Pintimperial - The Atlas of Imperial Pints

Hiatus

2010-03-12T20:49:00.002-05:00

On a hiatus for a while to do some "monkeying" around. See you soon.

The Dokter Is In

2009-11-07T15:59:00.008-05:00

Recently, whilst in lovely Amsterdam, I was able to cap off an evening by enjoying a pint at the amazing Cafe De Dokter. With enough ephemera and bric-a-brac on the walls to make McSorley's look like a sports bar, the cafe made for a truly special evening. The bar, coated in brass, was lined with the plaques of former dutch doctors who once lined the seats. An older gentleman, perhaps one of the members of the Beems family who owns the establishment, poured solid pints of Amsterdam's finest lager - Grolsch. Highly recommended for the true Imperialist if you are in town.

9 out of 10 Pints.

Pints From The Old Country Pt. 1

2009-09-26T13:41:00.013-04:00

I was fortunate enough to be sent to London and Amsterdam for business recently. I consider both cities to be paramount for Imperial Pints. Therefore, whenever I had a little downtime from work, I would stop with my companions to enjoy a proper pour.

London, the motherland of the Pub, takes the cake as far as Imperial Pints are concerned (with Amsterdam and Munich a close second and third). Drinking is taken seriously here, with every customer guaranteed his or her due. Not only is the amount of libation guaranteed, but the temperature of this Pint is also something that is provided for.

Wouldn't that be a great thing here in NY! How many bars have you ordered in, only to receive a flat, lukewarm Pint in return for $6?

Staying in Camden town, the first Pub I was able to hit was The World's End. Catering to the working man watching the football match in the front

and then the emo kid shopping at Camden market for black metal tees, TWE is an institution.

Next stop in more of the center of London, a small pub for a Pint and a bite called The Woodstock. Nice and cosy. Much like the other pubs that cluster around the busier parts of the city.
The next day, I was able to hit a nice spot called The Cambridge, on Charing Cross Road. What I love about British Pubs, is the fact that even in the smallest and plainest of pubs, you have such attention to detail in terms of what is offered. Lager, Bitter, Stout on tap. Up to five varieties of Cask Ale. And my personal favorite, a huge selection of different ciders. This may be to catch the tourist crowd visiting London, but I could think of worse things.

But sometimes you just want a Carlsberg and a bag of crisps.

Next up, a quiet spot in Amsterdam.

Imperial Village

2009-09-05T17:14:00.004-04:00

For an after work Pint session, especially one on the cheap, I found myself recently at the Village Tavern.

A decent West Village sports bar, I felt it's 20oz Imperial Pints and happy hour gave it an advantage. Staff was super friendly, which was an added plus in this neighborhood. $4 Imperial Pints of Yuengling during happy hour can't be turned down.

6 out of 10 Pints.

Peeking Behind The Iron Curtain

2009-08-30T20:54:00.004-04:00

After being turned away on an afternoon from Toby's Public House (because of family - read stroller - in tow, boo...), I ventured to the former site of Eurotrip, now called Korzo in South Park Slope. An eastern European-themed bar deep off of 6th avenue in Brooklyn, the beer is old world right and the food is extremely proper.

Being one who sought the Imperial Pint in such far off places such as Germany, Hungary, and Budapest, I can attest to the fact that Korzo does both the beer and the food properly. Food is an interesting array of Hungarian sausage-type dishes and an interesting list of a traditional fried-bread treat. Beers on tap are a great, tight list of light, dark, weiss, and lager by the pint (16 oz), litre (afternoon-ruining), and pitcher. A tasty event, to say the least. Well recommended for the trek.

7 out of 10 Pints.b

Top O' Lager

2009-08-25T10:43:00.005-04:00

Sometimes, during the hot summer, one needs something even more refreshing than a frosty pint. How is this accomplished, you ask? Well in the old country, the practice of cutting the bitterness of beer with lemonade, ginger beer, or pop is called a Shandy or Lager Top. Sometimes this is also done with Cider or Guinness. It can be a delicious alternative to a Pint on a hot day. One should be cautioned with the Turbo-Shandy, as it can be deceivingly strong!

Shame on the pub that doesn't know how to make one proper!

Sunday Guinness

2009-08-09T15:15:00.003-04:00

Perfect for a relaxing Sunday. Officially good for you!

At The Gates...

2009-08-04T09:48:00.005-04:00

It's been awhile since I've been able to venture out into the wilderness of Park Slope and enjoy a pint since the new addition. This weekend, me and the fam were able to saunter down to a nice pub known as The Gate.
Semi-dark inside, with the afternoon sun shining through the windows. It reminds one of a summer's day in the English countryside.
There is a nice outdoor area where one can watch the world go by. They have an extensive selection of beer on tap. Microbrews and such. Pints are served Imperial style, although a bit smaller than the traditional. Good for Afternoon enjoyment.
7 out of 10 Pints.

Imperial Cinema - Hot Fuzz

2009-08-02T14:40:00.005-04:00

The Pint Imperial is a huge Simon Pegg / Nick Frost fan. From Spaced, through Shaun of the Dead, and then, finally, to Hot Fuzz, they can do no wrong. As British comedy, all of their projects include some great Pub scenes complete with Imperial Pints. Hot Fuzz, the latest of the pair's outings, has a couple of great Pint scenes in a small English town in which the film takes place.

Pints on the Go?

2009-07-11T16:24:00.007-04:00

Sometimes one thirsts for a pint, but the bar is just not an option. Six dollars you say? Just for a proper pour? It's good to know that you can get proper ales, lagers, ciders, and stouts with f resh from the tap taste here in the states. Some of my favorite varieties as of late have been:

•Tetley's English Ale

• Boddington's Pub Ale

• Old Speckled Hen

• Strongbow Dry Cider

The Pop-Up Flea

2009-06-25T19:59:00.002-04:00

Friends, this weekend there will be a veritable "worlds fair" for the thinking man's style market. I would like to call your attention to the Pop-up Flea. This event, curated by the esteemed Michael Williams and Randy Goldberg, promises to be a winner. Booze, haircuts, custom clothes... Sounds like progress to me. Hours are this Friday from 4pm till 8pm and the rest of the weekend from 11am till 7pm. See you there, Pint in hand!

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

2009-06-07T17:46:00.007-04:00

It's always interesting to step into a landmark. For Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn, the landmark is Farrell's Bar and Grill. Open since 1933, this neighborhood treasure is filled with cops and firemen, locals and yuppies. Beer is served in sizes: small, medium, and large. The large has been christened, the "Container." Basically a 32oz styrofoam cup that functions as a to-go container for those with thirst on the move.

Much has been said about Farrell's over the years with respect to the neighborhood and gentrification. This imperialist won't go into detail on that, but let's just say on a Saturday night with the Mrs., we were welcomed by some cranky patrons and made to feel at home. One would love to find an Imperial Pint here, but that would probably be deemed, "unAmerican"...

6 out of 10 Pints.

A Welcome Chip on the Shoulder

2009-06-06T15:02:00.005-04:00

Chipshop, an ex-pat oasis for our cousins from across the sea, is one establishment that understands the philosophy behind the meaning of a true pint, an Imperial Pint. Extensive, better than average British fare on the menu makes this a real destination. A decent selection of proper ales and lagers served in proper glasses makes it worth staying.
The Mrs. and I went on an early excursion to the Slope before moving here and had a great experience. Stellar fish and chips combined with a couple of Speckled Hen's made for a pleasant evening. Adding to this was the atmosphere. The walls are covered in British ephemera of all sorts and the clientele ranges from Park Slope families to wayward Brits just off of work and looking for a taste of home, to younger hipster punks wanting a pint and a deep fried mars bar. Can't wait to go back.

8 out of 10 Pints.

Longing for a Solid Pint

2009-05-29T23:45:00.004-04:00

Say what you will about Nevada Smith's, they pour a real pint. They may serve a college / banker crowd most days, but the vibe is strictly about football and the pints are strictly Imperial. Service is great, they purvey British Crisps, just don't get caught up during game time or after finals.

6 out of 10 Pints

At The Table

2009-05-24T22:11:00.005-04:00

So, now having moved to the nesting grounds of Park Slope, it is time to give an update on some of the Imperialist Haunts in this neck of the woods. First up is Beer Table. A haven in the neighborhood for craft brews of all sorts. Reminiscent of Williamsburg's Spuyten Duyvil, Beer table boasts one of the most extensive menu's in the neighborhood.

Seasonal drafts are served in proper Imperial Pint glasses (thank god), a welcome respite from the trend that has seemed to overcome it's northern neighbors. Food is solid all around. Small plates, both dinner and dessert fare. A little on the pricey side, but worth it for some serious drinking. Images courtesy google and beerlord.com.

7 out of 10 Pints.

Imperial Cinema - Withnail and I

2009-04-19T18:23:00.000-04:00

A classic piece of Imperial Cinema, I present Withnail & I. Classic because it deals with two out-of-work London actors who are also drunks. They hit the pub for "Two large gins, two pints of cider, ice in the cider". Always with a cheeky grin. A genius film written and directed by Bruce Robinson.

Just Thought I'd Share...

2009-03-19T11:49:00.003-04:00

Many ways to enjoy a Black and Tan Imperial Pint on St. Patty's day with the family.

Slainte'!

2009-03-17T14:25:00.003-04:00

To all Imperialists, as we celebrate the day when St. Patrick (who was Welsh), cast the snakes from Ireland and brought God to the pagans, let us not forget the glass thru which we celebrate!

Some Sleight of Hand

2009-03-15T23:08:00.002-04:00

We've spoken of the corner of Essex and Rivington before. Another great place to pint down, situated on this corner, is The Magician. Although not Imperial, it is still a solid pub that deserves it's due. According to Citysearch, it's named for an Ingmar Bergman film.

Decent jukebox, American 18oz pints, and a healthy selection of beers, all put The Magician on the map. At the very least, they don't stoop to baby pints.

6 out of 10 Pints.

Characteristic Markings

2009-03-01T20:29:00.009-05:00

On a recent weekend afternoon trip through a couple of pubs, I've noticed that an Imperialist can put their mind at ease when they find the proper markings on their glass. Some bars have glasses that are the characteristic shape of the Imperial pint, but the volume of the glass is significantly smaller. This is a shame. We've talked about it before. Maybe it's the economy. Maybe it's capitalism. It really doesn't matter in the end, because, sadly, it doesn't work out in the drinkers favor.

The certfied Pint Glass is usually stamped with the Crown and the word "Pint" and / or CE on it (ensuring it has been checked by authorities). These can be also followed by a number (as seen in the glass at right). Each city in England has a specific number. This is the UK law for the marking of a full pint. Further to this, it is illegal under UK law to serve less than a pint (counting the head of the beer is a sneaky way of doing so), and if you do, customers must be told as such. Believe me, they are serious about it. These laws currently do not exist in the US. I feel that US (at least in the east) customers are being taken advantage of (hence this blog). It is unfortunate, because even before the event of baby pints, the US pint is 0.8327 of a UK pint. The standard of glass, which should be marked, is the Nonic pint glass. I have spoke of this earlier. Sadly, this shape has been co-opted and shrunk down to give the feel of an actual pint, but essentially, giving the odds to the house.

The actual origins are a bit less sinister than your narrator would let on. The American pint glass actually started out as a mixing glass for cocktails and other spirits, but eventually ended up as the defacto beer glass (Thanks to a post by Serious Eats for the info!).

During the renaissance, innkeepers / bartenders were called Publicans. Any similarities to Republicans? A sad attempt at humor.

Moral of the post - look for the markings. They will ensure you are getting your due.

Life Behind The Lens

2009-02-19T17:54:00.005-05:00

His Majesty is not normally in the habit of throwing out endorsements, unless they are of a brewed nature, but here is one that strangely fits into that category. The Great Books Have Been Written is the photo blog of a fellow Imperialist, Danny Weiss (as in... Weiss Bier). A fine photographer from the school of William Eggleston, he's been shooting the New York streets for years. He managed to capture some familiar Imperialists in their pursuit of the revelry and merriment one evening. The joy of this moment is now forever on film.

A Taste of Old New York

2009-02-15T12:37:00.001-05:00

Stuck in the Flatiron district, looking for a pint, can be a dire situation for some. Fear not, however, there is an Oasis. Old Town Bar is a drinking landmark. Thru and thru this is a turn of the century place. Both beers and food are on the level. Just walking inside you know you've arrived someplace special.

I went in one summer afternoon with a friend some years ago. I ordered a beer and the friend ordered a glass of wine and then excused himself to the bathrooms. The bartender brought over our drinks and asked me, "what's wrong with your friend?", as he placed down the glass of wine. Old Town, indeed.

7 out of 10 Pints.

Imperial Cinema - The Prestige

2009-02-06T16:07:00.005-05:00

An addition to the annals of Imperial Cinema that might have squeaked by, if I hadn't rewatched it during a bout of unemployment, is 2006's The Prestige. Directed by Christopher Nolan of Batman fame and based on a book by Christopher Priest, The Prestige is the story of two feuding magicians at the turn of the century.

Great movie overall, the kind that creeps up on you after a couple of viewings. There are a few great scenes where Hugh Jackman indulges in the imperial pint in a wonderful looking establishment. Also factoring into this story is a drunken actor, who cannot refuse a "very welcome pint of ale".

The Daughter of a Pagan and a Catholic

2009-02-01T12:36:00.000-05:00

A true imperial destination in the East Village is St. Dymphna's pub. A good pour and good food, the only issue being that it gets a little bit crowded at times. Being that St. Dymphna is the patron saint of mental and nervous disorders, maybe its fitting that a nice pint would calm one down in her namesake bar.

8.5 out of 10 Pints.

Tales Of Brave Ulysses

2009-01-17T11:26:00.000-05:00

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

2009-01-15T11:40:00.001-05:00

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

2009-01-15T10:57:00.004-05:00

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

2009-01-04T17:09:00.007-05:00

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

2009-01-03T14:55:00.008-05:00

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

2009-01-01T17:30:00.003-05:00

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.

Query - Molly's Shebeen

2008-12-23T13:51:00.003-05:00

A question for the readers. Who has been to Molly's Shebeen? Curious to know if they have a proper pour.

Happy Holidays

2008-12-23T13:36:00.003-05:00

Happy Holidays to all Imperialists near and far. For a holiday themed pint, I offer up The Ginger Man. The beer choices are staggering, but most importantly they serve 'em up Imperial style (should the flavor dictate). The area is unfortunate, a veritable no-man's land, but this seems to be the fertile ground for the modern Irish bar. This establishment can get crowded after work, but a Sunday afternoon should be festive.
7 out of 10 Pints.

A Ward Of The State

2008-12-12T10:44:00.006-05:00

The Whiskey Ward, which sits unobtrusively on the corner of Essex and Rivington streets, is a nice choice for a respite amongst the heavily designed and heavily un-designed establishments lining this intersection. They stick to the American pint glass I believe, but the Ward has all the trappings that would warm the heart of the staunchest Imperialist. We won't hold it against them. The random bowls of shell-on peanuts and the dark interior make it a welcome place to inspect the pour.

6 out of 10 Pints.

Climbing Up the HIll For a Pint

2008-12-10T10:20:00.005-05:00

Spike Hill, the bar on Bedford Ave., is one of the first sights as you exit the L train. It's large open windows (weather permitting), beckon many an imbiber. The bar stays dark, even in the daytime, which to an Imperialist is a good thing. Plenty on tap, and usually a decent pour.Unfortunately this bar is touch and go. The following has befallen your humble narrator at this establishment:
• Order of food taking 30 minutes and then told the order was forgotten.
• Drunken day laborers smashing glasses.
• Guinness poured 3/4 in a glass.
• Bartender skipping a Roxy Music song on the iPod for a song by a Nu-metal band.

Not to say that a solid pint cannot be had here. Just know what you're getting into.

6.5 out of 10 Pints.

Stay in Good Health

2008-12-10T10:16:00.006-05:00

Slainte´ is a Bowery mainstay that has, for some, heralded the beginnings of gentrification. Whatever your pop-cultural disposition, this place has a decent pour. The name is Gaelic for "good health", but the multiple taps with all the mainstays will probably mean otherwise. They also have a mean curry sauce for the fries (possibly the only real accompaniment to an Imperial Pint). Gets a little loud what with all the frat screen TVs after work.

6 out of 10 Pints.

Rooming House

2008-12-05T16:12:00.005-05:00

Another Room, the third child in the "Room" empire here in NY, is what I like to call an anti-imperial establishment. Incredible selection of beers awaits patrons of this bar, but never to be served in a 20oz glass. Never. They might have regular pint glasses, but I've only been served in Baby Pints. Not that good times can't be had here, mind you. Staff is pleasant and decor is somehow satisfying. Outdoor seating is always a plus, seeing as it is overlooking one of the last mini-parks in the downtown area. But for the purists, the Imperialists, Another Room is not up to snuff.

5 out of 10 Pints.

Wash & Fold

2008-12-05T15:08:00.005-05:00

Drop Off Service. I don't like doing laundry, the whites, whilst inebriated. This establishment had an Imperial glass last time I was there. Large windows let in the afternoon sun, a must while enjoying a liquid lunch. Good placement if the 11th st. bar is filled with Johnnies from an after work e-vent. 2 blocks and you're there.

6 out of 10 Pints.

Lend Me An Ear

2008-12-04T16:00:00.004-05:00

The Ear Inn is a classic New York Pub. Steeped in history, and history is becoming paramount in this blog, it lives alone amongst the west side of manhattan's pubdom.
Almost literally like walking into a frigate waiting to depart, the Ear harkens back to an earlier age when shipowners rubbed elbows with sailors and their ladies-of-the-night.
Fine Imperial selection, good food at sharp prices, dodgy bathroom. Upon my next visit, interior pics will be provided henceforth.

A bit of a hike, we know, but worth it for generally civilized atmosphere.

7 out of 10 Pints

Follow the Harefield Road...

2008-12-04T15:27:00.000-05:00

This establishment poses a particular quandry. Harefield Road is my chosen neighborhood watering hole. HF has many hallmarks that read like a checklist of what it takes to remain a quality establishment.

Rustic, rough hewn decor.
Extremely wide selection of ales and spirits.
Friendly, yet sarcastic bartenders who will treat you right but won't talk your ear off.
Solid musical choices playing through quality speakers.
Live music on Sundays of a historically-interesting nature.
A contingent of the local biker dudes.

I've spent many a night here, even some that I can't remember. But for all the good things that this place accomplishes, they commit a Bloomberg-era cardinal sin, "baby pints"!

When ordering a beer at 'The Road', your carefully chosen seasonal brew comes to you in a 15.5oz "pub glass". You are not even dignified with a 16oz glass. Maybe Harefield spent too much on the decor? Maybe its a moral issue of the owners not to let their patrons drink too much? But seeing as how they also own the Pencil Factory (which will be covered later), an establishment where I have enjoyed a full pint, I don't understand the snafu.

All in all, a good place to go, but it would be a great place to go if they kept it imperial.

7 out of 10 Pints.

Through the Looking Glass

2008-12-04T14:53:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to jog the ol' Grey Matter on the types of glasses available to the average pub patron. This will, in the end, help you choose a fine establishment to fritter away the day.

First, you have the normal, "American-style" pint glass. This is what you are served in your typical, "Joe sixpack" sports bar. These are generally 16 to 20oz depending on where you go.
Next you have the "Tulip-style" Guiness glass. Usually a 20oz-er, the majority of decent bars in this fair city use this glass for regular ales. This is usually available at the same type bars as it's American cousin, as well as the upper echelon that we will discuss next.
Finally (and I'm not going to get into the stylized, specialized, brand-specific glasses), we have the "English-style", Imperial pint glass.

This glass is special for several reasons. First of all, historically, it is a unit of measurement that harkens back to colonial days, when these units were royally sanctioned to the commonwealth. The King at some point changed it from 16 to 20oz. History plus booze is always good. Secondly, this unit of measure is 20 ounces, whereas an american pint is 16 ounces. In this economy more for less is better.

You can tell a fine establishment that cares about the proper way to serve a beer if these are the glasses they use. Thus, this blog.

Enjoy.

The Old Ale House

2008-11-30T17:42:00.000-05:00

Brooklyn Ale House has always been a nice midday respite for a pint. They even beckon with a sign (right).

A wonderful brunch (free bagels + paper - because who needs all that fancy stuff anyways) rounds out the fare from this neighborhood stalwart.

7 out of 10 Pints.

Only the Penitant Man Will Pass

2008-11-26T10:15:00.000-05:00

Spuyten Duyvil is sort of a Holy Grail of beer bars. A veritable wonderland of strange elixirs for the imbibing. Not only can you get a true Imperial Pint, but there are a host of other traditional options to try. Not the least of which being the Cask Ales, which vary seasonally. Seating is a little challenging, but get there early and the choice is yours.

8.5 out of 10 Pints.

Ring the Telephone, But Careful Who Answers...

2008-11-26T10:06:00.000-05:00

The Telephone Bar is a nice place in the warmer days to sit with a true 20oz'er and watch the world go by. Prices are reasonable, AND they have Cider on tap. Unbelievable that this is a rarity. In the old country, the tradition goes that you drink Guiness in the winter and Cider in the summer. Is this a tradition lost in the new world? Clientele is mixed, but some days you can be lucky and get a quiet table. Avoid during the cold times though.

5 out of 10 Pints. 7 out of 10 Pints for the Cider!

Time to go to Bed

2008-11-26T09:55:00.000-05:00

The Scratcher is a decent place for a pint in the east village. Usually quiet, but now all the horrendous buildings going up may change all that.
Nice place for an afternoon though, as the sunlight comes in through the low windows. Last time I was there the bartender looked like Siouxsie.

6 out of 10 Pints.

Turn it up to 11

2008-11-24T16:41:00.001-05:00

11th Street Bar is a family favorite. Been going there for several years now. Even stopped there the night of my bachelor party... Good atmosphere most nights. Low amount of riff raff, just the common-folk.

Only drawback is the lager is priced a little higher than your average pub.

6 out of 10 Pints.

King Puck

2008-11-24T16:14:00.000-05:00

Puck Fair serves up a cozy pint. Along the same lines as Swift (they are part of a larger conglomerate), it has nonetheless a good pour. Excellent food as well, should the mood strike you. Regular patrons lament when the "stuffed spud" is gone.

Friendly staff... Chance of a possible buyback, a rarity in these parts.

7 out of 10 Pints.

An Island in the Inner Hebrides

2008-11-24T15:57:00.000-05:00

Iona is a quaint Scottish bar in the southern confines of Willamsburg, Brooklyn. Known for the televised soccer matches and backyard ping pong games. I've only "pinted" here a handful of times, but the pour was always correct. It's what's expected for a true ex-pat bar.

6 out of 10 Pints.

Swiftly now... Swiftly.

2008-11-24T15:41:00.000-05:00

Swift Hibernian Lounge has a very good pour. Sadly, the crowd can get the better of you on a blustery night when all you want is the racing form and a pint of mothers milk.

7 out of 10 Pints.

The First Sip

2008-11-24T15:21:00.000-05:00

The purpose of this blog is to be an atlas. A chart for kith and kin to find the Imperial Pint, sadly a dying breed in my fair city.

Stay tuned.