BEER BEER ...um....BEER?

 BEER BEER BEER and....um..... more BEER??






"Oh "YES", have a seat boys and girls and listen to the adults tell a story about one of the greatest inventions since the wheel...no no, we are not talking about the telephone (Also great..Unless you are drunk dialing). no folks, we are talking about...BEER"


The history of beer starts with the first type of brew (Oh yes) called Ale. Ale is one of the oldest beverages humans have produced (and mankind knows how to make a great thing that gets you feeling like a champion), dating back to at least the 5th millennium BC and recorded in the written history of Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia (this is why I put a picture of a "Beer-a-Mid" on this page the Egyptians were simply an amazing culture.). As almost any cereal containing certain sugars can undergo spontaneous fermentation due to wild yeasts in the air, it is possible that beer-like beverages were independently developed throughout the world soon after a tribe or culture had domesticated cereal (Wild,...but don't think of this like the cereal you have for breakfast.. "Whats for breakfast Hunny?...Cereal?..last time I ate this for breakfast I didn't go to work and I walked into a tree"). Chemical tests of ancient pottery jars reveal that beer was produced about 7,000 years ago in what is today Iran, and was one of the first-known biological engineering tasks where the biological process of fermentation is used in a process. In Mesopotamia, the oldest evidence of beer is believed to be a 6,000-year-old Sumerian tablet depicting people drinking a beverage through reed straws from a communal bowl. A 3900-year-old Sumerian poem honoring Ninkasi, the patron goddess of brewing(who should be honored ad the Goddess of all Bars), contains the oldest surviving beer recipe, describing the production of beer from barley via bread. ( If ANYONE ever says "Drinking is going out of style", remind them that it has been around for a few THOUSAND years...also its probably a good idea to never talk to that person again, or invite him out around people!! Some would even say he should be stoned behind a bar...Some....because that's probably what they did back then when people didn't want to drink... )

   As almost any substance containing carbohydrates, mainly sugar or starch, can naturally undergofermentation, it is likely that beer-like beverages were independently invented among various cultures throughout the world. The invention of bread and/or beer has been argued to be responsible for humanity's ability to develop technology and build civilization        (You see that AA, if it wasn't for beer, we wouldn't even have civilizations!......Quitters!). The earliest chemically confirmed barley beer to date was discovered at Godin Tepe in the central Zagros Mountains of Iran (Yes a Strange name), ca. 3500-3100 B.C. (Chalcolithic/Late Uruk Period).

Beer may have been known in Neolithic Europe as far back as 3000 BC,  and was mainly brewed on a domestic scale. (Can you Imagine this...I wonder what that beer could have tasted like...or better yet how strong it was)

Ale produced before the Industrial Revolution continued to be made and sold on a domestic scale, although by the 7th century AD beer was also being produced and sold by European monasteries. During the Industrial Revolution, the production of beer moved from artisanal manufacture to industrial manufacture, and domestic manufacture ceased to be significant by the end of the 19th century.^[8] The development of hydrometers andthermometers changed brewing by allowing the brewer more control of the process, and greater knowledge of the results. (Probably a much better taste too)

Today, the brewing industry is a global business, consisting of several dominant multinational companies and many thousands of smaller producers ranging from brewpubs to regional breweries (even small Micro-Breweries...like my bath-tub...just kidding). More than 133 billion liters (35 billion gallons) are sold per year—producing total global revenues of $294.5 billion. This is an investment here folks, In an UP or Down economy there is always room for beer growth. I don't know any other uses for a bar, other than to to Celebrate the Good times, and also to wash away the bad....meeting people (Hopefully not cops if you get pulled over) and enjoying yourself is what a good bar is about. I'm sure the fermenting process was carried into other alcohols as well...but this particular post is about the all great and ever popular B E E R.

I hope you enjoyed this lesson on the history of the very substance in your glass that makes you funny and happy to all of those around you!

-thisBARrocks.com

ULYSSES (FOLK HOUSE)

95 Pearl Street  New York, NY 10004 (212) 482-0400

 What a GREAT BAR....Your are about to find out why THIS BAR ROCKS!!!
To Start at the beginning....the Financial District is a boring and desolate place after 6pm any day of the week and on the weekend it is a "Tourist Attraction From HELL" (Excuse me sir, take a picture of me and my enormous family in front of the NY Stock Exchange....No no its blurry can you take ANOTHER??). So yeah there is not much going on down there to write about as far as bars and hot spots are concerned....or ARE THERE? Ulysees is tucked back on Pearl Street with another entrance on Stone Street ( Yes the bar is THAT BIG! It stretches between blocks!). In the Summer they host folding picnic tables (party like a picnic) and block the street off for the major overflow of happy drinkers and fun loving bar crowds. This is a bar to show up at looking entirely different in a t-shirt and catch the eye of everyone (This bar is full of suits and "Lady business skirts").It's a great place to have some drinks and some food.

This bar also plays host to a number of amazing bands (you have never heard of them but damn some of them can really wale!) There are small upper seating areas that act as stages during specific dates and events, there is a DJ booth that (sometimes) takes requests, beautiful bartenders, 2 sets of bathrooms for both men and women, and there is a HUGE circle bar!! In the center (wall divider) there is a small brick tunnel inlet that takes you to the "Other Half" of this cool bar where there is an additional bar and seating. On a Thursday and Friday it is near impossible to find seating from 4-10pm, The after work crowd or just the people who live down in this boring financial neighborhood go to this bar and party party...can't find it? Take the 2,3 train to Wall street, exit at William and just follow the lull roar you will hear as you pass Del Monico's restaurant. I lived in this neighborhood for over a year and didn't discover it til about 6 months in, and after that I practically lived there on the weekends. It is truly a wonderful spot to hit up if you find yourself way downtown...this is a "Financial" drinkers version of  Charlie Sheen's"Winning"

They also host a lobster night and a clam bake in the summer. ( This Bar Rocks)

Ulysses is a little pricey with average beers at $7 but they have a large selection (over 40 BEERS!) and if you are taking a date be prepared to pay more $$$ GREEN if she doesn't like beer ($15-16$ Mix Drinks that are the size of something your average person can drink like a shot (boo hoo) Overall I give this Bar a "TOP RATING" because it is a great spot to meet people and in such an odd location, people will thank you for showing them such a cool bar :)

-thisBARrocks.com

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Live Music at Ulysses is a standard

STUMBLE INN-- 76th Street @ 2nd Ave.

The Stumble Inn*

1454 2nd Avenue  New York, NY 10021
 Phone :(212) 650-0561

Opening its doors in May 2008, The Stumble Inn joined Down the Hatch, Jake's Dilemma, The Gin Mill and Off the Wagon as one of NYCBESTBARS. Located at 1454 Second Avenue, The Stumble Inn is a classic N.Y. sports bar and American pub.

Their extensive bar menu features the famous "STUFFED BURGERS". This burger lovers dream is served with a wide variety of stuffing from bacon to jalapenos to a selection of cheeses (They were even featured on TLC!! Wow! Impressive...I know). In addition they have a huge variety of grubby grubbing good food, different things ranging from buffalo chicken nachos to good ole' bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches. (It's not just for breakfast Folks!!)

These tasty and "AMAZING" Food choices can be washed down with any one of the 14 draft beers, 15 bottled beers or a cocktail/(manly whiskey drink) from the bar. While eating and boozing, you can watch your favorite sporting events.....(."There are more electronics on the wall than your neighborhood Best Buy!") They have 14 flat screen TV's  and they also host projector screens... ALL IN FULL HDTV.(Expect Nothing less now a days...If a bar doesn't have HDTV...whats the point...this is 2012 Folks)

 The "STUMBLE INN" Review:

"I'm ready for football!" screamed a meaty dude in an Eli Manning jersey on a recent Thursday night at the Stumble Inn, the raucous successor to the beloved Mo's Caribbean. Nearby, tie-loosened office workers battled in beer pong ("Drink! Drink!" "Its kind of great to watch these guys party, it makes you wonder how much they hate their day jobs"), while baseball-hatted dudes furiously played foosball and ignored the heel-clad ladies angling for another round of sickly-sweet SoCo Lime and vodka Lemon Drop shots( Great mix of both Men and women so expect to meet friendly faces). This loud, loutish saloon, is the fifth watering hole/upscale dive in co-owner Danny Thomases's empire (which also includes collegiate dives Jake's Dilemma and the Gin Mill) (This Guy knows how to create a Bad@$$ BAR!), is a rec room for the wrecked. In this stylish and rugged bar, one can say it is a perfect fit for this college loving neighborhood, The 14 drafts mix class (Blue Moon, Red Hook IPA) with crap (expected domestics but I still love my "Mid-western Shelf" of Coors light and Bud Light), but if it's liquor you're after,( I hope its Whiskey!!) don't order anything more exotic than two-ingredient cocktails like whiskey-and-Cokes. Quantity, not quality, is the key selling point, with a half-off deal until 7pm on weekdays. But decrease your IQ, and you can find lowbrow bliss ( Just don't get into a cop car thinking its a cab when you leave). Crisp, meaty buffalo wings are spicily sauced, and the oozing, bacon-stuffed burgers are palm-filling perfection( How is it bad for my heart if I'm in Love with it?). So go on: Drink more, be Loud obnoxious and fun, eat the deep-fried hot dogs and Double Stuffed Oreos( Holy Crap these are amazing after 6 pints!).  A great Bar that i would easily give an 80% rating ..from Thursday to Sunday (only during NFL season for Sundays) this place is slamtastic with fun!! not a bad spot to pre-game a Yankees Game (I have) and catch the train up to the Bronx

*** Quoted from their website they say  to analogize: Stumble Inn is to sipping what Gin Mill is to funneling. 

*Hard to beat $1 drafts on Mondays though. How else can you beat the Monday blues better than by cheap Beer?? I mean seriously?

 In Closing :This bar is from the same owner who brought you Down the Hatch, Off the Wagon and The Gin Mill (An those bars Flippin' ROCK**) and is dedicated to drinking as a sport (Please drink responsibly, don't drink and drive my beloved readers).  Don't forget to test out Stumble Inn's menu of greasy and well-prepared bar food, which features guilty gross" fatty" pleasures such as the stuffed burgers which are INSANELY GOOD! and must be mentioned again, buffalo wings, mozzarella sticks, and deep-fried Oreos. Fun Fun Fun....what more can I say than " Check it out! This Bar Rocks!"

- thisBARrocks.com

Jakes Dilema @ 81st and Amsterdam

                     JAKE'S DILEMMA


430 Amsterdam Avenue  New York, NY 10024 (Btwn 80th-81st)
  Phone-  (212) 580-0556
Open 7-days a week-


Here is a Bar a little farther uptown but worth
the trip for its convenience to other 
establishments on the same block, and also the 
fun and life filled neighborhood.

        In September of 1994. Now regarded as the landmark bar of the Upper West Side (Amsterdam Btwn 80th-81st street), Jake's Dilemma is in its second decade of being the place to be. Jake's distinguishes itself by offering over 50 different beers from across the USA. In addition there are 14 beers on tap. If it is a great beer selection you are looking for, look no further than Jake's Dilemma. There are nightly drink specials, "Half Price Happy Hour" and great shot specials offered 7 days a week.

Right: (Jake's on a Friday night in June)

Below: (Private party room "Oak Cellar")

    Also at Jake's Dilemma, they have one of the few foosball tables still active in New York City. Come show your skills and take on the Upper West Side's best. Jake's also has a Big Buck Hunter video game that you can play alone or with a friend.

There is also a great bar menu for burgers,wings, and appetizers!

They can also accommodate parties of up to 200 people in our main bar area or more intimate gatherings in one of our two private party rooms: The Oak Cellar and The Living Room Prices vary so call and ask :)

                                                            ( Private Party room "Living Room")


RATING: I give this bar an 80% Rating, on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday it is packed with fun
                       Lively people! Great place to meet someone if you are in college or part of the younger 
                       crowd, but also a fun place to meet friends!!


*** Note: Bring proper I.D. these guys have great security and will not let you in without Identification


*** Note : DO NOT stand on the stairs when the bar is packed (Security Hates this for some reason)






     ***  The owners of this establishment also own 3Sheets Saloon, Off The Wagon, The 13th Step, 
The Gin Mill, and the Stumble Inn!!  
3 Sheets Saloon, Off The Wagon, The 13^th Step, Jake’s Dilemma, The Gin Mill, and The Stumble Inn all offer private party spaces that can accommodate groups from 20 to 200.

You can set a party room up by calling the party planners at: 212-585-2371

There are 1500-1800 Bars in NYC and some change hands everyday. A new bar will replace an old one or a new owner will come in and change the look and feel of the bar to get the attention of bar goers. How do you pick a bar where you can find the right music, right people, right drinks and do it all without having to pay first? The solution is simple, come and checkout this blog and lookout for upcoming www.thebarrocks.com for cool reviews and tips.

Stop wasting your time and money in bars that don't meet your expectations, find out before you go and spend your money. We have categorized these bars according to ambiance, drink specialty, people, music and location. All you would have to do is put in the parameters of what you are looking for and let ThisBARrocks find you the right bar.

Barcelona Bar @55th street and 8th Ave.

"Holy Fire Shot Harry Potter!" no seriously, that's the name of this particular flaming shot, the "Harry Potter". BARCELONA BAR on 55th @ 8th Avenue is a shot bar featuring themed shots with tricks and wardrobe changes. When you walk into this quaint "dive" you will see old floors, wood bar stools and a long stretching bar.The back area is host to a dart board and a jukebox.You will  note the disheveled decor with red walls, a bar featuring 5 Samsung plasmas and a Gorilla motif made from Legos.This place on a Friday night gets tighter than a 6 train during rush-hour (equal in size). This isn't a place to hold a bachelor party or a wedding reception (why would you?!), but it is a nice dive to have a cheap pint and catch a game on the tvs. If you are a daring type (you may not be), there are a number of specialized shots "custom" to this establishment. Careful what you order, some host 151' (packing a wallop!) and  others turn into a show of "Shame". The "Harry Potter" or "The Hard Intern" will get a lot of attention from the other "Bar Go-ers", there are even shots themed after "Indiana Jones" and "Superman" that feature theme songs from the movies,  but none as daring and socially dangerous as the "Full Metal Jacket", this is a shot you order for someone you'd like to see ruined in life and run over by a bus driven by Rosie O'Donnell,... because that is how they will feel when they are finished (You've been warned). All in all, this place is in good fun and spirits, it becomes host to many local residents and friends of the bar. They are open 7 days a week and they always have a fun and friendly bartender. The restrooms aren't perfect by any means (you may want to hold it), but they do go with the "style" of this dive.

   There are only two beers on tap, Bud Light and Guinness (Best of Both Worlds), but there is a vast selection of bottled beers both domestic and import. Space is limited so if you have a group of 4 or more, you might try your luck at one of the 4 tables, there are 2 in the front and 2 in the back by the jukebox. This place fills up on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday, and also has a pretty mean crowd during playoffs.

  (If you find yourself lost on 8th Avenue looking for this  fun spot, look no further than the "Blue Neon Shot Glass" in the window. As you walk in, tip your hat to Barcelona Bars mascot "SnowFlake" created entirely from Legos.)

Daily Happy-Hour specials are from 4-7 hosting beer and shot specials.

Bars of NYC

Lets Face it, Going out is fun, but sometimes you end up at the wrong bar and the party simply ends. There needs to be a better way to find the right bar at the right time. The "Goal" of this blog is to remove the guess work, and give you the low down on what bars are in the city, what the atmosphere is like, and what the best drinks are for your budget. 

Before we begin talking about "Specific Bars", there are a few things to remember:

 *Bars are like "SnowFlakes"*

 Let's be honest, all bars are created differently, they have different styles, different themes, and different types of people in them. This in mind, New York City is the best place to find a bar that suits your needs. Whether its uptown or downtown, high-end or dives, there is something for everyone in this city. "No Two Bars Are Created Alike"

** Stray away from "Franchises"**

  We've all been to Appleb**'s, but no one wants to visit a chain restaurant on a Friday night in NYC for  adult drinks, (Unless you're into that kind of thing. Cool,..Good for you, but just for the record, there are so many better bars in this city and maybe you should get out more!).That said, "Franchised Bars" ruin the fun of something unique, "Yes" there are different people working, and "Yes" they are in different neighborhoods, but that doesn't mean you should go to them, nor are they any different than the last time you went to one. I like cheese burgers, that doesn't mean I think McD0N*lds has the best burger. Next time you want to catch a "Happy-Hour" try something new, fresh, and probably even local.

***Scope the Neighbor"HOOD"***

 You wouldn't see our president or our mayor at a bar in the East village, or Williams(BILLY)burg for that matter. What I'm saying is this, scope the scene in that area or on that block. If it looks like trendy hipsters with beards, plaid shirts, black frame glasses and skinny jeans wearing there "Oh so Clever" Chucks, and you are in a business suit straight from you bank job, perhaps this isn't the bar for you (or maybe it is?!).

If you have an idea of what you are looking for on that particular night, make sure the place you scout has the type of people you want to meet walking in and out or even smoking outside (unless you don't smoke, or if the bar is empty). Keep this in mind when you approach a bar or your friends want you to meet them somewhere, do some research (maybe even on this blog?), find out where the bar is located and you might be able to tell the way you should dress, and the types of people you will meet there.

**** K * I * S * S ****

    Keep It Simple StUpId* When you walk into a new bar (place you have never been)  Look around first before you bum-rush the bar for a drink. Bartenders don't like pushy patrons, they like "cool thirsty patrons".

Look at the taps when you walk in so you know what they have, don't walk up to a bartender in front of the keg system (where the taps are) and say "What do you have on tap" you might as well finish that sentence with "I'm pretty much a jerk who can't read and pays no attention to his surroundings". Bartenders love it when you know what you want, it is their job to make you that drink, don't quiz them or ask them stupid questions like "Whats good here" or "I want something fruity", it's not their job to read your mind, if they could, they would be somewhere else making a LOT more money. Basic idea here is know what you want to drink when you go in the bar, also a good idea to look around, make sure there are nice looking people inside ( No one wants to wander into a biker bar and order a apple martini or a "cosmo") that you want to talk to. Its also a good idea to scout where the restroom is, so you know and don't have to ask "where's the Potty"

***** Tip The Bartender*****

  Probably the most obvious, but I'll say it anyway " TIP THE BARTENDER" I know what you're thinking here "Tip them for doing their job"?? Well guess what, they don't make that much, and gratuity is always appreciated especially if you work at a bar. Just imagine your job, and the people you don't like there, now imagine those people "3 Sheets To The Wind" and you don't make any extra money for it, now do you see why you tip? This is also a reciprocal scenario, the more you tip (most times), the better (stronger) the drinks. Tipping is good for many reasons, would you come back to help a re-peat non-tipper for another drink?, You can speed up you beverage process with a generous tip in the beginning so you are remembered by the bartender and then from there, talk, introduce yourself, and trickle your tips a little slower. This is the best way to get in good with the bartender, especially if the scene is great and you want to become a regular.

--thisBARrocks.com