A Night of Trivia (or maybe not)

I was initially drawn to this place over the advertisement on Facebook “Tonight at Bounce Restaurant & Sports Lounge Trivia night!!!! Free to play, also $3 drafts and $20 barrels of Coors light!!!!,” which was advertised from 7 pm until closing. Once I arrived it seems trivia night took back seat to other sporting events. Thankfully, my sports literate boyfriend schooled me that Carmelo Anthony was formerly played for Denver, Nuggets is now traded the Knicks (whatever that means) so all of New York appeared to be out & in great spirits. As I peruse my surroundings I notice 12 carefully mounted flat screens that guaranteed you don’t ever miss a glimpse of whatever the TV projects; and 12 various phone chargers strategically affixed to the end of the bar which ensures you will always have full bars on your handheld devices.

This is hip and trendy place that differs from most other Upper East Side watering wholes. Blue lights glimmered inducing a club-like atmosphere while the sounds of progressive house track “I Remember” from Kaskade & Deadmau5 creates an aura sure to abscond you from the nuisances of the day. Everything from locals too you’re traditional-suit wearing, after work happy hour crowd, all ready to indulge one of the many happy hour specials offered at Bounce.

We were promptly seated at a high top table behind the window/doors that enclosed the entire anterior of the bar. It wasn’t long before the bar caught the attention of the eager (crazy) passer-by’s from outside, one of whom in particular hastily pressed his nose against the glass looking in. It then occurred to me that he and everyone else were struggling to sneak a peek at Carmelo Anthony’s first night playing for the New York Knicks. It’s moments like these that I feel more like a true New Yorker than ever (guess I can kiss my Boston Celtics goodbye- well, at least for tonight). As I overhear (eavesdrop) patrons chatter around me, one word about the scene stuck out… “Swordfight! LOL” I just now became conscientious of the singles scene that I am swimming in. Ladies, look your best when you come here!!! However, the female staff definitely does not mess around sporting their skin tight black pants and micro mini tanks to give the gentleman a little eye candy, in addition to the ever so fashionable uptown fashonista’s showing their patronage- its quality not quantity.

As we order our first round of draft & bottled beers we suddenly were distracted by the massive 110 oz cylinder attached to what appears to be a spout and a Coors Light fish bowl that the bartender was filling with beer… OMG??? I thought, as I moved in closer to gain a sharper view. I was told they are the $20 barrels on special for happy hour… given that it was still mid-week I promised myself I’d be good and refrain from ordering one. The service was incomparable and Ana was the most attentive server anyone could ask for. I enjoyed one of the best Cobb Salad’s that I have ever ordered in this neighborhood and my boyfriend scarfed down a swiss cheese burger with beef that had to be no less than an inch tall, standing smugly above a sesame seed bun. We also got to sample the Bounce signature drink and shot. Well, I don’t know exactly what was in it but we had a choice of grape, cherry or orange, and it could best be described as a form of liquid “Pez.” Def… Worth a shot (no pun intended)!

As it turns out we missed trivia and my $3 drafts mysteriously turned into $5 drafts when the bill arrived but it was well worth the night out and a great way to break up “hump day.” The wait staff is friendly, the menu/ drinks are reasonably priced and the music is diverse and modern. This place conveys a unique décor which you won’t find at any other bar on 2nd Avenue; but still remains casual, sporty and pretentious free. Hope to see you there ;-) or at any other establishment you read about here on www.uppereast.com.

Bounce Restaurant & Sports Lounge
1403 2nd Avenue
Corner of 2nd Avenue 73rd Street
212-535-2183
http://www.bounceny.com/