They actually did it. New York's own G-Men pulled it out and defeated the previously undefeated Patriots 17-14, in what might be one of the biggest upsets in sports history (although who knows if it was Big Blue's defensive line or his supermodel girlfriend in the stands that
really shook up Mr.
Perfect Brady). On the wings of the unlikely victory, Tuesday's ticker tape parade honoring the hometown champions is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of elated fans. Although the parade route is short, there are plenty of bars nearby to do a little celebrating of your own, and plenty of off-route bars looking to take advantage of the influx of Giants fans flooding the city.
The parade kicks off at Battery Park Place at 11 a.m. From there it will proceed northbound on Broadway in the Financial
District through the traditional 'Canyon of Heroes' route to Chambers
Street and stopping at City Hall. (Click
here for a map). Eli Manning, Michael Strahan, Coach Tom Coughlin, and Mayor Bloomberg will be addressing the fans after the parade at a ceremony at
City Hall at approximately 1 p.m.
If you want to raise a pint on/near the parade route...Pound and Pence This traditional English pub exudes comfort and old-world charm in just about every way possible. The décor—authentic as can be—features furniture and etched glass windows that were designed and manufactured in the UK, as well as dark-stained wood, a 50-foot copper-top bar and several “snugs” for semi private seating. Chill out in a leather wing chair in the mezzanine living room or the library and play a game of chess, snooker or billiards. Libations include an extensive English beer list (10 on draught and 30 bottles) including London Pride, ESB and Boddingtons. For those looking for more of a kick, there's over a dozen English gins and a collection of scotch and cognacs. Snack on English favorites like Shepard’s Pie, fish and chips and Indian chicken curry, and catch sports (Giants!) highlights on one of several TVs or on the 10 foot projector. (
55 Liberty St. Between Nassau St. and Broadway, 212-716-1141)
John Street Bar & Grill This subterranean Financial District bar and grill draws a mixed crowd of professionals and neighborhood folks with a large selection of tap beer, a host of billiards tables, dart boards and suspended TVs, and a friendly staff. The menu—reasonably-priced and surprisingly tasty —offers juicy burgers, hearty sandwiches and other standard pub grub, and rotating daily drink specials. Parade-watchers should plan to stick around between 5-8 p.m. so as to score $2 pints of Budweiser, John Street Amber and Rolling Rock. (
17 John St. between Broadway and Nassau St., 212-349-3278)
Beekman Pub Though owned and operated by Jimmy and Eddie Robinson since 1992, this unassuming Lower Manhattan classic has been drawing loyal patrons since 1956. A perfect combination of cold beer, fresh food and friendly service in a comfortable setting (located one block east of City Hall, where the parade culminates), it’s one of the only places around that manages to serve a perfect pint of Guinness. The food is a blend of Irish essentials, seafood specialties and standard bar staples. (
15 Beekman St. between William and Nassau Sts., 212-732-7333)
Trinity Place Built in the historic Trinity Building, this upscale pub and restaurant features bank vault doors dating back to 1904, a 40-foot mahogany bar anchored by Italian-made beer towers as well as cushy leather banquettes hand-crafted in Ireland, rustled between five-foot thick steel pillars. Crimson lampshades seem severe at first, but in contrast with the vibrant scene they create a comfortable equilibrium. Patrons enjoy sports on four HD TVs, while sipping on a long list of specialty cocktails, draught beer and wine by the glass in a pleasant but driven sort of atmosphere that attracts both neighborhood high ballers and pub crawlers. (
115 Broadway at Trinity Pl., 212-964-0939)
The Patriot A stone’s throw from City Hall, this rickety bi-level honky-tonk dive isn't only out of place in Tribeca but in New York City as a whole. Reminiscent of a less-commercialized Coyote Ugly, scantily-clad barmaids hawk $2 beers and $1.50 sliders to a soundtrack of classic rock and country tunes and try to coerce gal patrons to hop on the massively long bar and...dance. The decor is chock full of haphazard kitsch: an oversized alligator suspended from the ceiling, flourescent-lit beer memorobilia and old (likely stolen) New York City street signs. (
110 Chambers St. between Church St. and W. Broadway, 212-748-1162)
Or raise a pint off the route...Brady’s This uptown bar (who temporarily changed its name to Manning’s) is an Upper East Side haven for both pool and dart players regardless of whether they play for fun or play to win, as the joint sponsors two dart teams in the New York Dart Organization and three pool teams in the APA Pool League of NYC. Six large screen TVs keep sports-minded patrons busy, and the small but decent selection of draught beer flows freely. (
1583 82nd St. at Second Ave., 212-861-6070)
GymBilled as the first and only gay sports bar in New York City, this comfortable Chelsea watering hole packs in a serious (and well-built) sports-loving group of guys and offers up nine flat screen TVs, plenty of beer and a long list of revolving happy hour specials, sponsored leagues and special events. (
167 Eighth Ave. between 18th and 19th Sts., 212-337-2439)
Kelly’s Sports Bar This East Village bar is true to its name, with sports being broadcast continuously every day of the week including football, baseball, basketball, English Premier League, ice hockey for Sabres fans, even NASCAR for...those fans. For folks looking to play while they watch, Kelly's recently added a bubble hockey machine and a pool table. Games are enjoyed on 42-inch digital widescreen TVs and a large projection screen, and if you prefer to watch something on your own computer, Kelly's has a free wireless connection. Although food isn't served, this joint actually encourages you to bring your own, or order in from nearby Atomic Wings, where Kelly's customers score 10% off. (12 Ave. A between Houston and 2nd Sts., 212-388-1464)
Back Page Expect a loyal following at this UES sports bar where fans can catch any game (with sound!) on a dozen suspended TVs. On non-game nights, an easygoing crowd permeates the space, looking for a substantial beer selection, decent pub grub and a classic jukebox. The semi-hidden downstairs space—a second bar—serves as a sports-minded rec room of sorts, with air hockey, darts, pool and an abundance of vintage sport paraphernalia. (
1472 Third Ave. at 83rd St., 212-570-5800)
Coppersmith's Known for their ten TVs broadcasting every game under the sun, a male-heavy crowd and sports flair adorning the walls, this Hell's Kitchen watering hole is a comfy joint in a neighborhood mostly devoid of middle-of-the-road bars. The menu is above-average bar grub, with kicky wings, a 2-for-1 burger special and a surprisngly decent steak. (
793 Ninth Ave. at 53rd St., 212-957-2994)
Photo: Getty Images
