Community Board 4 has apparently initiated a midnight curfew on Sundays for Bushwick bars, according to a report from DNAinfo.

The board reportedly issued new liquor licenses with the rule this month for new bars and existing venues renewing their licenses.

The board’s district manager, Nadine Whitted, and the chair of the public safety committee responsible for the rule apparently did not provide comment to explain the decision, but a board member, local artist Deborah Brown, blamed a “dramatic influx” of area bars.

“I can’t go out on my street without seeing one,” Austin Martinez, another resident and board member told DNA. “They’re opening up everywhere.”

Bar owners are apparently criticizing the rule as “weird” and arbitrary.

“It would affect me significantly,” said Jeff Pan, the owner of a cafe and bar called Skytown. “The majority of our alcohol sales occur after midnight.”

Follow Danielle Tcholakian on Twitter @danielleiat.

The post Bushwick community board gives bars midnight curfew on Sundays appeared first on Metro.us.

For the thousands of fans who did not score tickets to events, London has set up multiple public viewings, where big screen TVs show the events live. Nothing makes a better match than drinking and sports and that’s where the Houses of Nations come in.

These unique pop-up venues dot the city map, each offering a familiar place for fans of many countries, with traditional fare, screenings of events with local athletes — and don’t forget the beer.

“If you haven’t got tickets, you get the atmosphere here, which is better than watching at home on your couch,” Andy Pronger, a Team Great Britain fan told Metro from inside a giant tented bar next to London Tower. White leather couches and strings of lights across the ceiling would give off the impression of an nightclub, if it weren’t for the sports coverage being aired on giant projector screens.

Ping pong tables and arcade games bring fans from all countries together in their own friendly competitions. Some Houses of Nations are hangouts for all international fans, others are geared toward specific nationalities. Fans can find Casa Brazil, Czech House, French Olympic Village, Russia Park and many more across London. There isn’t a specific place for Team USA fans, but many Americans find their way to one of the two “come one, come all” Houses of Nations.

“I really like it here,” American student Rachel Eldridge told Metro as she drank Pimms with other American and British friends. “It’s a cool venue to watch the games, enjoy it and be a part of it, and not have to pay for the £200 tickets.”

At the Africa House, set up in Hyde Park, little boys playing soccer weave between visitors watching the Olympic events on a screen. Other fans stop at the booths where individual countries showcase their culture’s food, music and traditions.

Inside the Deutsches Haus at the Museum of London Docklands, beer flows and fans gobble bratwurst or roasted pork with pickled cabbage. Cheering erupted when the German equestrian team took gold in eventing.

“It’s very exciting because our fans are all together and they enjoy the success of our teams,” Rita Winter said, a German fan who traveled to London for the games. “We won two gold medals and a bronze today.”

Kelton Scott and his wife Heidi came to the House of Nations not for a drink, but to get a photo with an official Olympic torch — one of the many incentives the pop-up bars offer to bring fans in from off the street — but that’s not to say they, and many other fans, haven’t spent plenty of time in London’s rich pub scene.    

“Drinking is a big part of the culture of England, as you know,” Scott reminded Metro. “You can’t pay to get into every venue of every sport, so this is good for the local businesses.”

Check out these super fans enjoying everything London’s Houses of Nations had to offer today:

(All photos by Cassandra Garrison/Metro)

German fans celebrate their team’s win in eventing.

Inside the Deutsches Haus for German fans.

Fans enjoy the food of their countries at Houses of Nations, like this bratwurst.

Olympic enthusiasts of all countries are welcome at the House of Nations near London Tower.

Americans Rachel Eldridge and Nicole Mendez with friends at House of Nations

French fans pose with their Olympic torch.

Fans from the Netherlands take in the atmosphere.

Kelton and Heidi Scott, from England, pose with an official Olympic torch.

The Africa House features booths from many different countries.

Traditional African fare.

The post PHOTOS: Inside London’s Houses of Nations: The next best thing to Olympic venues appeared first on Metro.us.

There are various strategies you can put into action to maximize the likelihood of scoring a drink faster than imagined. Take it from my side of the bar; I know what works.

1) Patience: “Good things come to those who wait.” It can become frustrating to wait a couple extra minutes for a mere bottle of beer or a vodka soda, but take a deep breath, channel that angst and know that the bartender will get your order. We want to get a drink in your hand just as much as you. Often times, bartenders will at least acknowledge your presence at the bar and say, “I’ll be with you in a few minutes.” Getting this connection is your ticket to being serviced and let it sooth your anxiety away.

2) Know your drink order: There is nothing, absolutely nothing, more frustrating than being slammed with drink orders and having a customer approach the bar and say, “ummm, so, what’s good here? Oh wait, I need to see what my friends want.” On a slower night, feel free to come inquisitive about drink offerings because we want to help you select the right cocktail. But when it is a packed house, time is of the essence and be prepared with your listing of beverages beforehand.

3) Manners: We’re all human. The words “please” and “thank you” never go unnoticed by bartenders. 

4) Gestures: I once had a customer throw wadded up napkins at me to get my attention when he wanted a drink. Needless to say, I gave him a short (yet stern)lecture on decency and that his actions were unappreciated. Here’s a list of motions that bartenders hate: the waving hand right in the bartender’s face, snapping, tapping or slapping the bar, and yelling from across the room. Remain dignified. Holding out your hand is a simple and appropriate action that bartenders respond to when it is busy, as well as saying “excuse me.”

Snapping never works (and the bartender doesn’t really hate you)

5) Payment: Ward III (111 Reade Street, (212) 240-9194) has a list of house rules, including #6 which reads, “Please, if you plan to stay for more than one round, start a tab with us. Processing cards takes valuable time that is better spent making cocktails for your fellow patrons.” If you plan to stay for one drink, the probability is that it will turn into two. Throw a card down as a placeholder or else bring enough cash in your wallet to pay for each round as you order.

6) Get off the phone: If you’re placing an order, talk to me. The person on the other end of the line won’t be able to get you that Old Fashioned you so desire.

7) Tip appropriately: Tipping is up to the discretion of the patron. But as I always say, “your generosity is my livelihood.” There is no rule dictating the appropriate amount to tip, but often times the notion is a dollar a drink (or two dollars if it is a more involved cocktail). But bear in mind, if you order twelve Lemon Drop shots and tip three dollars, you will probably have one unhappy bartender. You are paying for a service. If you want to save your pennies, buy a six-pack, break out the beer opener and kick-it in your own apartment.

8) Smile: I cannot tell you how refreshing it is to see customers smile. And it won’t mess up your hair!

The post How to get a bartender to like you appeared first on Metro.us.

Village Pourhouse
Various locations
www.villagepourhouse.com
Looking for a classic sports bar atmosphere? Go Blue or go home at one of the many Village Pourhouse locations for $12 Bud Light pitchers, $15 Big Blue Moon pitchers, $25 Bud Light buckets and $5 Go Blue shots.
 
Duke’s
560 Third Ave.
212-949-5400
www.dukesnyc.com
As if Duke’s 27 televisions weren’t enough to lure football fans, they’ve also added craft beers to their menu. In addition to providing ultimate game day grub like pulled pork and mac n cheese, Duke’s will be serving their award-wining wings. Servers will be wearing jerseys while the managers will be cheering on megaphones and handing out shots.

Southern Hospitality
1460 Second Ave.
212-249-1001
www.southernhospitalitynyc.com
For $60 at this Upper East Side joint, enjoy an open bar from kickoff until the end of the game. Don your favorite Giants gear and for a free Big Blue shot. Every time the Giants score, you and your friends will get another free Big Blue shot.  

Hudson Terrace
621 W. 46th St.
212-315-9400
www.hudsonterracenyc.com
Rowdy sports bars not really your thing? Want something more than just a Bud Light? For $60, enjoy a buffet of appetizers and complimentary cocktails or beer. For $120, feel like a true Super Bowl champ with open bar access from 6 p.m. until the game ends. Tickets can be purchased at www.
iadventure.com.
 
 
Satisfy your sweet tooth

William Greenberg Desserts
1100 Madison Ave.
212-744-0304
www.wmgreenbergdesserts.com
It’s just not a party without some dessert, right? Support the Giants with the Blue & White cookie, a twist on the classic Black & White. William Greenberg Desserts, whose Black &?White was voted best in the city by New York magazine, made the special treat in support of Big Blue and are ready to ship nationally. 
 

Follow Mary Ann Georgantopoulos on Twitter @marygeorgant

The post Where to watch the Super Bowl appeared first on Metro.us.

Today’s gem comes to us via Yelp. Yes, Yelp. Someone out there in the World Wide Web is posting reviews of New York bars as Stefon K., Saturday Night Live’s know-it-all party animal.

Stefon is always in the know about New York’s newest and hottest bars and clubs, and now we can also be a little more hip in the Big Apple.

One of our favorites is his review is of the East Village bar ‘Angels and Kings,’ which, coincidentally, is a place we sometimes frequent.

From his review:

NEW YORK’S HOTTEST BAR IS ANGELS & KINGS!??

Although it should be called Angels & Queens! Scandalous!! (Pete Wentz is a giving loverrrrr).??Located in the middle of the fountain in Washington Square Park, this pan-sexual portauthoriparty is the creation of Italian club owner Tranny Hall. ??

And this place has everything: ??Mr. Miagi impersonators, skinny cholos, a jacuzzi of expired milk, a Polynesian nanny who looks like Smokey Robinson…??…and look who just walked in!??

Is it Natalie Portman? No! It’s an old Irish Black man we all call “Murphy Brown”!

Plus, if you come on Sundays, you can meet the two year-old Ultimate Fighting champion Drooly Lips Jackson – he’s got fists like little empanadas!??…And he’s my best friend. ??

All this and a serious chumbucket circle jerk with Fallout Boy’s own Pete Wentz, who likes to hang out in the back room and take photos of his own penis with his cell phone in a mirror while wearing women’s makeup and crying.

Everybody vogue!

Ok, genius, who are you? Who is hiding behind Stefon, the Yelp Reviewer? We want to meet you.

Follow Mary Ann Georgantopoulos on Twitter @marygeorgant

The post SNL’s resident party animal, Stefon, reviews NYC bars on Yelp appeared first on Metro.us.

Foley’s
Twenty-five hundred autographed baseballs line the walls at this Cards establishment, which boasts an all-day happy hour and classic St. Louis dishes like toasted ravioli.
18 W. 33rd St., 212-290-0080

If you’re a Rangers fan

Hill Country Barbecue
Texas fans can root for their team while enjoying $5 well drinks, $2 well shots and 2-for-1 PBRs during happy hour, 3-6 p.m. and 10 p.m.-1 a.m.
30 W. 26th St., 212-255-4544

If you don’t care about either team

Break Bar & Billiards
Take a break from the action with a game of air hockey or a round of ping-pong.
32-04 Broadway, Astoria, 718-777-5400

Woodwork
Stop by between 4 and 7 p.m. for deals on all draft beers and well drinks, plus dishes made from local and organic products.
583 Vanderbilt Ave., Prospect Heights, 718-857-5777

George Keeley’s
Craft beers from around the world and free popcorn are two major draws of this pub.
485 Amsterdam Ave., 212-873-0251

The post Where to watch the end of the World Series appeared first on Metro.us.

Little Town
118 E. 15th St., 212-677-6300
Little Town — affiliated with Penn State, Oregon and UF — is offering up $5 Bloody Marys, $10 Bud Light pitchers and $20 Bud Light buckets of six all day during game days. If you’re hungry, the newly revised menu has classic comforts like sloppy joes and chicken fingers  — which are pretzel-crusted! Little Town runs sideBar as well as the Village Pourhouse franchise, so those drink deals are available on 15th St. too.

Mad River
1442 Third Ave., 212-988-1832
Wisconsin watchers, this is your spot: The bar boasts fifteen 50” HD screens to catch all the action. Get your hands dirty with wing buckets (deals range from $5 for 8 to $20 for 50) and wash it all down with Coors Light pitchers ($12), apple pie shots ($4) or Wandos 100-ounce fishbowls (free for parties of 10 or more).

Public House & McFaddens
Public House: 140 E. 41st St., 212-682-3750
McFadden’s: 800 Second Ave., 212-986-1515
Public House, the official Notre Dame watch spot, boasts a $45 deal for unlimited wings and premium booze (other unlimited deals are also available), plus $2 off appetizers and raffles every week. At McFadden’s, another ND bar, $25 gets you unlimited wings and Bud Light, $10 gets you unlimited wings, and the entire bar menu is half-off.

Brother Jimmy’s BBQ
University of Miami: 181 Lexington Ave., 212-779-7427
University of Michigan: 116 E. 16th St., 212-673-6465
UNC: 416 Eighth Ave.,
212-967-7603
Wake Forest and NC State: 1485 Second Ave.,
212-288-0999
All four Brother Jimmy’s spots in NYC have a college football special: $12 Bud and Bud Light Draft pitchers with 50-cent wings. Alumni groups can take advantage of an RSVP e-mail address and special game-day menu.

Tonic East
411 Third Ave., 212-683-7090
Penn State fans can watch the game while enjoying specialty Nittany Lion drinks, $60 mini-kegs and $8 burgers or chicken sandwiches at this hot spot.

Follow Meredith Engel on Twitter @MeredithatMetro.

The post Best bets for college football appeared first on Metro.us.

It’s the ice, ice, baby.

New York bars are adding extra fees along with the extra ice in your glass.

Murray Hill bars Joshua Tree and Mercury Bar — along with Midtown’s McFadden’s — all charge extra for a whiskey on the rocks.

McFadden’s rang up the most expensive at $2.

“Ice is to a cocktail like a stove is to a chef,” bartender and mixology blogger Pamela Wiznitzer, 26, said. Wiznitzer blamed ice machines, which can cost bars up to $5,000.  “It’s going to make a more expensive drink.”

East Village speakeasy Death & Co. has three ice machines, in addition to a freezer, and charges more than $10 for a drink.

Amanda Rensch, manager of Joshua Tree, didn’t raise an eyebrow at the upped prices. “Anything on the rocks is a dollar extra,” she told Metro. “Most of the bars around here do it.”
New Yorkers haven’t exactly warmed to the idea.

“That is so ridiculous!” said Gramercy application analyst Amanda Martin, 25. “I don’t imagine they’re hiking up Mount Kilimanjaro to get it, you know? Pull it out of the freezer.”

But lawyer Gregory Frank, 31, wasn’t fazed.  “It’s funny when people complain they are overpaying for ice when they have been overpaying for the whiskey for years. What’s the difference?”

The post On the rocks? Hidden fees at the bar leave you cold appeared first on Metro.us.