East End Bar & Grill

As a new Upper Eastsider I am making a conscious effort to acclimate myself to my new surroundings, so I adopted the rule “Never go to the same place twice.” Sounds simple, I know, but it’s very easy to get accustomed to a spot and continue going, rather than having to strain my brain on ideas for new places to go. So I comb the city in sight of a site to write my first blog entry for www.uppereast.com/blogs….

My friend and I, after a glamorous walk of avoiding dog poop and sun in our eyes, made the brilliant decision to cross over to First Avenue, just for the shade. Most places at 2:30 PM were closed, but one bar stood out with a conspicuously glowing “beer” sign. After looking at the menu (Posted outside! Detailed! Containing many references to dead chickens!) we were sold.Being the only customers, and attractive ladies, we had the full attention of the bartender/manager, who for reasons I'd rather not mention in context has taken classes in fraud analysis.

The ambience? Ambient! Many large televisions surrounded by Irish flags and Syracuse jerseys. No doubt, East End Bar demands a certain kind of loyalty. Not only are the chicken wings specialized to any level of spice tolerance, but the bun on the burger is pre-askewed for your ketchuping pleasure! The cooks know their clientele! I'm typing on its free Wi-Fi. If only I'd had the presence of mind to come here last night when my internets were down. D'oh!

So here we sit as I scan the menu looking for something calorific… and there it is on the $7.95 Lunch Menu Monday – Friday 12 pm -4 pm a 1/2lb Charcoal Burger topped with cheddar cheese and 10 wings sure to make you gulp down your Blue Moons faster than a reckless Upper East Side cab driver. Let’s just say I took a quick pause from writing this article to completely haus my burger and end my unintentional fasting.

Boy George, Johnny Cash, Billy Idol, & the #1 hit of 1961 “Runaround Sue” by Dion fill my ears as I enjoy a second round of Blue Moon; while watching sportscasters on mute as patrons slowly fill this place, which should make for a very happy happy hour. The crowd is eclectic, including a guy wearing a paperboy hat & a borderline Ed Hardy tee-shirt. A patron, in a ripped leopard print shirt, caused disagreement between my friend and me as to say patron's gender. My friend ultimately won the argument that he was male. I guess it was the sideburns that supported her case. And yet, still classier than the faux-Hardy to whom he was speaking. A man in a business suit and the best looking guys here bartenders & their…grrrrrrlfriends sigh… And not to mention the most bodacious babes in the bar. ;)

In summation, it was a successful outing. Spicy hot wings, succulent burgers and delicious Blue Moon to satisfy your watering pallet at this all American Irish bar; as well as great company, people watching and the best of every era from 60’s to 80’s. Oh and did I mention they have Blue Moon? Good times to be had by all! Stop by and say hi to my new buddy Andrew at the “#1 Syracuse Orange Bar in NYC” The East End Bar & Grill. Let’s not leave out the $20 open bar (see bar website for details: http://www.eastendbar.com/) and while your at it continue to check out http://www.uppereast.com/ for the best listings of this and all places in the UPPER EAST SIDE!
East End Bar & Grill
1664 1st Avenue
(Between 86 & 87th Street)
New York, NY 10028
212-348-3783
www.eastendbar.com