Nathan Hale's Bar & Grill: With a new home, this beautiful, unpretentious, and classy space has exposed brick, warm mustard faux-finish walls the staff painted themselves, and a cozy-chic vibe. Five years after 9/11, this part of the neighborhood, near the Trade Center site, isn’t back to where it used to be, says the owner, Carl, who bartends regularly. But there are definitely incentives to come: jaw-droppingly low prices for quality that would cost double elsewhere in Manhattan. Specialty drinks like the thirst-quenching Berry Mojito, Pom-a-tini, Strawberry Fields, and more are a mere $5 at happy hour, and never more than $8 at other times. Return come brunch for a hair-of-the-dog Hale Mary: “Vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, a dash of Tabasco, salt and pepper, and Colman’s English Mustard for good measure.” If that doesn’t clear your sinuses, nothing will. Note: The bar is closed on weekends. |
