My friends don’t really go to bars. The older ones hit bed early and the young ones like trendy nightspots, leaving me to wonder whether there are any bars for drinkers in this city. Luckily I’ve found a few that haven’t been ruined by slummers or hipsters, mostly because their remote locations protect them from popularity.
Case in point the 169 Bar at 169 East Broadway in Chinatown.
The 80 year-old dive hearkens back to the days of cheap drinks and dark corners with $2 PBRs and the torn covers of the booths. The faux-tiger skin pool table is a plus along with the owner’s taste of music; punk, funk, and nothing you would hear on KROC. What else would you expect from a retired punk drummer?
The bar exist for the pleasure of the neighborhood drinkers and those wandering drinkers in need of refreshment.
They even offer free sunflower seeds.
I drink there during happy hour.
Maybe me and three other drinkers.
No need for conversation.
Simply enjoy the music and muse over your thoughts whilst imbibing in a beverage.
They have bands.
I’ve never stayed late enough to see one.
Capacity 79 people. All of them drinkers.
The 169 Bar, Tel: 212-473-8866
169 East Broadway, NYC, NY 10002-5543
Cross Streets: Rutgers St and East Broadway (Essex & Canal street is close enough)