Ginger Man

04/10/09

Great beer but waaaay overpriced.

by maybemike

Geez, I really love the Gingerman. The beer selection is out of this world and we always find a neat, rare, or superpowered beer that makes me snobby when when I go to other bars and they have nothing interesting to offer. You wont find the typical watered down stuff here: this bar is for the real beer drinker. The staff is happy to suggest just what we are looking for if you give them a little nudge in the right direction. We want to frequent this place more often but unfortunately it is not for the average consumer any longer. $72 for 3 rounds for 3 people? This place has gotten way too pricey. So special occasions only it is. The Gingerman used to be an institution of sorts: it was unique, raw, exciting and a place to send people to and to write about. Now it comes with a consumer beware sticker: tiny glasses for $10. So you will get a sip or two of just what you are relishing and looking for, and then you will have to go search for a grocery store or that carries it.

• Pros: Best beer selection in the city,
• Cons: Cost, lost its charm

01/27/09

WONDERFUL BAR FOR LARGE GROUPS (with Great service)

by JeffJugular

I haven't been to Ginger Man in many years. But, by fluke, have been invited to group gatherings there twice in the past month. I have to say the service was great. You know when you're part of a large group and the waitress or bartender gets all cranky with everyone? NOT HERE. I was thoroughly impressed with both Nikki the bartender (total sweetheart) and Teresa (bubbly and fun). Not only were they sincerely nice and helpful but went out of their way to make sure I had a full glass most of the night. I know it's difficult to accommodate a large group of people (who eventually drink too much) but the staff was wonderful at Ginger Man. The next time I have a large get-together, I'm going to consider having it there. (by the way: food looked good...but I didn't eat anything there)

• Pros: Great service
• Cons: none that I've experienced yet

12/07/08

It Won't Pill Your Sweater

by savet496

Rarely do I review anything.

I just happened to fall into this place last night while trying to find something decent in the 30's. (yeah, I know)

Somehow tonight in a gross coincidence, Ginger Man popped up on a related search or "best of" something while on this site.

How serendipitous.

The clientele was old boring professionals, and the occasional recent-grad yucking it up with his identical Steve Madden / Banana Republic clad friends.

There's something to be said about a crowd whose members become visibly upset when you've nudged them on your way to the bar -- or through to the 1.5 square feet of space not occupied by these squares.

Friends, you are in a bar -- (or in this case, some kind of weird idea of what a bar should be, constructed to satisfy the needs of these lonesome old midtowners) -- if you want to pretend to be in a bar, pretend that an occasional bumping-into is OK.

I guess if you're cool with the business-professional scene and made-to-seem-luxurious leather seating, go for it. And if you hate being brushed by other patrons, don't worry - I'm not going back - your cashmere/synthetic blend won't pill on my account.

• Pros: See above
• Cons: See above