Spitzer’s Corner

September 4, 2008
This was the first place I visited in NY and I guess it’s not exactly the type of place that caters for budgeted travellers... but either way I wasn’t very impressed. I can accept the fact that it’s NYC and prices are going to be high, but they were particularly high in here and their selection didn’t feature anything particularly rare. The service was pretty slow and it took us ages to order anything, the food was ok, but not worth the price by a long shot. Basically Spitzer’s acts and charges like a far better and classier establishment than it actually is, at least that was my impression...

July 11, 2008
I guess I will be the first person who was unimpressed with the place. Beer: lots of taps but nothing I can’t get at most other decent beer bars or most beer shops even. Decor, all wooden yet with a modern feel. But I wasn’t really impressed, except with the size of it. The food menu is cool, I had the pickles and french fries. Other things were similar to fancy mac & cheese or fancy grilled cheese. Service was just average when I was there. I probably wont go back, did not enjoy the ambiance, particularly with the type of folks who seem to hang out there.

July 6, 2008
Smaller place, with pretty cool vibes. Long wooden tables, and wooden walls provide a cozy feel. Pretty solid beer selection. A lot of choice, but nothing super rare, and maybe a little pricey (but its probably on par with NYC pricesthough). Food was pretty solid, while limited selection around lunchtime. Service was friendly and knowledgeable. Definately worth a trip.

July 5, 2008 [ Updated September 9, 2008 ]
Yeah, this place is pretty awesome. There are lots of hipster-types hanging about, but hey... there are tons of ’em in Williamsburg and that hasn’t stopped me from drinking there. Beautiful galvanized zinc bar backed by a single row of 40 taps. Everything here is quality... no macros and the bottle selection, while lacking in anything rare, certainly has a wide selection of good stuff. The food is where this place really shines. Interesting and high quality foods especially. I had the sliders when I was there, and while they were a little too precious for my taste, they were very tasty. It’s a great spot if (like me) you love good beer, but your wife doesn’t.

June 7, 2008
Hipster corner is more like it - Ludlow & Rivington Streets in New York’s Lower East Side. 20 years ago this area was a drug-infested dump, now it is full of slick 20 and 30 somethings, dressed up and heading out for music and drinks. It is a nice place to sit on a warm night and watch the action, and to drink up from a very good selection of brews. There are a lot of drafts available, and a good selection of bottles too. The beer is tasty, definitely not watered down, and the prices are normal for NYC. There is an interesting selection of eats as well, with things like kobe beef burgers and artisanl cheese with macaroni. The portions are small, but the quality is high. The toilets are interesting, with something like 6 private rooms, equipped with hand dryers that will almost blow the skin off your arms.

February 15, 2008
I have been here twice now. I like this place really cool inside. Great selection of taps about 40. I never ate here but have seen the menu and the food selection is good. The beers are always fresh. Decent place. I would visit again.

January 31, 2008 [ Updated May 25, 2008 ]
Extremely cool, Lower East Side hipster vibe with about 40 taps and wood communal bench tables. The food is eclectic, featuring warm popcorn with pork fat drizzled on top along with spices (paprika?). Flavorful. The beers are unusual, but not mind-blowing. However, for a restaurant, the beer selection does NOT get any better in NYC. That said, this place seems more like a bar with food than a restaurant. The scene: guys wearing fedoras. Anorexic women picking at their food. Beer-savvy waitstaff. Lastly, the decor is really cool: they took apart some log cabin in Vermont (it would seem) and put the wood planks on the walls. Interesting.