My wife and I are traveling to New York to visit some good friends the weekend of MLK, staying at the Sheraton just south of Central Park. We have no said plans,but since the wife has never been we will prolly be doing a lot of touristy stuff. Although this isn't beer focused, I am hoping to make a few pit stops along the way and treat myself to some delicious beers. Can I please get a couple recommendations for places with great craft beer selections and maybe a good bottle shop in the area? Thanks and Happy Holidays!
It's a little out of your way, but Top Hops is the place to go for bottles. Great people, good selection, and everything is stored in proper cellaring condition. 20 tap lines too.
Agreed as strongly as possible on Top Hops. If you can't find what you want there, head to WF Bowery or Good Beer. Also agree with jbuddle that you should stay away from New Beer (older beer kept at above-optimal temperatures and often sold with a substantial mark-up; just a generally sketchy place).
If you're by the Empire State Building, then Rattle n Hum and Gingerman are within a very short walk. Don't bother with the Heatland at the ground level. For bottles close by your hotel there's always Whole Foods Columbus Circle.
Whole Foods Columbus Circle is definitely the best shop within walking distance. Pony is a walkable bar
Thanks for all the recommendations guys. If anyone knows of any special tappings that weekend, please let me know! Happy Holidays!
Recommend that you check out http://www.beermenus.com/new-york-city/events and http://www.nycbeer.org/events.php to see what is happening when you visit - these are updated very frequently.