Moto

Moto
349 Broadway (Corner of Hooper)
718-599-6895
L Train to Lorimer Ave, JMZ

Though a trek from usual “North” Willimasburg, Moto is well worth the excursion to the south. The corner bar/bistro scores high marks on its great prices on drinks ($4 for interesting beers and $6-10 for a range of wines) and food (entrées $8-20 depending). There was also the plus of the décor – their website (http://www.circa1938.com/) has great photos which show the “mood” of the place, an early 20th century industrial hodgepodge including great ironworks surrounding you, the collectibles and also a pull-flush toilet. Adding to the fantasy city of industry feel is the elevated train rumbling above you, and the sparse, residential/industrial landscape around the place. Though not a dive in a traditional sense (we ought to rename this website) you do feel you are in a dive from a bygone era, and have the reasonable drinks to complement it. Also, live music certain nights, on a Friday was an old-time Django Reinhardt style jazz performance which lasted well past 1 a.m..

Décor (5/5) – Just great. This reviewer watched a documentary about the opening of the place (Eat This New York), so it can be even more appreciated.

Crowd (5/5) – Friendly and laid back. The wave of bad eggs that washes over the north is scared away by the “transitional” neighborhood leaving only those who appreciate it.

Drinks (4/5) – Though there could be more selection, the drinks are reasonably priced.

Dive Factor (3/5) – It gets a 3 for location and historical grit, however this is no Holiday Cocktail Lounge.

Alligator Lounge

Alligator Lounge
600 Metropolitan Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 599-4440
Cross Street: Lorimer Street
Subway: L at Lorimer St; G at Metropolitan Ave

This is probably the first all negative review of a bar here at NYC Dives. What an awful place. The pizza, though free, is second rate to Capone’s, takes way to long to get to you, and then its not really warm. The crowd just came from some NYU dorm, most likely theater as they were trying to fill auditoriums with each of their voices. Drinks were not that cheap. The woman at the bar was a bucket of attitude (screw service since I’m cute) as was the fellow behind it. The bar reminded me of people who call Hells Kitchen “Clinton” and drink there. Just awful.

Décor (1/5) – Makes Miami Vice look like high fashion. Feels like a sterile fast food restaurant.

Crowd (1/5) – Loud and obnoxious

Drinks (2/5) – Nothing special price, selection or pour wise

Dive Factor (1/5) – Clean cut hipsters. The one silver lining is that you want to go to a much better bar to dive in and forget your awful experience. (that bar is conveniently Moto which is a walk down Union and the next review!)