Arts and Crafts Beer Parlor

Over many months, we had the pleasure of observing the construction of Amelie through each stage of its creation. To experience the ambience of this spectacular bar and restaurant alone is worth the visit... but then there is also the impressive wine list and a full French menu. The award-winning team behind Amelie in San Francisco opened their east coast wine bar in early 2012 and all we can say is tres delicieux.

“We are one of the oldest gay bars in the city, ” said Helen Burford. The owner of Julius’ considers it an honor to be a part of this history and to allow others to share in it. Many who stop by are keen to dip their toes into an earlier, more troublesome period. “We are a good reminder of the struggles people went through for those of us today. ”What better way for young men and women to learn about landmark events like the renowned “Sip-In, ” where gay activists challenged New York’s prohibitions on gay bars? The patrons who have been frequenting Julius’ for decades are happy to provide a history lesson. Every day around 4 p. m., they sit in a corner and share stories of what it was like back in the day. “This is their home. To them, Julius’ is not a bar — rain or shine, they need to be here. ” The old group, now in their seventies and eighties, enjoy having a drink and chatting with one another, but they also invite “guests” into the conversation — passing the baton, as this is their legacy. “They are always trying to bring young people into the fold, ” Helen commented.

Having lived in England for a year and a half, and always delighted for an excuse to return, I was perfectly thrilled to walk into Wilfie & Nell. At times it is filled with Brits and you will feel like you have been transported back across the Atlantic as you dine on Shepherds Pie, or a Ploughman's Cheese Plate, or just browse through their extended list of beers and enjoy the pub atmosphere with a Manhattan twist.

We, literally, came in out of the rain to have a drink here late one Saturday afternoon. What a nice experience we had while sampling their "kick ass" bloody Mary and a refreshing pint of Guinness. John, the bartender could not have been kinder sharing the history and philosophy of this eight year old bar. There is an amusing story that explains how this pub got its unusual name. Essentially, a four-faced clock in Cork, Ireland fails to keep the same time on each of its faces, so the locals deem it "The Four-Faced Liar, " and the folks who run this bar appreciate the lesson the tale reveals about time. By extending open arms to their customers, they have enjoyed a constant repeat clientele all these years. We loved seeing a group of guys playing cards and having a drink at one of the corner tables, while others were watching the Yankees on the flat screen TV's, and a group of girls were catching up... but no one leaves without a quick, friendly conversation with John. As the rain let up, we finished up our drinks, said our good-byes and headed on our way. Perfect timing!

The Village Party Store, also known as Balloon Shop NYC and Halloween Headquarters, is a one-stop shop bursting with festive finds. From Christmas baubles to Pride parade supplies, this humble hole-in-the-wall has everything needed to throw a bash to remember. Inside, the shop feels like a dollar store, with packed aisles full of plates, cups, banners, costumes and more. But the real gems are the memories made here. Since 1993, New Yorkers have flocked to this party supply store to prepare for life's celebrations, big and small. For many, it's a family tradition to pick up graduation balloons or new year's hats. For others, it's the perfect place to find a last-minute baby shower gift or bridal shower decor. What makes the Village Party Store stand out is its focus on customer service. The knowledgeable staff help each customer find what they need for their perfect party. Next time you're planning a special event, check out this Greenwich Village gem. You'll find what you need for a celebration to remember.

We love Buon Italia in Chelsea Market for all their fresh ingredients imported directly from Italy, and what better way to enjoy those ingredients than prepared in a traditional Italian-style panini? La Panineria offers just that since it was opened by Mario Pesce, whose uncle is the owner of Buon Italia over in Chelsea Market. La Panineria is a quaint, authentic little Italian deli that offers sandwiches, pastries and desserts, soups, cheese plates, beer, wine, soda, and coffee, in addition to their small selection of Italian groceries. The shop is small, with just a couple of barstools in the window and one central table for people to eat around, but the food is absolutely delicious. We sampled the Parma Panini — a perfect combination of prosciutto and robiola cheese, along with the Cornetto — the Italian’s take on the croissant filled with Nutella and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Needless to say our taste buds were satisfied as we chatted with Mario about the subtle but notable differences between “American” Nutella and authentic Italian Nutella (Italian Nutella is apparently slightly healthier! ).

Warhammer is the retail branch of an online British company that has been providing its unique gaming service for thirty years. The 8th Street location is New York's hotspot for miniature table-top war gaming. Eager workers will walk customers through every step - how to assemble the models, paint the pieces, and how to play the game itself. It takes a certain kind of patience and skill set to contract one's army and may appeal to a customer who enjoys strategy games such as chess. While it is recommended that kids begin learning the game at age twelve, we met a half a dozen men from ages eighteen to fifty who were sitting around the large table, chatting and toiling away on their magnificently detailed pieces.

Over many months, we had the pleasure of observing the construction of Amelie through each stage of its creation. To experience the ambience of this spectacular bar and restaurant alone is worth the visit... but then there is also the impressive wine list and a full French menu. The award-winning team behind Amelie in San Francisco opened their east coast wine bar in early 2012 and all we can say is tres delicieux.

Coffee tends to be a grab-and-go phenomenon here in Manhattan – the coffee break does not generally get its due respect. Here to change that completely, Stumptown’s 8th Street location elevates the coffee shop experience to a level unseen by most caffeine-addicted New Yorkers. I only know this because Jared, a member of the Manhattan Sideways team, is one of them. The double-height ceilings, large windows, and carved wood façade of the corner store actually used to house the historic 8th Street Books. The interior of the building has been meticulously and beautifully renovated to include an enormous wooden bar, coffered ceiling, warm herringbone floors, exposed brick walls and numerous small clusters of tables, chairs and benches. The store is divided between the intimate café area and a brew bar - a coffee exposition/educational space where baristas can engage customers in learning about different methods of making coffee and the various types of coffee beans. The brew bar has at least five different types of machines and manual brewers running at the same time with a lovely, knowledgable staff orchestrating all of it. Stumptown endeavors to build a community out of our many, rushed coffee drinkers, creating a perfect setting for relaxing and reading, or for someone to simply become better educated about coffee.

Having lived in England for a year and a half, and always delighted for an excuse to return, I was perfectly thrilled to walk into Wilfie & Nell. At times it is filled with Brits and you will feel like you have been transported back across the Atlantic as you dine on Shepherds Pie, or a Ploughman's Cheese Plate, or just browse through their extended list of beers and enjoy the pub atmosphere with a Manhattan twist.

Open 365 days a year, the Slaughtered Lamb takes its theme from "ancient times when werewolves roamed the land. " In their dark dungeon, they serve a vast selection of beers and pub fare.

“This bar is older than most of its customers, ” said Mitchell Banchick, who founded Down the Hatch in the 1990s to cater to the under-thirty crowd. Nowadays, the demographic is mostly the same, as NYU students and young professionals make up the bulk of its clientele. Mitchell, who was raised in the Bronx and was also an NYU alum, spent his college years working at a string of Bleecker Street watering holes. After a time on Wall Street and a stint as a restaurant broker, he gravitated back to hospitality. From his student days, he remembered a dearth of fun bars geared toward young people in the NYU area and decided to fill the gap. He joined forces with his two college roommates to secure the lease for an old sushi restaurant he used to frequent and transform it into a classic dive bar. The friends renovated the place themselves, relying on the occasional “how to” book to sort out the electrical and plumbing, and the venture was an absolute success: “We were busy from the minute we opened, and that was before social media. ”When the bar started out, Mitchell was the sole manager, maintenance guy, and bartender on most nights. He has since launched over a dozen more bars in three states, including Off the Wagon, the Stumble Inn, and Jake’s Dilemma in Manhattan. “But Down the Hatch will always be my baby. It’s my most iconic bar in New York. ” People from upstate and the outer boroughs often visit to taste their award-winning chicken wings or play a round of beer pong at the tables in the back. Mitchell is pleased to say that many former patrons return to reminisce about the great times of yesteryear, as countless people met their significant other, held their bachelor party, and made meaningful friendships at the bar. Since he is fortunate to own the building, Mitchell has no doubt that Down the Hatch will stand as a living testament to these fond memories through the decades.

The pint-sized tables jutting out from this corner establishment onto the sidewalk is a functional feature that really makes this place stand out. Inside, you will find over 200 types of beer from around the world and a decent menu to accompany your drink. The owner also runs the Amity Hall bar on the next block.