Dollar Grub: Beer edition

The Rusty Knot

My first stop is the nautically themed Rusty Knot (425 West St., 212-645-5668), a cool-kid hangout near the Hudson River. The kitschy rec room is typically packed with models and hepcats, but at 4 p.m. the atmosphere is low-key. The menu is packed with sugary tiki cocktails, but one selection stands out.

"One Old Man," I tell the scruffy-faced barkeep. "Is that all?" he asks, filling a five-ounce glass with golden Busch beer.

"Oh, yes," I reply, grabbing my 99-cent glass and drinking deeply. I burp.

"You liked that?" the bartender asks. "I like the price," I say, dashing out the door.