steakhouse owned by Desmond from "Lost." It does have a bar. Should you go to it?

Bar Brief: American Whiskey

The name of an American whiskey bar doesn't get more straightforward. But is it AMERICA enough? Is it WHISKEY enough? Read on. 

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. 

Bar Brief: two8two

Two8two is set up shotgun style, the front end housing a bar that flows into a seating area for diners. Don't let the positioning fool you - this is a burger joint first, bar second. (Third?) 

Bar Brief: Ward III

There's a certain way you expect a lower Manhattan whisky bar to look, feel, and cost. Ward III has all three. 

Bar Brief: Berg'n

We walked in to the Smiths playing off LP (the DJ is selling vinyl), Pee Wee's Playhouse streaming over a projector, and the smell of truffle oil floating in the air. If any of those things turn you off, this isn't the place for you. Also, large swaths of modern Brooklyn may not be for you.