Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Employees Only
Don't let the palm reader in the doorway of
the non-descript exterior of this bar fool you; though if she reads
your palm, I can guarantee she will predict that you will very soon
savor a tantalizing beverage. Employees Only goes to great lengths to
recreate a 1920's speakeasy with a tin ceiling and bartenders in
period costume. But who needs gimmicks when the cocktails are this
good? The employees have been well trained and drinks are done
painstakingly and made with the freshest ingredients and top label
liquors. The daiquiri I tried was so good, Hemingway would be
proud. In fact, it's called the Hemingway Daiquiri. There is a full
menu available, but skip the entrees and order a few of the very good
appetizers, the best being the ample Serbian charcuterie platter.
510 Hudson St. (btwn Christopher and W. 10th sts.)
&
212/242-3021.
www.
employeesonlynyc.com. Subway: 1 to Christopher St.
KGB Bar
This former Ukrainian social club boasts a Soviet-
themed decor, and free entertainment almost every night, thanks to
its excellent, eclectic reading series, where a talented pack of up-and-
coming and established writers read their prose in various genres
(fiction, science fiction, poetry, and so on) to a receptive crowd start-
ing at 7pm. Past readers have included playwright Tina Howe
(Painting Churches),
Janice Erlbaum
(Girlbomb),
and Dave King
(The Ha-Ha).
85 E. 4th St. (btwn Second & Third aves.).
&
212/505-3360.
www.kgbbar.com. Subway: 6 to Astor Place.
Marion's Continental
Formerly a gathering place for artists and
musicians hosted by former model Marion Nagy in the 50s and 60s,
the bar was resurrected by her son in the 1990s where it now stands
as a tribute to his mother. It still serves perfect martinis and offers a
campy yet comfy alternative to the overwrought East Village scene.
The retro décor, with plush colorful seats, “mood” lighting, and
kitschy knick knacks on the walls adds to the allure. On Thursdays,
it's “Girls Night Out” at Marion's while Sunday's, it's Fondue for
everyone; now that's a blast from the past.
354 Bowery (btwn Great Jones
and East 4th sts.).
&
212/475-7621.
www.marionsnyc.com. Subway: B, D, F, V to
Broadway-Lafayette.
Pegu Club
Mixologist and owner Audrey Saunders, formerly
of Bemelmans Bar in the Carlyle Hotel, makes magic with cocktails.
In 2005, she opened her own downtown gathering spot where she
can showcase her immense talents. The cocktails here change sea-
sonally and will astound you with their creativity. It helps that the
staff uses fresh squeezed juices, homemade ginger beer and the
largest assortment of bitters you will find anywhere. You know you
