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| Grit is Good: Return to ‘70s New York
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March 11, 2009
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Farrell’s Bar and Grill
215 Prospect Park West (@ 16th St.)
Park Slope (718) 788-8779
Much of The French Connection takes place in the outer boroughs of ‘70s New York, so where would Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle have gone for a cold one after yet another shoot out? We’re guessing Farrell’s, the old school Irish bar in Windsor Terrace, established 1933. This bare-bones place only recently sprang for such niceties as bar stools, and you can get a draft of beer—Budweiser, of course—in three sizes, the “large” being a 32-ounce Styrofoam cup. They’ll even let you get it to go, but you didn't hear it from us.
Jimmy’s Corner
140 W. 44th St. (Broadway & 6th Aves.)
Midtown 212.221.9510
We’ve already said we like our bars rough, and it don’t get any rougher than Jimmy’s. Themed around boxing, this knockout dive is another Times Square anomaly that, thankfully, has escaped gentrification. The small, narrow bar pays tribute to the sport, and everywhere you look, photos, posters, and personal memorabilia capture the life and times of former pro boxing trainer and owner, Jimmy Glenn. Since 1971, Jimmy has served up drinks that pack a potent punch at prices that’ll have you thinking you’re in the way-back machine ($3.50 for a well drink in Midtown will have you floatin’ like a butterfly). But the greatest draw, besides the retro jukebox more likely to play Sinatra than Sublime, is Jimmy himself, a gentle giant who can be seen milling around the bar most days. Far from down for the count, the years have proved that Jimmy’s Corner is still a contender. |
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