Hell's Kitchen Pub Crawl

Our friend (& MurphGuide reader) Steve invites you to his 9th annual Hell's Kitchen Pub Crawl, which raises funds for




Steve did such a good job with the write-up for the crawl, that I am just going to post it here in its entirely:

The 2009 Crawl will be making 10 stops throughout the Kitchen. And if the turnout is similar to the last eight years, it should be a large crowd. As always, there is at least one new spot (apparently the recession is hitting the Westside as there weren’t too many new places to choose from). But I think you’re going to like the new place. Once again, this year’s crawl route stretches from 43rd to 55th St. and from 8th Ave. to 11th Ave. So be sure to wear some comfy shoes.

Remember, there are two main goals for this crawl. First and foremost, is to have a great time (you know, the kind that goes along with a few gallons of Guinness) - and more importantly, to raise some erious money in Tommy’s name. I hoping to raise over $3,000 this year, so be sure to spread the word to all your friends. Once again, we will be donating 100% of the proceeds raised this year to a NYC fighter fund, namely the Thomas R Elsasser Fund. This is a very popular fund for members of the FDNY. Thanks to Susie and company, there will be plenty of NY’s bravest on hand. For more info, click below:
ufanyc.org/funds/index.php

The UFA Thomas R. Elsasser Fund:
This fund helps to support the families of firefighters who have died Non-Line of Duty due to accident or illness

Raffles: The 50/50 raffle will be back this year, so be sure to hit the ATM before showing up. The last time we did this, someone walked away with over $600 in cash (that ain’t too shabby)

Now, before we get to the crawl stops, how about some HK Pub Crawl trivia?

1. If you have made all 9 crawls, how many actual bar/pub stops (cumulative total) will you have made over the years (official stops only)?
2. Over the course of the past 9 years, how many different bars have we been to (assuming you make it to every stop this year)? Again, official stops only.
3. How many bars have made the cut every year? And which ones are they?
4. How many stops from the original crawl in 2001 are on the 2009 Crawl?

If you know all the answers, maybe I’ll toss some extra shwag your way.

And now for my shameless plugs:

Remember, for all of your millinery needs be sure to visit Cha Cha’s House of Ill Repute at 68 Jay street in Dumbo (that’s in Brooklyn for you non residents). Feel free to email her at dina@chachashouse.com or you can visit chachashouse.com .

Also, do be kind to your bartenders on Saturday because they’re going to be kind to you (if nothing else, this little plug gets me free drinks all day).

And, as always, let me give a special thanks to the following people for their assistance in making this all possible: The Collins family, Pete Cooper (graphic design), Dave Blask (swag), Dan McLaughin (Lansdowne Road), Tommy (owner of McQuaids), Suzie Seaman (PR) and all of the other bar owners/managers along the route who are choosing to play along (and discount their beer prices)

Official 2009 Pub Crawl Destinations (listed in order):

All of the times listed below are approximate, so don’t think you have to stick with these. Feel free to go at your own pace. I say 45 minutes per bar, but who are we kidding, it’s usually at least an hour. The deal at the last bar goes until closing. My preliminary plan is to do the 50/50 drawing right around 9:00 or 9:30, just don’t hold me to that.


(1) Lansdowne Road:
10th Ave b/t 43rd and 44th Street (west side of street) Noon– 2:00
Lansdowneroadnyc.com/

Back for its third consecutive start, once again we will be kicking off at Lansdowne Road. If you have never been, you couldn’t ask for a better stop. It’s usually quite a challenge to get the crowd to leave. We will definitely have the run of the place at the start.

There are HD plasma TV’s everywhere, and the Guinness is top notch. Hell, it’s all top notch. Great beer selection, huge selection of Irish whisky and scotch (should you feel the need to jump start your day), great food, and the owner Dan knows his business. Check out the ice sculpture on the bar. Yes, the beer is served very chilly here.

Drink Specials: $3 domestic, $3 micro beers, $4 imports, draft or bottle, $20 domestic and $25 import Tower of Power (120 oz glass tower of your favorite beer). The drafts are of
the 20 oz imperial pint variety (as they should be) Admission also includes complimentary app’s buffet, featuring NYC’s famous Scruffy Duffy’s wings (both medium and hot), chicken fingers, mozz sticks, homemade chicken spring rolls and the best sliders (mini cheddar cheese burgers) in

NYC. Some folks show up just for the sliders. The buffet will be stocked from 12:30-2, so bring an appetite.

Approximate crawling time to next bar: 4.0 – 5.0 minutes

(2) Landmark Tavern:
SE corner of 46th Street and 11th Ave 2:00 – 2:45pm
http://www.thelandmarktavern.org/

The Skinny: Back in its usual #2 slot, this place is a step back to old New York. I love this place. Philly needs more places like this. Hell, Philly needs a lot, but don’t get me started. This is one of the oldest bars in all of Manhattan. Try to imagine walking out the front door of the bar and being right on the Hudson River. Because that’s the way it was back in the 1800s, when this place first opened it doors for all the dock workers and longshoreman. The original bar is still intact as is a majority of the original floor. This is a bit more upscale then we’re used to (its more of a place for a nice glass of scotch) hence it being stop #2 before things get real sloppy. All of the drafts are served in 20oz glasses and the Guinness pour here is second to none. And not that you’re going to have time, but it’s directly across the street from some of the best BBQ in the city.
On a side note, the doors will not open til 1pm here, so don’t plan on getting here too early.

Drink specials: $4 domestic beers, $5 import beers

Approximate crawling time to next bar: 5.5 – 7.0 minutes

(3) Hibernia:
50th St b/t 9th and 10th Aves (closer to 9th) 2:45 – 3:30pm
hiberniabar.com/
The Skinny: Back for its second year, you may recognize some of the owners from their days behind the bar at Scuffys (bow your heads in silent prayer for a moment). Already quite popular amongst the Hells Kitchen residents, this place is sure to be one of your favorites after the crawl this year. I make it a regular stop when I head up to the city. Plenty of quality draft to choose from here, but the Guinness is top notch. I guess Aidan’s days of keeping me off the wagon at Scruffys have taught him a thing or two. And they have tater tots!! You can’t go wrong with those, can you?

Drink specials: $3 domestic beers, $4 import beers

Approximate crawling time to next bar: 4.5 – 5 minutes

(4) Coppersmith’s:
9th Ave. b/t 52nd & 53rd St. (west side of street) 3:30 – 4:15pm

coppersmithsbar.com

The Skinny: Back in the day, this used to be the opening bar on the crawl. The owners (mostly members of the FDNY) are happy to have us back. This is a great after work bar for the late 20’s/early 30’s crowd. There’s plenty of space to relax. And it’s a good place to watch the NFL ticket on Sundays. It also has a wide range of light beers for those not so heavyweights out there.

Drink specials: $3 domestic’s and $4 imports (draft or bottle), $4 well drinks

Approximate crawling time to next bar: 4.5 – 6.5 minutes

OK, we are half way there, time to suck it up for the second half.

(5) Rumors:
8th Ave. b/t 55th & 56th (west side of street) 4:15 – 5:00pm

The Skinny: It’s the 6th in a row for this Irish pub in upper Hells Kitchen. Real nice bar, great owner. Lots of dark wood, exposed brick. The bartenders know how to pour a pint here. The 20 oz imperial pints are the way to go here. The owner Garry is always extremely accommodating and he’s happy to have us back.

Drink specials: $3.00 domestic, $4.00 import (drafts or bottles)

Approximate crawling time to next bar: 3.5 – 4.5 minutes

OK, we are half way there, time to suck it up for the second half

(6) House of Brews:
51st Street b/t 8th & 9th Aves. (near 8th, south side of street) 5:00 – 5:45pm
houseofbrewsny.com

The Skinny: Based on the feedback I get, this has proven to be one of the more popular stops on the crawl each year. You may remember this as BB Doyles from years past. Back for its 9th
consecutive year, and slightly off the beaten track, this cozy 2 level Irish pub is located just north of the theater district. If you’re looking for a beer that’s out of the ordinary, then you’ve come to
the right spot. The 100oz beer bongs are always fun, but the selection of beers (both imports and domestics) here is as good as it gets. Why not try something different.

Drink specials: Any and all beers (domestic or import, draft or bottle) are $1.00 off, $6.00 off beer bongs, $5.00 margaritas and cosmos plus some on-site specials

Approximate crawling time to next bar: 5.5 – 7.5 minutes

(7) The Irish Rogue:
44th St b/t 8th & 9th Aves (near 9th, south side of street) 5:45 – 6:30pm
theirishrogue.com/

The Skinny: Back for its 6th stint of the Crawl, this Irish pub (are you picking up on the Irish trend yet) has a large selection of beers to choose from. Whether you want to grab a bar stool, or kick back on a couch, this is a nice after-work type bar that’s always welcoming. The food is quite good as well. It’s a popular place for soccer and college football, so if you’re feeling a bit claustrophobic, there are two floors, so space shouldn’t be an issue.

Drink Specials: $3.00 domestic, $4.00 imports, draft or bottle; $4.00 well drinks

Approximate crawling time to next bar: 4.0 – 5.0 minutes

(8) Conker Hill:
11th Ave. b/t 45th and 46th st 6:30 – 7:15pm
onkerhill.com

The Skinny: You may remember this stop from a few years ago. The name is straight from Ireland, so that should give you a good idea of what to expect. One of 10th ave’s hidden secrets in the Kitchen. Good craic is sure to be had at this point in the crawl.

Drink Specials: Happy hour prices

Approximate crawling time to next bar: 20 seconds – 1 minute (depending on if you catch the light)

(9) The Pony Bar:
45th St and 11th ave 7:15 – 8:00pm
theponybar.com

The Skinny: We finally have our 2009 Crawl virgin. This is the only newcomer to the crawl this year, but it will surely be a regular stop for years to come. It’s an all American beer bar and at $5 bucks a draft, it’s a sweet deal. I just wish this place was open when I lived three blocks away. This comes to you from the same owners as Lansdowne Road and the old Scruffy’s. Pat and Dan know their business. About the only negative is after 8 stops, you may not appreciate the quality of the sauce here. The menu is constantly changing here, so check the big board behind the bar. I would recommend something from the Victory brewery.

Drink Specials: $5.00 for all drafts

Approximate crawling time to next bar: 4.0 – 5.0 minutes (one block and one ave away)

And should you still have the ability to function, our 10th and final stop…
(10) McQuaids Pub:
NW corner of 44th St and 11th Ave. 8:00ish – ???
The Skinny: It may be a little out of the way, but the owner’s hospitality makes it well worth it the trip. Absolutely no tourists here, this “off the beaten track” Irish pub caters to the real locals of Hell’s Kitchen. The owner, Tommy, couldn’t be happier to have us back this year. Silly cheap drinks here. Think of it as an incentive to make it to the end. This stop includes a full buffet, so there will be plenty of food out for everyone to soak up some the booze in the belly. We will also be drawing the 50/50 raffle here, so remember not to lose those tickets that I know you’re going to buy.

Drink Specials: $2.00 domestic drafts, $3.00 imports drafts, $3.00 bottles. Real simple and real cheap. If you can beat that price, I’d say go for it.

Some final words…
When it’s all said and done, I hope everyone has a great time. That seems to be the case every year. Remember, this was all for a good cause. The Collins family would like to express their thanks for keeping the memory and spirit of Tommy Collins alive. Knowing why we’re here makes it all worth it.

Cheers!
Steven Grau
CEO - Hell's Kitchen Pub Crawl