Hi all, I'm headed to the HOPE Conference next weekend at the Hotel Pennsylvania, and haven't been to NYC outside a short trip to Brooklyn a couple years ago. Are there any must visit spots in the area that I should check out? The conference will be my main concern (crazy, I know) so I won't really have time to venture far outside the midtown area, definitely not outside the borough. Of course, if any other BAs are headed to the conference we should definitely share a pint. Cheers!
Beer Authority on 40th and 8th Ave. Rattle N Hum on 33rd between 5th and Madison. Also, search this forum, this is a common thread with lots of good info.
In general the midtown area sucks for stores. Beer Authority is ok, Rattle and Hum is quite good. I am a big fan of the Pony Bar. You should be able to see taplists for each place on line. An interesting place to check out might be the Cannibal, which is a bit of a walk from there but doable if you're in the mood. They are expensive but always have some interesting stuff both to go and to drink in. I've gotten 3F and Cantillon bottles there in the past (don't bank on them being in stock, though). http://thecannibalnyc.com/ http://hk.theponybar.com/ (wow, they have Lunch on tap right now...won't last long!)
Is the Chelsea Brewing Company worth checking out? I'm also going into town next week and was staying in Midtown close to Rattle n Hum. And are there any other breweries I should check out besides Brooklyn that have a tasting room? I heard that Sixpoint does not have a tasting room so I don't know if I should make it over there. @PTRC, I heard that Blind Tiger is also worth checking out and is about a 2 mile trip from Midtown or at least most of these bars.
If you are interested in Belgian beers, I would suggest checking out the Brabant Belgian Brassiere on 53rd St between 1st and 2nd Ave.
