A Bar Owner’s Guide to New York City With Paul Ramirez
Whether you want mulled wine or chic cocktails for saluting the season, our insider knows the finest festive drinking dens in the Big Apple…
Born and raised in New York, entrepreneur Paul Ramirez owns and runs the Bronx Beer Hall. When he’s not tending the bar, he’s committed to changing perceptions of the Bronx, showing off the unique culture and diversity of what he calls “New York’s proudest borough.” We sat down over a craft beer or two to talk hotels with house cats, frozen s’mores and espresso martinis that give “the city that never sleeps” new meaning.
1. The Bronx Beer Hall
Bakery, Bar, Market, Italian
2. The Algonquin Hotel
Hotel
3. Winter Village at Bryant Park
Market
4. Roberto's
Restaurant, Italian
“This was the first Michelin-rated restaurant in the Bronx. It’s proper southern Italian fare. The owner is a hunter, and in the winter they serve venison he shoots himself. There’s also a great wine selection. Many wines are from Italy and California, and the cellar has everything from $55 whites to $8,000 amarone. But I really like the espresso martinis, made using a double shot of fresh espresso. Stick to two at the most, unless you want to be running around New York for the rest of the night. And I literally mean running.”
5. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
Boutique Hotel, Eco Hotel
“This hotel between Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge gives you amazing views of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. It’s close to the ferry, too. Hop on one – not even a hundred feet from your room – and you’ll be in downtown New York in less than five minutes. It’s ultra-slick, ultra-modern, with lots of greenery and wood. Just walking in is calming. It feels very ‘I work in a high-level tech job and this is where I should be staying.’’’
6. STK Steakhouse
Bar, Restaurant, Steakhouse
7. Top Hops
Bar, Pub, Wine Bar, Pub Grub
8. Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden
Bar, Restaurant, Czech
“This is one of NYC’s original beer gardens and a great meeting place for friends over the holidays – it nails the Christmas vibe. These days everybody creates Instagrammable moments, but Bohemian did it before Instagram was a thing. You’re talking full-scale Christmas trees, tons of festive lighting and Santa’s sleigh. There’s an indoor space and an outdoor one, and live music. When a big group of us are going out, it’s always a great starting point.”
9. The Jane
Boutique Hotel, Budget Hotel, Hotel
“This hotel is traditional in the sense that it’s in the West Village and it’s a landmark building. It’s been around since the early 1990s. The bellhops still wear classic uniforms, with red hats and gold buttons – and the ballroom feels like an old-school train or ship. But the biggest thing for me as a New Yorker is that they have very good parties. Not too big. But there are always cool people there. People with great style.”
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