Tales Of Brave Ulysses

The patriarch of the Swift Hibernian family is the financial district pub, Ulysses. Great establishment with the same level of attention to Imperial detail as you will find at Puck Fair and Swift. Always a proper pour. A little out of the way for those of us who don't (or no longer) work in the financial markets, but worth a trek on the weekend. Also, don't miss the Oysterfest in the fall.

7.5 out of 10 Pints

Pixelated Pints

Barcade, a gamers oasis tucked in a warehouse in Williamsburg, serves up a good pint. They primarily stick to the American version, but the overwhelming amount of beers they serve will bewilder even the most experienced Imperialist. The fact that the bar is lined with new and vintage arcade games is also a plus.

6.5 out of 10 Pints.

Cheers to the M.U.G

The kind writers at the Manhattan Users Guide have included yours truly in a recent update. Cheers to them and hopefully we can inaugurate smarter drinking in the coming year!

Sharpen Those Pencils

The Pencil Factory sits on a quiet Greenpoint corner. Sitting and pinting is a great pleasure there with the two large windows. This bar has the same owners as Harefield Road, so expect the same high quality local brews and friendly service. Also expect the smaller than usual "baby" pint glasses.
Maybe these smaller glasses are a sign of the times, but according to experts, the population drinks more during an economic downturn. All in all, if you don't mind the stubby beer, a good place to sit.

7 out of 10 Pints.

Imperial Cinema - Trainspotting

I thought i'd take a break on this, a lazy Saturday, and delve into the world of Imperial Cinema. As with other great parts of movies, car chases, fight scenes, love scenes, there are those films that have great bar scenes. In particular, great pint scenes. These movies don't necessarily show drunks tying one on, but more the mystique of the proper pub.
For this first installment, I give you Trainspotting, Danny Boyle's 1996 film about Scottish heroin junkies. Aside from all the fast-paced robberies and drug-induced horror, the film has some great pub scenes. Whether celebration or mourning, theses chaps take to the Imperial Pint.
Maybe a little dark for some, but then a good bar always is. Cheers!

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Happy New Year Imperialists! What better way to celebrate 2009 and get rid of that hangover than a little "hair of the dog that bit'cha"? A pint may be a good remedy, although there are other favorites...
A great Williamsburg pub is Mugs Ale House. Known by brew-afficionados for their extensive selection and simple atmosphere, it's a great place for a cold one. Another secret of this establishment is the above average pub grub. In the ever expanding world of $15 dollar burgers, Mugs pulls off a great one for under ten bucks. Add two pints of cask ale and you're set.

8 out of 10 Pints.