Best pubs in Manhattan (no TVs)?

[PhillyStyle]

My wife and I are looking forward to a kid-free long weekend in Manhattan, and we're hoping that you can help us find the best places to get a festive afternoon drink. We need bars that make a good cocktail, have a reasonable (doesn't have to be huge) selection of fresh U.S. microbrews on tap, and are TV-free. We're staying in Gramercy, but are willing to travel for a memorable, relaxing bar. We'll be trying to avoid anything too trendy or exorbitant. Any suggestions?

[shaogo]

Gramercy Tavern is cool and upscale.

Some on this board will be tempted to shoot me but I don't know that I recall the television being obtrusive at Pete's Tavern on Irving Place. It's a great bar with great bartenders -- just avoid the food.

-----
Gramercy Tavern
42 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003

Pete's Tavern
129 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003

[princeofpork]

The burger is decent

[travpard]

i used to like pete's since it is a cool "old" bar. but they raised the prices and they last time i was there the bartender was a jerk.

[roze]

Okay it's not a pub but the Tavern rooom at Gramercy tavern is my go to place for a festive afternoon drink. No TV, awesome cocktails, great beers and in your area. It is a bar in a restaurant and a little upscale but so comfortable.

For a great pub I love Shoolbreads. They have a roaring fireplace in the back and great beers on tap. I have never gotten a cocktail there so I can't comment on that but it's a nice relaxing place. And they have two for one beers till 8:00 every day.
Also near your area.

[Casey Jones]

The Swift Hibernian Lounge on East 4th Street would be a good choice, especially on a quiet afternoon. Beautiful pub, good microbrews, great bartenders, no TV.

[hazelhurst]

Man, I sure hope you get a good answer on this---I long for a TV-free place. even with the sound "off" there is always simian baying when someone sinks a basket. Even the Oak Bar put in a goddamn TV (or it had one on my last visit)

[PhillyStyle]

Wow--I was hoping that the "no TV" option wouldn't be so hard! There are a handful in Philadelphia--we have an Irish guy who has several popular bars, all TV-free. OK, I'll ease up on the TV thing, but I think you understand what we mean. A place where people talk to each other, rather than to the TV... Thanks for the answers so far!

[Sugar]

Check out Rye House. They actually do have a TV but it was off on a recent Thursday night. Good selection of microbrews on tap and bottle. I'm trying to think of something like a Standard Tap or something of that ilk that's in Manhattan and coming up short.

Gingerman, as noted above, is known for it's beer selection, not sure how festive it is.

[iFat]

Seconded on Rye House, that place is great. That and The Summit on Ave. C are my two current alcohol crushes. Both new, nice places, no tv's, sophisticated enough without being too cool with excellent drinks.

www.immaculateinfatuation.com

[PhillyStyle]

Rye House sounds good--we're having dinner at Aldea, so that's pretty convenient for before or after...
I've heard good things about the Blind Tiger--is that a place that might fit our criteria?
Thanks for Swift, the Summit, the Tavern Room, Ginger Man, and Shoolbreads, too. I'm plotting them all on Google maps for a potential pub crawl!

[Bob Martinez]

Ginger Man has a reputation for attracting a frat boy crowd at times. I suspect if you time it right you can avoid this but you'll need to do some research.

[travpard]

blind tiger has tv's but is a nice beer bar to check out.

[MVNYC]

Blind Tiger is the best beer bar in the city. It too can get crowded but should be good for an afternoon beer as their selection can't be beat. The one TV they have is small and located in a corner so shouldn't be a bother. the only problem is they just serve beer and wine, no cocktails

[bronwen]

I'm with you on the TV thing - I absolutely hate them especially when they've got a football game on and it's blaring. McSorley's doesn't have any TV's (I don't think) and coming from Philly you'll love the atmosphere.

[KTinNYC]

McSorley's doesn't have good cocktails, a reasonable number of microbrews on tap, or a festive atmosphere.

[princeofpork]

McSorleys meets none of the criteria the OP asked for except no TVs.

[roze]

They actually do have a tv even.

[travpard]

The Crooked Knife is a traditional pub without tvs. I think its 30th between Park & Mad. Not sure how extensive their beer selection is though.

[MVNYC]

Try the Ginger Man on 36th Street. I usually do not go here because it gets crowded on weeknights but it is pretty low key in the afternoon. It should be quiet and the beer selection is good. I know they have good liquor which I have ordered but am not sure about cocktails.

http://www.gingerman-ny.com/

[princeofpork]

Usually a selection of Micro Brews and TV go together as does a "festive" atmosphere.

[chow_gal]

The Breslin.

[Bob Martinez]

There are many places that turn off the volume on their TVs. It makes a big difference. Other places have no TVs but a thunderous sound system. You'd be better off looking for a quiet bar.

[princeofpork]

No TVs rules out a huge amount of options. How firm are you on this requirement.