05/12/08

Not One Fireman, Thank God!

by barsaregood

Went to Hook & Ladder with a nice group of friends after work on Friday. We were expecting $1 drafts from 8-10 as indicated on drinkdeal, but turns out H&L no longer run this deal. Regardless, the bartender was willing to accomodate the deal for one hour, as long as we kept our yapper shut and didn't tell anyone else. Around 9 we decide to cash in on our agreement. She was now concerned that her manager would get mad, as he was arriving shortly. Regardless, she still holds up her end of the deal and starts slining $1 beers over the bar 6 at a time. They were in small 4 ounce cups, but beggars can't be choosers. As for the bar itselt, it's a great dive bar. Big weird outside area for flip cup and beer pong, although I did not play as I'm a recovering germaphobe (3 years clean, going strong!!). They have darts and Buck Hunter too, but I swear the Buck Hunter is broken as I could not shoot one deer. They were just too fast. Then again, I'd been drinking for five hours, so my reflexes resembled that of an invalid on lithium. There was some funny wasted girl there too who gave my married buddy Mike a foot job at the bar. Mike's wife was there too, but she just chalked it up to some crazy drunk broad and did not question her husband's love for her. None of us did, as they share a true love that flows deep like the river wild, spreading fast through the hearts of man. Anyway, the music was good too. Some pretty boy with a guitar, but the dude could sing. The worst part of H&L is the big crazy mean black-leather clad bouncer. He's orca fat. I was out back smoking, which is permitted, and he was SCREAMING at me in front of everyone to move three feet (no exaggeration) onto this dirt patch which was apparently the smoking area. Everyone there was utterly baffled at his surly request. We all thought it was a case of mistaken identity. I passed him later, and he said nothing, but his eyes said "Sorry". That was enough for me. Overall, I rate H&L 4 stars.

• Pros: red lights make you feel dirty, but in a good way
• Cons: the a-hole bouncer. just an awful, awful man

08/16/07

Such a great time!!!!

by kdesigner

This place is very layed back and a ton of fun!!! The bar tenders are awesome and the crowd is always a good time. I live in NJ, but anytime I am in the city I make sure to come to the Hook and Ladder for because I know I will always have a blast!!!

• Pros: has an outside area in the back!!!

01/22/03

Worthy of being called local

by pongpagong

This establishment is entertaining and accomodating. The staff and the proprietors are terrific, the crowd is a pleasant mix of backgrounds and ages, and it is well worth making one's local pub.

01/14/03

Great Bar!

by Chernita

I've been going there for a few weeks and every time it's been a great experience. They have good music, plenty of screens for games, and a dartboard in the back. The staff is very friendly (you'll often find a few of them there on their free nights). The crowd is pleasant looking but without all the trendiness of the nearby bars on 3rd Ave. I believe they have Karaoke nights on Tuesdays and specials on most other nights. They also have a good crowd until 2-3 am usually. Overall it's a good call to make a stop there on any night of the week.

• Pros: Great atmosphere, Good value
• Cons: Small bathrooms

01/13/03

I'm hooked

by nybargirl

We went because we heard firemen hung out here and go all the time now. This neighborhood bar is cheap, plays good music, has great service and is a good place to watch the game. And Thursdays, they have all-the-draft-you-can-drink for $10 -- a total bargain!

12/30/02

Sometimes simple is best

by i_review_nyc

This place is small, clean and freindly. There is never more than one bartender working unless they happen to be doing the "guest bartender" night. I've only shown up for one but I understand it is a regular happening. The place is filled most night with the owners and thier buddies. As you might image the place has a personal connection to a local firehouse. I'm not going to tell ya which one but you can find out easy enough when you wander in on your own. If you like small freindly bars this is a must visit.

• Pros: Bartenders