Lilly Coogan’s to become Coal Yard

Yesterday I bumped into a friend, Steve Schweiger outside the former Lilly Coogan’s space (102 First Avenue @ 6th Street) which shuttered in late May/early June.  He’s the general contractor overseeing the renovation there.  Word is that the partners from nearby International Bar (120 1/2 First Avenue @7th Street) will be taking the bar over (they transferred the license in July).

Construction is wrapping up, the tap lines aren’t in yet but the word on the street is that they’ll be having a soft opening this Wednesday (not confirmed).  This is great news for the neighborhood, International Bar is one of my top 5 bars in the area & I’m sure that owners Molly & Shawn can bring the same vibe to Coal Yard.  Watch this space for more news.

Sake Bar Satsko

I’m really surprised it’s taken me so long to write a review of Sake Bar Satsko (202 East 7th Street between Ave. B & C), particularly because I live across the street & seem to spend a lot of time eating & drinking there.  It’s a tiny sliver of a place & it took me a few weeks to actually figure out that it was a restaurant & bar (Beer, Wine, Sake & Soju; a Korean liquor similar to Vodka, but sweeter).

Ruby’s Bar & Grill

It took me about 22 years of living in NYC to finally make it out to Coney Island & when I did, I headed straight for Ruby’s (1213 Riegelmann Boardwalk).  This place takes ‘Dive Bar’ to a whole new level & throws in a side of Coney Island Boardwalk & sea views.  Mismatched furniture, a jukebox on it’s last legs & no-nonsense, gray-haired bartenders complete the look.

The Rusty Knot

After visiting The Frying Pan, I decided to hit up the nautically-themed Rusty Knot (425 West Street at West 11th St.).  It’s a bit out of my normal stomping grounds but I was already on the West Side.  I’d been there before for drinks (normally a Tecate & the infamous Pickleback; a shot of pickle juice), but never eaten there.  The menu is small with Mexican & Tapas inspiration via Sue Torres (from Sueños) .  We had been drinking quite a bit so decided to try out the monstrosity that you see above.  Not sure what the heck it was but I do remember that at one point it was on fire!