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1849: The Food is 21st Century, But the Comfort is So 1800′s

Posted by Black Oak On August - 6 - 2009

“Where spirits are high and filled with good cheer, your problems and trouble have no place here.” That is the slogan at 1849, one of the more popular bars in Greenwich Village. It is a local attraction for NYU students, village dwellers, and just about anybody who’s down for a good time.

Despite its name, 1849 (located at 183 Bleecker Street, New York, NY) is not at all antiquated. A comfort-inspired lounge area downstairs is full of plush sofas, chairs and loveseats, and naturally, you’re surrounded by 15 Plasma televisions, and everyone’s favorite, the internet jukebox.

The downstairs area is where most of the patrons tend to situate themselves. There is a bar in the back that’s incredibly spacious, unless you come during peak hours, when an over rambunctious group of NYU grad students can quickly turn this roomy structure into a jubilant, liquor-flowing, hormone-raging talkfest, all the while remaining classy and mature.

Of course, it does not take grad-students to make it that lively. On Sundays, 1849 offers live music, which often gives some of the better local New York City talent a chance to shine in front of a young, lively, and diverse demographic. That is unless of course there is a big game on Sunday night, in which case, the music often gives way to extra seating for the plethora of men and women who come in to catch Sunday Night Football or the NBA Playoffs.

Then again, some people just come on Sunday nights for the drink and wing specials, which boast $0.20 wings, $7 pitchers and $3 well drinks until the place shuts down. They offer this recession-proof deal not just on Sundays, but also on Monday and Wednesday nights. Moreover, if you come with a big group of people, you should get a table upstairs, where you and maybe 1 or 2 other groups of people can enjoy talking and laughing among yourselves as you partake in the 21st century version of family-style eating. I’m telling you, when you put $0.20 wings and $7 pitchers together, what you end up with is a whole lot of eating, drinking and over the top conversation, which all adds up to a good time.

1849’s menu is more than just wings and liquor though. They offer plenty of delicious appetizers, including the nachos, which is a favorite for anybody who has ever tried them. They also serve a decent burrito, and the California Burger is worth a shot.

Nevertheless, at the end of day, 1849 is more than just beer, food, television and music. It is a real chance to catch up with people at the end of the day after New York City has chewed you up and spit you out after a hard day of hustling. It is the perfect retreat for anyone looking to sit back, relax, and not think about how much it is costing you. And trust me, there aren’t a lot of places in Manhattan that can provide that kind of environment.