Top 10 Scotch Bars in NYC
Posted by: mike | October 9th, 2008
The View from a Secret Bar on the Top 10 Scotch Bars List
I love scotch…scotch, scotch, scotch. I put this list together because I too love scotch and I thought it was about time to make a list that took into consideration all the facets that go into making a great scotch bar. Things in consideration include, first and foremost, an extensive list of scotch varieties; single malts, complex malts, etc. Other things I looked at were different scotch originations (Irish, Scottish, English, American, etc) and then ambience of venue, one that is in-tune with the essence of scotch iteself. So Here goes…
The Main Room at Brandy Library
1. Brandy Library - Tribeca - This was a tough one. I was thinking of giving the #1 spot to both Brandy Library and St. Andrews because they both have a crazy scotch lists but, Brandy Library won outright because of their special scotch related events and their unique space. Brandy Library has taken the distinguished liquor that we call Scotch to a whole new level. These guys actually make their own and on Saturdays, they even have something called “Single Malt Saturdays” where you can go in for a tasting. The space is very intimate and requires reservations Tuesday through Saturday. Hands down the #1 spot.
2. St. Andrews - Hell’s Kitchen - This bar gets the #2 spot solely based on their extensive list. When you enter this place it kinda resembles your typical irish tavern but if you like different types of scotch, this is the place to be. They have so much scotch at St. Andrews you may not be able to have 1 different glass of scotch every day for an entire year.
3. Campbell Apartment - Midtown - Not only does Campbell Apartment have a great scotch list but the room is amazing. Even if you’re not a scotch person, this place is a must see. It’s a little tricky to get to because it’s tucked behind Grand Central Station but completely worth it. As soon as you walk in you’re overwhelmed by its capacity and enormosity (yep, just made that up).
4. D.B.A. - East Village - Just like St. Andrews, D.B.A has a great list of single malts and blended scotch’s and whisky’s. They have a decent space but not as dramatic as Campbell Apartment and not as intimate as Brandy Library. Definitely a great spot for the good brown juice though.
5. Hudson Bar and Books - West Village - Located in the West Village, Hudson Bar and Books, like it’s sister on Lexington Ave in Midtown, has a very similar appeal to Brandy Library. Both rooms are intimate, lined with books and have that feeling of home. They have a scotch list that competes with St. Andrews and is a great spot for a night cap.
The Bar at Hudson Bar and Books
6. Lexington Bar and Books - Upper East Side - same as above just on the Upper East Side…wooo hooo!
7. Flatiron Lounge - Flatiron - Flatiron’s version of Brandy Library just minus the library. No seriously, this is a cool, 20’s style, flapper-esque lounge that has a nice decent scotch list. Check out next door’s Sala 19 if you’re completely uninterested.
8. Keen’s Steakhouse - Midtown - Here’s one of Midtown’s oldest steahouses that also happens to have a vast selection of scotch. Keen’s, along with a great steak, also serves scotch tastings and events from time to time. If you’re on a scotch tour of midtown make sure to hit this one along the way.
9. Angel’s Share - East Village - This is probably the coolest and most secretive scotch bar on the list. Located upstairs, inside a Japanese restaraunt (you’ll have to figure it out) this place only accepts groups of four or less and there is no standing room option…basically, you can’t stand at the bar an ogle at the other patrons. It’s tough to get a table but once you do you’ll enjoy the view. You’ll know what we mean.
10. Whiskey Park - Midtown/Central Park - Whiskey Park is located inside Trump’s Parc Building just at the foot of Central Park. It’s the perfect spot for a scotch night cap just after your romantic horse drawn carriage ride around the park…or your recent iPod accessories purchase at the nearby Apple Store…nerd.
7 Responses to “Top 10 Scotch Bars in NYC”
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bob Says:
Did you really say brown juice…
Joshua Says:
Sad to say I’ve only been to one of the 10 places mentioned.. think I need to get out of the apartment a little more.
bob Says:
I have been to four and even wrote about DBA not too long ago in case anyone missed it - http://www.meetnowlive.com/blog/on-the-scene/good-times-at-dba/
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[...] » Top 10 Scotch Bars in NYC http://www.meetnowlive.com/blog/top-tens/top-10-scotch-bars-in-nyc – view page – cached I love scotch…scotch, scotch, scotch. I put this list together because I too love scotch and I thought it was about time to make a list that took into consideration all the facets that go into making a great scotch bar. Things in consideration include, first and foremost, an extensive list of scotch varieties; single malts, complex malts, etc. Other things I looked at were different scotch originations (Irish, Scottish, English, American, etc) and then ambience of venue, one that is in-tune with the essence of scotch iteself. So Here goes… The Main Room at Brandy Library — From the page [...]
Davis Miller Says:
Point Break - A Perfect Bar Experience in NYC
A local friend recommended and took my Cali group to this amazing bar. He said that mostly locals came here so I didn’t really know what to expect ambiance wise… but screw it, the view at this bar was absolutely breathtaking! No joke. I felt like a celebrity w/ superstar treatment as the staff are friendly and amazing to say the very least.
I don’t know who the house DJ was but he definitely was playing music right up my alley. It would’ve been my dream for people to start dancing, but it’s all good.
It’s a bit sceney for my taste, but it really didn’t bother me much. the bartenders knew their stuff, although their 1st cocktail was a little weak, when he saw i understood cocktails the next 2 were stronger. I also liked that even though the place was really hopping the bartender remembered what i was drinking when i came to order another. (he also understood how good a gin hendricks is, and not to overpower it with the mixer). It was amazing to see their “das boot” which is shaped like a boot filled with beer. Don’t get me wrong, I am not drunk…it’s an actual boot shaped beer container ready to be emptied..try it ..you will love it!! Oh..how can I forget, they even have a wheel o’ shots where you just have to spin it and have to drink whatever shot it lands on!! Now call that bar creativity at its best!!!
We ordered the Veal and Fish Tacos. They were delicious. Mm! We ended up asking for spoons to polish off whatever remained in the platter. (Faux pas? Who cares as long as it gets in my tummy.) The fries were crispy, but not overcooked, just the way that I like them.
So take in this scene: You walk in to what seems like an overly crowded place, but soon fine an empty table. Time seems to stop and the only indicator of the night moving on is the moon and your brain cells slowly going to bed forever. The music is not to loud and the people around look good, the only thing left for you to do is to enjoy that drink you paid ridiculously low for and laugh at the joke your co-worker just told.
The vibe of the place just never seems to die out and if you happen to spot some NYC socialite, sports player, or star, don’t let it get to you… because for that moment, this night they are no long more important than then you. In fact go up to them and introduce yourself!
All in all just a great place to meet new people, or just have drinks with people you already know. I’ve been to numerous bars in the city but i would say this place is just great. Very welcoming staff, very laid back ambiance. I’ve been here twice after my first visit with my Cali group . I would say its worth the every penny you spend!!
John Says:
Point Break is announcing their special offers during all of the games of World Cup Soccer to all the soccer fans of NY.
* Open for all the game
* First Match on June 11th starts at 10 AM & all others at 7.30 AM
* Serve breakfast for the early games.
Special Offers:-
$4 Bud Light/ Coors light.
$4 margaritas and well drinks.
$3 Natty light and keystone light cans.
$8 24 oz Coors banquet.
$10 domestic mini boot &
$22 96oz Boots.
Also showing:
All the 2010 World Cup Soccer Games Live at Point Break Restaurant
Lets cheer your team to create a new history!!!!
Point Break NYC
12 West 45th St
New York, NY, 10036.
T. 914-645-8820
http://www.pointbreaknyc.com/