Larry Lawrence Bar 2

Larry Lawrence Bar 2
Originally uploaded by NYC Tom.

Larry Lawrence Interior

Larry Lawrence Interior
Originally uploaded by NYC Tom.

Blurry Larry Lawrence Sign

Blurry Larry Lawrence Sign
Originally uploaded by NYC Tom.

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!)

Musical Box

219 Ave B
New York, NY 10009-3357
(212) 254-1731

The Musical Box, a no sign bar in the East Village is a worthwhile mention, cheap drinks, comfortable and plentiful couches in the back and a pool table make it a great place. As a bonus/drawback, there is a bathroom bouncer (how to fill that occupation out on a survey form I'm not clear on) which keeps the line moving Guantanamo style. Though - good drinks, reasonable pool table, small back area with seating to smoke/get air (note: do not be dumb like editors and close the door, you will get locked out and you will feel like an idiot thereafter).

Decor (3/5) - Faux-1897 dive

Crowd (2/5) - Borderline too crowded, over the border NYU screechy kids, but that only happened around midnight. Very nice before all that.

Drinks (4/5) - Good selection and reasonable (for the neighborhood) prices.

Dive Factor (2/5) - A good dive is hard to find, this bar is no dive, but good nonetheless due to cheapish drinks for the neighborhood.

The Levee in Williamsburg

The Levee in Williamsburg
Originally uploaded by NYC Tom.

The Levee

212 Berry St
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 218-8787
Cross Street: North 3rd Street
Directions: L at Bedford Ave

NYC Diver was very happy to be drawn to the place by a lit up Pabst sign at 4 in the morning. A bar in Williamsburg open late is a rare thing, and stumbling upon this one was an excellent circumstance. While scoring low on dive, it scores high on jukebox, comfort and food/beer selection. Plenty of Lone Star, Frito Pie and other things from the southland are on the menu. The back room has comfy antique furniture, and board games are available to play. The jukebox is varied and excellent, Magnetic Fields, Hank Williams, Radiohead, metal, hip-hop, it pretty much has everything. Not on a main drag, it also has the nice feeling of not being too crowded. We hear but don't remember that there are pinball machines there as well.

Decor (3.5/5) - OK, nice couches in the back, nicely done features from the old building.

Crowd (4/5) - Late night there was one, which made us happy enough. UPDATE: Loud and crowded earlier in night

Drinks (4/5) - Good selection of beer and bourbon

Dive Factor (3/5) - Its pretty nice and not cheap, but the great jukebox, late hours (for Brooklyn) and good seating make it worthwhile.

Rosemary's Greenpoint Tavern

Rosemary's Greenpoint Tavern
Originally uploaded by NYC Tom.

Rosemary's Greenpoint Tavern

188 Bedford Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11211-2904
(718) 384-9539
Cross Street: Between North Seventh Street and North Sixth Street

As it is getting harder to find dives that are not over-reviewed (the slowing of post speed on his website), we think that this one is a good find. While not grimy and has electronic games and whatchamahaveyas, it does have huge Styrofoam (or sometimes plastic) cups of cheap beer for $3.50 (probably 32oz or so). While that should be good enough, the space is a good one, not too crowded but not too empty, with tables on the side, a bar and games/jukebox in the back. While one does have to try hard to be hipster, its not as the hipsters are unfriendly stock, so the crowd is pretty laid back. All in all, a great stop around Bedford for a beer.

Decor (5/5) - faded posters and 70s style fixins. nice plastic decorations that are seasonal

Crowd (4/5) - Happy hipsters

Drinks (5/5) - They also have liquor, but... $3.50 beers!

Dive Factor (3/5) - Its too nice to be a real dive, but still a good option.