Imperial Village

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.

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

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.

Some Sleight of Hand

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.

A Ward Of The State

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.

Stay in Good Health

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.

Wash & Fold

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.

Time to go to Bed

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

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.

An Island in the Inner Hebrides

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.