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d.b.a.

Critics' Pick

41 First Ave., New York, NY 10003
nr. 2nd St. See Map | Subway Directions Hopstop Popup
212-475-5097 Send to Phone

Reader Rating:
5.5 out of 10
|
8 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.

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.

Great selection, but terrible experience

Make_It_A_Double from 10021 | Posted on 9/9/07

Overall Rating: 3 (Not Recommended)

Take one glance at the chalkboard menus and you'll realize that you're in a bar that has a great selection of beers, whiskey, and more. Maybe on a non-weekend it would have been a better experience, but I went on a Saturday and it was terrible. The bartender that served me truly made it seem like he was doing me such a huge favor to serve me a drink. He would roll his eyes and then look over at me and say "yeah?". It took 15 minutes just to get a drink and it was on the weak side I might add. I'm intelligent enough to know that maybe I just caught him on a bad night, but first impressions are a big deal to me and I will not be going back in the future.

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