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/

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