d.b.a.

Critics' Pick

41 First Ave., New York, NY 10003 40.724259 -73.987752
nr. 2nd St. See Map | Subway Directions Hopstop Popup
work212-475-5097 Send to Phone

Reader Rating:
5.0 out of 10
|
9 Reviews | Write a Review
Scene: After Work, Notable Beer Selection, Outdoor Area, Singles Scene, Whiskey Bar

Photo by Youngna Park

Map Rate & Review

Official Website

drinkgoodstuff.com

Hours

Daily, 1pm-4am

Happy Hour

Daily, 1pm-7:30pm; $1 off all drinks

Nearby Subway Stops

F, V at Lower East Side-Second Ave.

Payment Methods

American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Profile

There's a long-running debate as to whether the name stands for "doing business as," "don't bother asking" or "drink better ale." We'll argue for the latter: d.b.a. boasts more than 250 varieties of beer, from hand-pulled ales and seasonal boutique microbrews to fruit-infused lambics. Ninety single-malt Scotches and more than sixty tequilas round out the list. A giant, covered back patio does a convincing impression of a Bavarian beer garden—and creates breathing room. After work and on weekends, the crush of khaki can be unbearable, as can the wait for attention from the leather-clad ladies behind the bar. — Jenifer Van Vleck

Tastings

d.b.a. hosts regular beer, Scotch, tequila, and whiskey tasting events, which are well-attended, friendly introductions to the art and science of good drink.

I ignored the negative reviews and regret it. Went with a group of friends primed to enjoy a night of bourbon. d.b.a. was pretty empty on wednesday night, which was good, but it had that sour fraternity basement smell of beer and piss. Drinks were ordered but the manhattans were the worst we'd had; the beer was fine. We moved on and had the late arrivals meet us elsewhere.

d.b.a.

ABSURD

ash0929 from 11217 | Posted on 5/19/09

Overall Rating: 101 (Not Recommended)

Pay no attention to the selection, and then once you pick something, make sure you have a backup list because your first choice probably won't be in stock. The bartender was a total snob and seemed to busy herself doing absolutely nothing. She told my friend she didin't have a card on her tab when we could see it right there on the counter. She threw out my friends drink and then refused to replace it. My friend was even polite about it and was like, "can you give me a at least half a glass?" She ended up clearing her drink a second time - and this time my friend was like, "excuse me, I'm not finished with my drink" My friend snapped and said "you're being a b*tch" the owner came over and yelled at her to "get out of my bar, you called my friend a b*tch" It was just a lame experience. There are so many other options in this city where you don't have to be served by self-righteous, spoiled children.

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