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Slob Oct 3, 2010 05:32 PM

Any great places for a cocktail and people watching?

Hi, folks. Coming in tomorrow for a very brief stay. Any great cocktail joints that serve excellent drinks and are good for people watching?

We have been to Death & Co. and the other specialty cocktail joints like that and PDT, etc.. That's not really the vibe we're looking for this time, as those places are a little quiet and too dark.

We're looking more for a spot that is more upbeat and vibrant where we can be nosey and make fun of all the hipsters and "fierce" chicks. Not a "night club" with pounding techno or any of that stuff. Just a great spot for cocktails and people watching that isn't too dark and quiet. Cool music like Bill Withers, Aretha, etc. would be a major bonus.

We don't really care what neighborhood the place is in because we're cool with zipping around anywhere in the city.

Thank you!
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›3 Replies . Latest Oct 5, 2010 by kathryn
  1. k
     kathryn Oct 5, 2010 11:14 AM

    The 2nd floor of Peels has a bar with good cocktails (they also do Freemans) and large windows, overlooking Bowery. So you can get a good view of the people walking up and down Bowery.
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    1. sgordon Oct 5, 2010 10:37 AM

      Mayahuel (the tequila-centric bar from the owners of D&C) is a bit brighter and more festive. And great cocktails.

      I'm also fond of the bar at WD-50. The mixologists there - Tona and Jafur - are making drinks as creative and interesting as anything at D&C, PDT, etc - and if you find yourself a little hungry you can always grab an appetizer or dessert or something. It's mostly diners passing through, but you get a bit of the LES nightlife crowd as well. It's probably my favorite place for just chilling with a cocktail and some conversation.

      Apotheke has some great drinks, but the crowd can be a little douche-y sometimes. Also, if it's crowded you might get stuck without a seat. It's kind of annoying that they don't have seats at the bar.

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      WD-50
      50 Clinton Street, New York, NY 10002

      Apotheke
      9 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013

      Mayahuel
      304 E 6th St, New York, NY 10003
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         orthorunner Oct 4, 2010 08:50 PM

        Ward III has an eclectic set of people which makes people watching more fun, and while it is an artisanal spot it is not dark like those you mentioned. I don't find the drinks to be as good but it's still among the better spots. I think they have good music, though I remember it was playing a bit too loud when I was there last.

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        Ward III
        111 Reade St, New York, NY 10013
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