Fifty Friendly Establishments
November 25, 2009
It is not always easy to find places to go out in New York (and I imagine in a lot of cities) where the crowd does not skew toward 20 somethings. To that end I’ve decided it might be helpful to list places where my friends (of a certain age) and I have gone to that are fun and more age appropriate. This does not mean that there aren’t some younger people (after all variety is the spice of life); however, it does mean that there are a good number of people that you could talk to and have the same historic references. So let’s get started with the list:
1) Wollensky’s Grill (49th street off of 3rd Avenue) – Walking into ‘the Grill’ is a little like walking into Cheers if you have been there a few times and talked to the bartenders. All have good memories for regulars and potential regulars and greet you with a hello and smile whenever you come in. The clientele ranges from people in their later 20s right up through people in their 70s, neighborhood types to hedge fund types and middle aged patrons are more the norm than the exception. This being a steak joint, there are more men than women but being a woman, I don’t mind that at all. There is always potential to meet someone new in our age range and to talk to people you have seen there on your previous visits. All around a nice hang out for people in the cocktail hour of life.
2) Raines Law Room (17th street between 5th and 6th Avenue….look carefully there is no sign) – if you like Mad Men, you will like going into this speakeasy. The place evokes days gone by when going out in New York was more glamorous than it is now. The clientele covers all age ranges but I’ve noticed more 35-40+ people when I’ve gone there. Ring a bell to get in and the host will greet you like you are entering someone’s living room. The drinks are good and when you want to order your next one, just ring the bell each table has and your server will come and take your order. The best thing about the place is that it never seems crowded when you are inside. Once all the tables are full and there a few (very few) people standing at the bar, no one else gets in until someone leaves. All around a very civilized evening.
3) Novita (22nd street between Park and Lexington Ave.) – Italian restaurant very close to the authenticity of Northern Italy. Very big on truffles so if you don’t like truffle oil or shavings it is not the place for you. Otherwise, they really nail the food of northern Italy with mixtures of fish and different types of pasta. The age of the crowd is normally between 40 and 55. Have a Lemonchello after dinner.
4) Opal Bar and Restaurant (53rd street and 3rd Avenue) – If you like to go to a sports bar to watch a game without the screaming drunk 20 or 30 year olds, this is the place for you. Decent bar food and drinks that are fairly priced. Average age range is 40 to 60.
5) Patroon (46th street between Lexington and 3rd Avenue) – The food is very good (Steakhouse fare) and they have a nice rooftop bar for the good weather. What separates Patroon from other places is the
cigar menu which some avid cigar smokers say is amazing. The age range for the crowd is 40s and 50s.
6) The Bar at the Four Seasons Restaurant (52nd street between Park Avenue and Lexington) – normal clientele is bankers/hedge fund types and the women who love them but the age range is older because most 20 to 30 year olds can’t afford the drink prices. The bartenders are friendly, the crowd is sociable, the place is interesting and while there is always a good amount of people, it never seems overly crowded.
7) Posh Gay Bar and Club (52st street between 9th and 10th Avenue) – Friendly bartenders, affordable drinks, good music and all ages feel welcome at Hell’s Kitchen’s original gay bar. Happy Hour from 4 to 8pm and weekly specials make the patrons happy.
8) Townhouse (East 58th street between 2nd and 3rd Ave) – Restored townhouse with the décor of a gentlemen’s club. Middle Aged gay men will not feel out of place and are actually more the norm in the crowd. Quieter atmosphere, good food, friendly patrons and a piano player in the back.
9) Ty’s Bar (114 Christopher Street between Bedford and Bleecker street) – 30 year old Greenwich Village bar where anyone over 50 will not feel uncomfortable. There has been no trendy updating of their décor; this is just a friendly bar where the music is set at a level so you can hear what the people you are with are saying. Happy hour from 4 to 8pm daily. Bring cash since that is the only thing they accept.
10) East Side Social Club (51st street between 2nd and 3rd Ave) – Italian restaurant that just opened. Based on what I saw when I went, the crowd skews a little older at the bar and all age ranges will feel comfortable. The décor is very cool and the staff is helpful and accommodating.
This is the start of our 50 friendly list of establishments….more to come. If you would like to add a place you have been to, just email the site and we will post the info.