| The Price is Right: Where to Drink for Free |  | | Posted Tuesday, September 30, 2008 12:00:00 AM | | Even when the economy stinks, most of us will cut back on other things before we curb our drinking habits. Some of us will even drown our sorrows in the sauce. But with the recent Wall Street crisis forcing most New Yorkers to rethink spending decisions, suddenly, the $15 martini seems excessive. But hey, we gotta take the edge off somehow—so in response to the downturn, here's some places where you can imbibe for zero dollars (not including tip, of course) without looking cheap. Party like an unpaid intern and put the savings toward bare necessities, like new shoes.
Mondays @ Ellis Bar
627 5th Ave. (17th & 18th Sts.)
South Slope 718.768.0532
This newcomer sure is aiming to please—indulge in free bourbon every Monday and kick up your heels at their "Bourbon & Bluegrass" party, starting at 7pm. Western grub like rattlesnake skewers or cornmeal-crusted catfish with blueberry salsa will tempt you to spend some cheese. If there's anything that will get us down to South Slope on a Monday, this is it.
Bacchus Wine Made Simple
2056 Broadway (70th & 71st Sts.)
Upper West Side 212 .875.1200
The philosophy here is that wine should be enjoyed by everyone, oenophile or not, so school yourself in vino with free daily tastings between 5pm-8pm. Wines at this friendly shop are arranged according to flavor rather than region or varietal, so have a glass, ask a few questions, and have some more. If you feel pressured to buy something, tell the sommelier you'll sleep on it (or sleep it off).
Astor Wines & Spirits
399 Lafayette St. (4th St. & Astor Pl.)
East Village 212.674.7500
Not just another wine shop, Astor is the epicenter of all things liquid and alcoholic. Before you browse aisles and aisles of bottles, head straight to the tasting bar. From 6pm-8pm Wednesdays-Fridays and on weekend afternoons, libations of all types are dispensed in samples, for free. Just think of the pre-gaming you can accomplish with a few swigs of cognac, rum, or Portuguese red before you head out into the night—or next door to Butter.
Tuesdays @ Lazy Catfish
593 Lorimer St. (@ Conselyea St.)
Williamsburg 718.599.9055
Any starving artist-type worth their weight in ramen noodles knows about the Tuesday night deal here—free PBR until 11 p.m., and a free hot dog with every drink regardless of the day of the week. Should you have a more refined palette, well drinks are $1 from 10pm-11pm—not free, but you'll want to bring a few bucks (or quarters) anyway—there's pinball, Ms. Pac Man, and pool to keep the good times rolling.
Art Openings
Galleries throughout NYC
If you've walked through Chelsea or any other gallery 'hood between 6pm-8pm on a weeknight, you know there are many reasons to appreciate the artistic side of NYC. Besides the attractive art-star-wannabes and the art itself, there's usually free wine or champagne poured at these things. Once you're in, head straight to the bar, peruse the works with a furrowed brow, and head back for more. And really, isn't drinking an art form in itself?
Fridays@ Crash Mansion
199 Bowery (@ Spring Street)
Lower East Side 212.982.7821
The only thing that makes free drinks better is free entertainment. This Bowery venue has an open vodka bar on Fridays from 9pm-10pm accompanied by a showcase of local rock bands (and being that we're in NYC, the bands are usually talented). All you have to do is send an email with your name to rsvp@newyorkunderbelly.com by Friday afternoon and you'll avoid the cover charge. Now you know.
~ Selena Ricks | |
<< Home