Happy Hour on the UWS

Sara Asks:

“I need a Happy Hour place on the Upper West Side for tonight for 3 girls to catch up. Cheap drinks and eats. Any suggestions?”

I haven’t been yet, but I’ve been hearing some really good early feedback about Gus and Gabriel Gastropub on 79th between Amsterdam and Broadway. It’s diner/bar food done well — I’ve heard unbelievable things about the mac and cheese, the corn soup, and the deserts. They also have a really extensive beer and liquor list. Prices seem pretty reasonable.

Silk Road Palace on Amsterdam and 81st is a pretty typical Chinese (Szechuan) spot and the food is pretty good. The real reason that anyone really goes is that they serve you unlimited free boxed wine when you order an entree. Like I said, the food is usually nothing that awe-inspiring, but it’s pretty solid Chinese and it tastes pretty awesome after 4 or 5 glasses of cheap wine.

The only other option I know of doesn’t have a full bar (although they do serve beer and wine) but it is very cheap and very delicious. Hummus Place on Amsterdam and 74th st is probably the best hummus (and a really solid shot at the best falafel) in the city. It’s pretty hard to spend much over $15/ person when entrees are $6-$9 and the space is actually really nice. I also love their shakshuka, which is a a tomato sauce sauteed with two eggs over easy served with pita… simple and really nice.

Let me know how it goes and thanks for trying out my site!