Should we expect lines at Bourgeois Pig at 6pm on a Saturday?

[cherrypicker1972]

I'm hoping we won't be faced with long line-ups. We're going to be there on July 23rd and I'm thinking that because it has more a fall/winter vibe (fondues, cozy red velvet etc), we'll get in no problem.

If line ups are a distinct possibility, are there any other places in the area that we could consider? Not too swank. But good grub and drinks.

Thanks!

-----
Bourgeois Pig
111 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009

[sugartoof]

I wouldn't expect lines. You can walk in there on most nights. Sometimes they'll stick you in the corner alcove when it's busy, which isn't always ideal.

In general, New York bars are empty around 6pm, with the rare weekend day when it appears the whole city simultaneously decides to spend the afternoon day drinking.

I wonder if the happy hour runs on Saturdays with the half price bottles?

[kathryn]

If you're seeking cocktails and food, you're basically in the best neighborhood to do so (north of Houston, south of 14th, east of 3rd Ave).

The following bars have respected cocktail programs, as well as food available:
PDT -- if you get there right at 6pm, there won't be a wait, but there will be later, cocktails + hot dogs + tater tots etc.
Death & Company -- if you get there right at 6pm, there won't be a wait, but there will be later -- cocktails and small plates
Mayahuel -- tequila/mezcal focused, bigger than the other two, usually no wait too, cocktails and Mexican food

Those would be my top three picks, all of them having won various "Best Cocktail Menu" and "Best New Bar" and "Best Bar in the World" awards at Tales of the Cocktail.

You could also check out Amor y Amargo (bitters focused bar, they make their own vermouth, great if you like negronis, etc.), Cienfuegos (all rum punches), and El Cobre (rum drinks but broader than Cienfuegos). These are all related to D&C and Mayahuel.

And these restaurants all have respected cocktail programs as well:

Momofuku Ssam Bar [PDT bartenders]
Vandaag [Clover Club/Mayahuel relation]
The Beagle [Clyde Common, Portland connection]
Yerba Buena [head barman is ex-Pegu Club]
Peels [people from Freemans run the place]

-----
Momofuku Ssam Bar
207 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

Please Don't Tell
113 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009

Death & Co.
433 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009

Yerba Buena
23 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009

Mayahuel
304 E 6th St, New York, NY 10003

Cienfuegos
95 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009

Vandaag
103 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

Peels
325 Bowery, New York, NY 10003

El Cobre
95 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009

Amor y Amargo
443 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009

The Beagle
162 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009

[cherrypicker1972]

Kathyn,

Thanks so much. You are the bomb. I tlike the idea of the Mexican/cuban options. Much more summer-y than The Bourgeois Pig.

I'll report back.

-----
Bourgeois Pig
111 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009

[RGR]

Yes, she is that!! An indispensible resource on this board! :)

This is the first I've heard of the Bourgeois Pig. I'd say it's because I don't drink, but I have heard of many of the places she mentions in her post (though the only one I've been to is Ssam Bar). So, maybe the B. Pig is new?

http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com

[kathryn]

It's been around for a while but IIRC moved from a small space on 7th to a larger one on 6th. It's owned by the same guy who owns Death & Co, etc actually. I think it's fine, but not as special as the others. It's also more of a wine place.