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Categories: American (Traditional), Irish, Pubs
Neighborhood: Gramercy23rd St-Park Ave S (6)
23rd St-Broadway (R, W)
"A perfect restaurant for the hopeless romantic in me. There was an amazing water view that every table got to see (some views were better…" read more »
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I was torn about whether to give this place 4 or 5 stars. Let's get the bad over with: the wings were downright gross. Fries not much better.
But okay, done and done, nobody really comes to an Irish pub for the wings, do they? I came here after work one unassuming weeknight for "a drink" with a coworker and ended up having to leave work early the next day because for the first time in years, I woke up drunk (and the day didn't get any better from there). My coworker called in sick. Why? Not only were the bartenders congenial as all hell, they gave us a multitude of free drinks ( we WERE the only girls at the bar...that MIGHT have been a factor) and weren't creepy about it at at all.
Met some other interesting people at the bar too. I've been meaning to go back but I can't afford to miss any more days of work so I'm going to have to watch it this time. I would recommend this place if you're in the mood to DRINK.
After freaking Irving Mill was closed last night (with no sign, no info on their webbie, nada), we came here instead.
It's a little divey and grungy (the floor is covered with sawdust, so sandals aren't the best idea), it's really dark, the tables are uneven and a little knobby. But service is friendly, there's no wait, and the burgers are HEEUUUGE. Like, ginormous. I got the bacon cheeseburger ($11) and it was pretty solid. The meat was a little on the tough side, and not quite ground up enough. Onion rings were SUPER greasy and SUPER delicious. Fixings were abundant and fresh: raw onions (sauteed are extra $), tomato, lettuce, pickles. Generous amount of bacon.
I could only eat half the burger so got an easy lunch for the next day. Molly's meat is more quantity over quality, but sometimes, you just want yourself a freaking huge chunk of meat. During those times, Molly's is the place to be.
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Come for the burgers, they tell me. Come for the sawdust on the floor.
Come for the bartenders and waitresses with authentic Irish accents!
And, sure, those are plenty of good reasons to attend this traditional Irish pub with the "authentic" low lighting.* The burger (with cheese, natch) will be sufficiently tasty, even if the chicken fingers were lacking in any sort of flavor. **
But the most important reason to come here is the super-friendly bartender whose name I did not get and be nice to him. He will probably listen to your incredibly detailed questions about different types of pint glasses (the ones I like are called 'tulip' style***) and, if you are really nice (and tip well, one presumes), he might even give you a couple since the only other way to get them is to buy 144 at a time.
Not even I drink that much.
* - Even if you've walked by four or five other similarly-setup bars between the 3rd Ave. 'L' stop.
** - And they don't have ranch dressing. Gah!
*** - And, fortunately, not the dreaded Hamster style. I swore years ago I'd never do Hamster style again; don't ask me to now.
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So this place is supposedly known for their burgers. Not sure if they're known for their taste or their size -- they were lacking in the former, and perhaps overcompensating with the latter. To their credit, the steak fries were good, and it's nice that you can choose between fries, mashed potatoes, onion rings, or potato salad with your burger. The calamari were crispy and well-cooked but flavorless, and needed a liberal application of salt. The atmosphere is crowded-Irish-pub-sawdust-on-the-floor cozy, but it was so dim I actually had trouble making out what was on my plate. One of our party ordered the lamb stew, and ended up not touching the disappointingly fatty, chewy, low-grade pieces of meat. Add to the mix the very brusque service, and you've got a first-time-is-my-last-time kind of place.
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Awesome place, and great in winter when the fireplace is roaring. It can get a bit crowded, but it's worth it and you'll eventually find a good spot. The bison burger is delicious and the bartenders are hilarious. Great spot!
Wood Chips on the Floor are nice, but an okay burger... not so much.
This Irish pub also serves Shepard's Pie and the rest of your expected Irish pub fare.
If you're, 25-60, this place is great, good conversation, great place for both boring and spirited political talk, great bartender in the old Irish mold, some celebrity sitings too.
I've always gotten good service and good food here. Reliable, friendly, small, casual, floor covered with sawdust, low lit.
Ask for the jar of hot english mustard behind the bar - it kicks the very good burger up a notch... but, save some for me please.
If you're in the mood for a burger, Molly's is not for those with carnophobia. Popped in here for lunch after craving a burger and man, do they have a burger. 10oz of hand packed hamburger meat sandwiched between two thin buns. In actuality, the buns probably weren't that thin, but the enormity of the beef patty made them seem so. I had asked for Swiss cheese and a side of onion rings. Instead I got Swiss with sautéed onions and a side of regular fries. Not being in a fussy mood, I rolled with it and was pleasantly surprised. This isn't the best burger I've had, but definitely fit the bill for this particular craving. We also ordered some potato skins for the table. Rather than skins, it was basically 3 halves of a potato covered in cheese and real bacon (not bacon bits) with a side of cream cheese.
Molly's itself is a pretty cool place. I'd walked past it a number of times before, but had never been inclined to step inside. You are greeted by a long bar with a few booths and quite a few tables in the back. The floor is covered in sawdust* and Celtic (I think) music is playing in the background. The bartender also provided a very friendly greeting in his Irish accent. The place is very softly lit. So much that I had a flash back to the times when I would stumble out of a Vegas casino at 9 in the morning, only to be shockingly greeted by a nice bright sun in the sky and think "what the eff time is it?"
*I have some theories, but don't know the definite answer as to why some places do this
A few years ago...I would have given Molly's 5 stars. It used to have the cheapest Guinness in the city...only to find out yesterday that they're now charging $7 a pint like everyone else.
The atmosphere is one of the best...and very authentic. It's dimly lit, sawdust on the floor, a big fireplace...and the staff is very friendly.
Molly's does all the things an Irish Pub should do...and it does them well. However...the lure of this place, for me, was always that it was like a little hidden secret...where you could escape from the expensive, faux-Irish pubs in the city. Charging the same for a Guinness as the run-of-the-mill places takes something away from Molly's...even if it's just my opinion.
It's a shame really....it used to be a place I'd hit every single time I was in the city. I'd go out of my way to stop in here...like I did yesterday. But now...I'd still go back, but I wouldn't go out of my way.
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As someone that has lived and visited Ireland on numerous occasions, this pub definitely gives me goosebumps when I step foot inside.
As I walk across its sawdust covered floors and order a Smithwicks or shot of Jameson, I can hear a soccer game blasting on the tv and the laughter of old Irish gentleman as they cheer on their team.
The warmth of the wood burning fireplace makes for a cozy feel in the winter and the hamburgers just might be reason enough to come back again and again.
Definitely recommend this spot for some true Irish pub atmosphere. Happy St. Pat's!
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I don't know if it was the slight buzz from bar hopping earlier in the evening, the sawdust on the floor, or the kind old Irish woman who was our waitress, but the burgers here were awesome. I mean, a really delicious cheeseburger. Thick patty, lightly seasoned, with a whole lot of flavor. Really done well. Topped off with some fresh bacon and sides and this is almost the perfect burger. I'd give it 5 stars but I felt the onion rings were a little weak. Fully battered, they didn't have the sufficient fried crispiness that I love so much in my onion rings. But I'm nitpicking now. Take my advice and pop into Molly's for a taste of a real cheeseburger, you won't be disappointed.
I don't really fit into my neighborhood - but neither do you, Molly's! I think that means we were meant to be.
What I'm trying to tell you, Molly's, is that you stand out from all the other "Irish" bars in the area by serving up totally decent burgers, by hosting a clientele about 30 years older than other bars and laying out charming touches like a sawdust floor.
You should know, though, that you're lucky. You're so very lucky that you live down the street from me because I'd never go out of my way to see you again. For the burgers you serve just aren't worth a trek.
Fortch, for you, we live in the same hood. So I'll be seeing you. Sooner than later. So you got that going for you. Which is nice.
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On the search for the greatest burger on earth, I found a respectable pub. Regarding the clientelle, no one annoyed me there. I love old Irish people - but these were the staff. The people in front of the bar seemed to be working class or one generation removed.
That burger is huge. One could ask: are they making up for something? Another: maybe they are just proud of their meat? It's a lot to bite through, so it's best order medium-rare at maximum. It's gotta be juicy to eat the nearly two-inches-high ground meat. By the end, if you can make it that far, the bun is charred and soggy, creating another layor of flavor from this behemoth. Truly an epic ride.
I would like to eat here 5 times to try all the cheeseburgers. On this occasion I had cheddar. Visually, It covered the top evenly like a mushroom head. And for taste, I commend it for it's flavor and sharpness.
French fries with lots of browning from the skin or overcooking. Not necessarily crunchy, but still good. I usually ask for my fries well-done anyhow.
Lots of little touches like a fireplace, sawdust on the floor, and dankness. I dig it and wouldn't mind going back if I was hungry and in the area by coincidence. Irish kitchens are among my favorites, so whatever comes out of one I will probably love. Next time... I have no idea what I will order.
Since the burger, I've gotten corned beef sandwich (which you should not and take me as the martyr), and crab cakes (excellent).
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There are so many Irish bars on this stretch of 3rd Ave and yet Molly stands out from the pack. The floor is covered with sawdust (where it comes from, I've never been able to figure out). The crowd is usually close to 50/50 male/female and is a little less rowdy (better able to handle their drinks) which is rather unique for any drinking establishment around this area. In addition, food here is actually good. Now, it's not a culinary destination but they have a rather extensive menu ranging from Fried Calamari to Sheperds' Pie to their burgers so at least, you don't have to drink on an empty stomach.
I don't know what it is about Molly's but all in all, it invites you in to make yourself comfortable and spend the evening getting to know everyone else. And it's always with a little regret that I stepped back into the cold..
People thought this was:
Definite emerald isle vibe. I don't know about the sawdust floor - I only remember that being a staple in Irish butchers' and to me sawdust seems only plausible to help soak up puke... and us Irish are usually potty-trained if that's even necessary.
The tried and true trademark however is the lighting. Dim enough for the bats in the rafter - a signature of the Irish drinking hole.
If your coming here order a damn Guiness - their other brews didn't cut it and were $7 on a weeknight.
The burger here is definitely worth it. It's a steaming pile of the round with a real good portion of fries to go with.
Definitely worth a trip..
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Fantastic place to grab a drink with some friends. This is the perfect pub atmosphere where one can get a drink without being bothered. The bartenders are really nice...they serve you when you need to be served but leave you alone the rest of the time. We did four rounds of drinks and the fifth was on the house, which was completely unexpected and totally unnecessary but extremely welcomed in this time of recession.
Majority of people come here for food or for a chat with a friend over a beer. This is not a social scene to mingle/pick up other folks.
The drinks are not too bad for Manhattan prices - $7 for pint of beer (big pints) and $7 for shots. At one point we got shots the size of a glass!
I will def come back here to grab drinks when I need a chill night with some friends.
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My quest for the holy grail (aka the best burger in nyc) is complete! I've been to the burger joint, numerous forgettable establishments around the city(see my review on dj reynolds), and many places big and small. Somehow tucked away in this bar/pub/whatever Irish people call their watering hole, is one of the best burgers in the city. Went there with a group of three friends who all ordered typical bar food, deep fried with a side of fries.
My cousin had made an off hand comment about the burger's being good and luckily for me that was just what I was in the mood for. I ordered the buffalo burger medium rare. A lot of times when places list the weight of their burger its before they cook it, so a 10oz burger can become an 8.5oz burger depending on whether or not the customer enjoys eating hockey pucks. Never the less, it was not a problem here. The burgers are big, juicy, and very well cooked. I'm not going to lie, I'm always nervous about ordering a burger in a bar because more times then not, its cooked one way-BURNT, regardless of how you ordered it. Again not an issue here. Also the steak fries they serve it with are nice and big as well.
Left this establishment extremely happy and filled. Can't wait to bring more friends back here and let them taste the glory that is the best burger in NYC.
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Went back to the old stomping grounds this weekend. I can't believe I forgot how huge Molly's burgers are. At least 2 inches thick and they come with a large portion of mashed potatoes, fries, potato salad or onion rings. All this for $10. I got half way through my burger before I said uncle. The meat (and mashed potatoes) were really flavorful. Everyone enjoyed their food (there were 11 of us dining) and the service was attentive, even during a Friday night crowd.
I miss being able to go to Molly's for a pint. They have a great fireplace to cozy up to in the winter. It's just a warm and inviting pub that I love!
http://www.mollysshebe...
I hate it when places are hyped and don't deliver. I love it when places aren't talked about and blow me away. I'd never heard of Molly's, but was introduced by a friend and told that this Gramercy Irish pub had one of the better burgers in NY on their menu. Of course, I had to investigate.
With little choice but to order a burger, I did just that. It arrived on the plate as a mound of juicy beef piled over an inch high on a soft bun. The site of so much former cow was daunting. On one bite I knew my friend had been telling the truth. It was as if I was a 9-year old child just learning about the Jonas Brothers from a friend, or a toddler discovering Dora the Explorer. Quickly, I was hooked and now I will recommend Molly's to you.
Final note- atmosphere here is very cool too.
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On a cold wintry night Molly's will make you warm, cozy and satisfied. A casual friendly atmosphere wood burning fire place , sawdust on the floor and a full nice variety of hot filling Irish food on the menu you'll be pleasantly surprised with this casual spot.
Neighborhood spot, great for all ages/size groups. Definitely adds some much needed heart to the neighborhood.
Came here with a friend who has been to this place many times and had the best time!
Date Rating: 7 (8 if they like casual)
Pick up Scale: 5
Strong Suggestion: Come when you're in the mood for cozy and casual. You won't feel like you're in NYC that's for sure. Also walk by Rolf's and have a beer. The ornaments alone will remind you of a Bloomingdale's display.
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This place might just serve the best burger ever. And I mean EVER. I try burgers everywhere I go. Sometimes two or three a day. And Molly's smashes them all.
Pros: BURGERS. Great, hand-cut fries. Sawdust on the floor. Murphy's on tap. Really fucking dark, even in the daytime. The people serving your food and drinks have accents and are friendly.
Cons: Prices on food can stretch a bit more than they should. No happy hour specials that I'm aware of.
This is one of the better-kept secrets, and I'm shamed to let anyone know how good it is. Enjoy.
BEST CHEESEBURGER EVER.
I ain't kidding man. Big and Juicy (get it medium rare or you're just an idiot) with nice, sharp cheddar. Wow. It's a beautiful, primal experience.
Nice, older Irish lasses take good care of ya, perfect, hand pumped pints o' Murphy's...........and I'm spent.
Fireplace, sawdust on the floor......I'm in, you got me Molly's!
SLAINTE!!!
My favorite Irish Pub in Manhattan... Best pint of Guiness... Best Irish Breakfast... Best corned beef and cabbage... Best rare bacon cheese burger... Lovely waitresses... Lovely fireplace... Lovely sawdust... Lovely escape... Shh, it's a secret.
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I've always been infatuated with the Irish Culture, whether its listening to U2 or Van Morrison, reading Joyce, watching the films of Jim Sheridan or bathing with Irish Spring, my heart screams "Erin Go Bragh." So to find a great Irish pub in this sprawling city is a welcome discovery. To find a great Irish pub that also brings together my love for a perfectly poured Guinness and a delicious burger? It might as well be finding a four leaf clover.
Molly's bills itself as a pub and shebeen. No they're not trying to tell us Molly has been here- a shebeen is like a shady bar that sells liquor without a license. Molly's hits on this aesthetic, as it is dark, and intimate, with its floors comically filled with sawdust, as if it were sand on a beach. In the daytime, its sparsely filled, but that's no matter. The staff are friendly and eager to pour you a Murphy's, or the perfectly poured stout. It's not often you get Guinness at the right temperature, and in some god forsaken hell holes in this city, you sometimes don't even get a 2 part pour! But this place is authentic as it gets and serves a proper Guinness- and when you've had enough of em you will notice the difference in flavor from when the beer is poured properly and from when it is not.
But what throws this place into legendary status is its incredible 10 oz. burger. A massive heaping pile of perfection, I had mine with cheddar and sauteed onions. Its served on a toasted sesame seed bun with lettuce and tomato on the side and your choice of a fries or onion rings- and my god, definitely choose the onion rings. Rather than being breaded, they are battered- and are crispy and perfect. Forget what I've said in prior reviews- these are the best onion rings I've had.
And the burger- what a perfectly cooked piece of meat- perfectly charred on the outside and medium rare as specified on the inside. Huge and incredibly flavorful. Would not surprise me if they used a little bit of Worcestershire sauce and onion flavor in the mix on the patties. Sadly a burger this large will not stay together if you over stuff it- so leave some of the lettuce, tomato, onion behind and go easy on the ketchup. The cheddar and onions work in harmony here- and they use a sharper, tastier cheddar than you're average joint.
Indeed, Molly's serves the best pub burger I've had in NYC, the best Guinness I've had in NYC and the best onion rings I've had in NYC. 5 stars. After a meal like this you'll want to do what I did- turn on "Into the Mystic" and take a relaxing afternoon nap.
People thought this was:
For an area with, in my opinion, a lack of good hangout spots, I am a big fan of Molly's. The food in my opinion was OK (apart from the Sheppard's pie which was superb), but what is really special about this place is that it has character. The walls speak to you with a pleasant old school charm, the beer tastes amazing and the staff is friendly. If you're down for a nice chill evening to hang low and have a good conversation, this is a good place to pass by your time. Definitely recommended!
I came to try the burger and found it was majorly overrated. It's like they chopped up half a cow and put it between a bun. Waaay to thick for my liking. I didn't even make it through half.
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There must be a lot of care poured into a Black & Tan here 'cause I could taste the love in two pints all night long. It's no joke; just a spectacle of sheer beer beauty.
All five of us got 10 oz. of some of the best burgers the city has to offer, which cost ten or eleven bucks. I got the American cheeseburger cooked medium, but they forgot to bring out my request for a side of barbecue sauce (a buck extra).
Our server was an old Irish lady with glasses who was very polite, attentive, and eager to make sure we had a great night. My friend ordered a mozzarella cheeseburger with bacon, but our server couldn't tell if there was bacon in his so she asked him to check.
She corrected this when another server came by and handed her an open-faced burger which clearly had bacon in it. She apologized, left for a few minutes, then came back with a dish of eight glorious slices of bacon to make up for it. Bacon makes everything better.
The first few bites of mine were delicious, but unfortunately, I inhaled the rest so I couldn't account for the last bites. It's a serious burger that says, "Hey, I'm a quality cheeseburger. I was made just for you and I like to take this time to let you know that many burger joints can't compare." I promptly agreed.
After my burger told me that (secretly of course) I thought to myself that I can't wait to come back and try their traditional Irish fare - most especially their Shepherd's Pie.
When the check came, I couldn't read the handwriting to see if the extra bacon was really free or if my order for a side of barbecue sauce was recorded.
By that time, I could've cared less as I was soaking in all the deliciousness of my food and the full bodied character of my beer.
I was becoming one with the sawdust on the floor.
People thought this was:
Mmm...where to start?! This small unassuming Irish Pub/ Bar is so yummy!! You would probably walk right by it if you didn't know they have one of the BEST BURGERS in the city!! Saw dust on the floors and a simple no frills decor - but boy, is the food good. Would also recommend the Fish & Chips with a big ol' Guiness. I noticed there was a cute fireplace as well for those cold winter nights!
Okay been a while since I've tried their burgers at Molly's. So a cute
bartender from Sweden (Anya) was giving me perfect service.. and I requested fries not overdone with a medium rare cheese burger (no bun).
They gave me on the side some pickles (garlicky), and lettuce and
onion. The burger was cooked perfectly, a bit hard grilled shell on the outside, but moist and medium rare inside. No complaints, and high
grade meat. The fries were perfect as requested. I had numerous ice-teas with it, cause I was afraid the beers would fill me up right away.. I could barely finish the burger and fries. :) The staff was nice and friendly.. .the atmosphere relaxed... I noticed on one of the TV's they've got Sports Channel and blurbs about the NY Mets kept popping up.. but I was positioned at the bar so I could not view it well in the corner. All in all, a top NY burger.. Upgrade from 3 to 4 stars.
People thought this was:
Tiny little bar, with nice beers, great burgers (big ones) and fries. I've come here a few time… Read more »
It may be the sawdust talking, but if you must venture above 14th street (and I don't endorse that) these folks pour an excellent pint of Guinness.
The pub grub ain't terrible, either.
People thought this was:
Delicious 10 oz burgers (charred on the outside yet juicy on the inside) and even better lamb stew. I hear you should try the french onion soup and the bangers & mash.
I love the atmosphere here. And yes, that includes the sawdust on the floors effect.
They pour a beautiful black & tan.
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Great pint of Guiness and delicious 10 oz burger! I asked for it medium well and it was perfect! Great pint of Guiness!!! Sawdust on the floor and David Carradine was there munching on food as well. Good place for some comfort food.
Great pub without your typical pub crowd. The atmosphere actually veers on romantic. Very dark and sawdusty.
Food - My fiance swears by the fish and chips. Best he's ever had. I've had the burger and it was good, but I didn't think it was anything too special (except for the fact it was huge).
Drink - Guiness! They pour a perfect pint here.
Overall synopsis - great place to grab a pint at the bar with friends or to cozy up in a booth for a date.
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On of the best burger in town. Not like the small little quarter pounders you'd get from Shake shack!!!
Be ready for large portions. As one if sure to fill you up.
We were only in NYC for 8 days, but i drank a lot of Guinness, and this was the best I've had. Just the perfect temperature. Great selection of other beers on tap, if Guinness isn't your cup of stout.
We've been here both times we visited NYC, and I think I actually got the same meal both times, the Irish pub standard "bangers and mash." They are incredible. Sausage, potatoes, gravy...all of it. The wife got fish and chips which were really good as well.
I love the atmosphere, small, dark, wood all around. Flatscreens up in a few places with baseball on if you're interested, although they're easily ignored. A great low key, laid back kind of place that always seems busy but manages to have a seat for you.
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The sawdust is a cute touch...till it makes you fall on your bum bum in front of everyone at the bar! AND I WAS SOBER! Good times, good times!
This place has got character. Thats what makes or breaks a place for me, ya know. Since i dont drink and I go to bars I tend to take in the atmosphere more than your average person. Everyone was jolly, the place was clean, the food was good. Its a pub so they have standard pub grub. They do it well.
It can get a bit crowded....waited a while for a table for 6...for a 2 or 3 party it shouldnt be too bad.
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Irish pub ambiance with a neighborhood/local feel. They pour a perfect Guinness, and the wood burning fireplace is a nice touch. I sampled the mozzarella sticks (they are huge!), burger, fries, onion rings - and all were delicious albeit a bit greasy. Oh, yes, and I head the Guinness was the low-cal variety too (Ha!). Definitely recommend for a great, low key place to catch up with friends or have a beer after work.
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This is really a fabulous burger ... I've never had anything else there (except the chicken wings while waiting for the burgers). The waitresses are the best ... they are really busy so they seem abrupt, but they are just moving too fast. The place is starting to realize that it's not so terrible to offer salad instead of potatoes with the burger ... a huge positive step.
It's a classic pub atmosphere, and they keep the adult beverages moving, but they gotta do something about the sawdust. Can't put anything on the floor , always in fear of slipping .... and it smells foul.
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This place is a perfect match for carnivores and bargain hunters. The waitress was a sweetheart and commented on the awestruck expression on my face when our plates came out. That's how EPIC the burgers are. I know the term medium varies from person to person but this place managed to cook mine just right. Came here on a Saturday night so the wait was a bit long. Grabbed a drink at the bar but the entrance area was kinda narrow so we had to keep shifting every few minutes to let people out.
Free Wings Fridays
Neighborhood: Kips Bay
Ladies Night Wednesdays
Neighborhood: Murray Hill
Neighborhood: Gramercy
Category: Pubs
Neighborhood: Gramercy
Category: Sports Bars
Neighborhood: Stuyvesant Town
Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: Gramercy
Category: Pubs
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Category: Pubs
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