NYC's 7 Best Bars To Meet A Man In Uniform
Whether you're looking to meet a soldier visiting for Fleet Week, or one of New York's own finest or bravest, we've narrowed down the bars and pubs for you. By Jenn Friedel.
O'Lunney's Times Square Pub
145 West 45th Street
(212) 840-6688
olunneys.com
More: Fleet Week 2012 Event Guide
It's no wonder soldiers visiting New York City for the first time flock to the tourist haven that is Times Square - and it's also no surprise that you'll spot those men in uniform at O'Lunney's, a pub known for it's fun vibe and spirited atmosphere. If you spot a sailor, make sure you say thank you by offering to buy him a drink.
McSorley's Old Ale House
212-473-9148
15 E. 7th Street
New York, NY 10003
mcsorleysnewyork.com
More: NYC's 7 Best Irish Pubs
Since its establishment in 1854 by John McSorley, an Irish immigrant who wanted to create a manly refuge, McSorley's has had a hand in shaping New York history. From Broadway plays, poems, historic patrons and a successful bout during prohibition, the famed bar has gotten on tourists' radars, but there's still no better place for a Half and Half. Be prepared for nominal seating and narrow standing-room when sipping your "dark" or "light" beer (or soda); the only beverage options ever served in the bar. And ladies, since McSorley's only opened its doors to women in 1970 (don't worry, the bathroom has been updated), the sawdust-covered floors and boy's club atmosphere may not be great for stilettos, but this ale house is the perfect haunt for scoping out cops and firemen.
Social
212-459-0643
795 8th Avenue
New York, NY 10019
socialbarnyc.com
Its façade resembling a firehouse and undeniably fire engine red, it's somewhat obvious this Irish bar is owned by a fellow FDNY, especially since the place is swarming with battalions on St. Patty's day and weekends. The three-storied bar offers a full-schedule of events, including Monday Night Trivia, Tuesday Booze Day, DJ house parties Thursday through Saturday (no cover!), plus 20 flat screens to catch the games – and maybe snag a phone number or two. Daily happy hours also fill the bar and roof deck, so even if the officer of your dreams is nowhere to be found, perhaps an investment banker or ad executive will do.
Jake's Dilemma
212-580-0556
430 Amsterdam Ave.
New York, NY 10024
nycbestbar.com/jakes
This UWS staple is usually overflowing with off-duty policemen as there's a precinct right next door. With drink deals throughout the week, including Monday's $1 domestic drafts and $3 shots, and Wednesday's "$3 You Call It" on drafts, bottles, shots and mixed drinks, it's no wonder some of the city's finest swing by after their shifts. The foosball table and video games offer some great flirting opportunities, and the "Library" in the back of the bar, with its plush couches and sofas is a great spot to cozy up with your new superman.
Peter McManus Café
212-929-9691
152 7th Ave.
New York, NY10011
facebook.com/pages/New-York-NY/Peter-McManus-Cafe/319879212077
The surrounding neighborhoods are home to a handful of firehouses, so this old-time Irish pub is the go-to spot for some of the area's bravest any night of the week. Though the bar doesn't boast many frills or a large space, as one of the oldest family-owned bars in the city, the camaraderie is contagious – unless you're a Mets fan! Stickball tournaments spark some friendly cop vs. fireman rivalry, and entice SNL and Upright Citizen's Brigade regulars to come out and play. Believing in the tradition of buy-backs, be one of the guys and order a shot of Jameson or a few rounds of beers and win over the heart of a hero.
Plug Uglies
212-780-1944
257 3rd Ave.
New York, NY 10010
plugugliesnyc.com
Named for one of New York's old school Irish gangs, the dive bar is an on-target oxymoron, located in the traditionally swanky Gramercy Park. Badges adorn the walls, giving nod to the off-duty NYPD who come by on a daily basis alongside other neighborhood regulars. The staff is personable, and if the fair selection of brews doesn't cut it, they're happy to shake up a few specialty drinks upon request. Sneakers are the dress code here, so throw on your cutest jeans, order a pint and ask a new recruit if he'd mind showing you how to sink one at the bar's pool table. Definitely check out the early happy hours for those shift changes, 1 – 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with bar specials all day Sunday. They also have a $10 all you can drink on Saturday nights, 8 – 10 p.m.
Salty Dog
718-238-9260
7509 Third Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11209
http://www.saltydogbar.com/
One of Brooklyn's best bars nestled comfortably in Bay Ridge. The bar is great for football games and pretty quiet on weeknights. they fature a special beer cooling ssytem called The Kilkenny Irish Beer Chilling System, and it really does keep the suds frosty. The weekends can get crazy, they have cover bands & a ton of poeple flowing in from all over Brooklyn. Definitely worth checking out if you're going to go out of Manhattan.
