Somebody...

The first time I strolled into this place with a friend of mine we both got the distinct impression it was a gay bar, which would have been fine...I guess. I thought they may have filled the void left by Dick's, the rather unsavory looking place cat-a-corner that is now closed. The L.A. barman, who has been sober 3 years, was wearing a kelt with no undershirt and some other tell tale signs that fit the shit. After a conversation with our friend behind the bar he told us he chooses to wear the get-up as opposed to the boring dress code, which is also fine. Furthermore, we found the owner wins the Tony every year for costume design on Broadway and offered to make it for him free of charge. The original sentiment was put to rest.

This time around was my second time there and I was somewhat excited to perhaps greenlight it as an offical stomping grounds after a second rigorous (getting drunk) litmus test the place would have to endure. The story behind the bar was mildly entertaining, I was surprised to find. Involving Andrew Carnegie, wildcatting and the west. It has been challenge to find a foil to the usual drab/hokey nature of those things. After sometime our party ballooned to 10+ and I slunk out with a more intimate group of friends, but, the bill here was one of the great treats of the night. 3 mixed drinks, 3 beers, 1 glass of wine and 4 shots of Vodka came to $65 total. Averaging at about 6 bucks a drink. The decor has jumped on the whole Bourgeious Pig, Clover Club type atmosphere, but with the story to back it I enjoyed the setting as much as the price. In addition to a somewhat rave review the food looked pretty damn tasty and one of the few things I would recommend without actually trying.Good for mid-day beer or late night drinks. I can see myself coming here many more times.

Crowd: Typical. Not too scene-e.
Drinks: Extensive whiskey selection, priced moderately, more than 2 beers/wines gets you a gold coin good for one of either.

Shoolbreds
197 2nd Avenue (12th Street)
NYC, 10003
12PM-?