Bloody Mary Collection

In continuous pursuit of the World's Best Bloody Mary ...

Southern Hospitality BBQ New York City (December 2018):


Farmer's Table San Diego (July 2018):

Gordon Biersch Detroit (July 2018):

Alburtis Taven (April 2018):



"Meaty" Bloody Mary at Queen City BBQ (April 2018):

The Shelby (Bottomless for SuperBowl Tailgating Brunch) (February 2018):

Red Owl Tavern (December 2017):

PA Pub (Lehigh Valley International Airport) (December 2017):

Jack Nicklaus Grill (Fort Lauderdale International Airport) (December 2017):

The Shelby (December 2017):

Slopeside Pub (? July 2017):

Torre (May 2017):

Best Ever at Third and Ferry Fish Market (? 2017):

Riegelsville Hotel (August 2019):

Bethlehem: Tap Room at the Hotel Bethlehem (March 2020)

Coming Soon!

 

New York City: The Deco (February 2020)

The Deco - Upscale International Food Hall

My spouse and I visited The Deco for lunch on a Monday morning in mid-February 2020. The Deco is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner (it closes at 5:00 pm on weekends and 7:00 pm on weeknights). We visited at 11:00 am when it was still very quiet, but we can envision it becomes a bustling spot at lunchtime when the nearby office workers stop in for a bite. 

The Deco is a 9,000-square foot dining hall/upscale food court located on West 39^th Street between 8^th and 7^th Avenues in Midtown South/Garment District. It occupies the street level (technically a few steps up from the street) of an office building on a street filled with tall buildings, most of which have fabric shops on the ground level. Inside, eight food vendors line the perimeter, with a fancy bar positioned in the middle. (The bar was not yet operational when we visited.) Guests can sit at stand-alone tables, at tables that share a banquette on one side, on lounge furniture, or at the bar itself (when it opens). Décor is inspired by the 1920s Art Deo period; the stunning cobalt blue bar with brass accents provides an attractive focal point. 

Food vendors include Antojitos Caseros (Mexican), Huli Huli (Hawaiaan rotisserie chicken), Mani in Pasti (pizza), Mademoiselle (French bakery café), Little Tong (Chinese), Papa Poule (French rotisserie chicken), and the still-to-open full-service Deco Bar. We sampled dishes from the Beach Bistro 96 (Brazilian) and Nansense (Afghan), including a fejoida bowl (a multi-component dish of rice, beans, meat, collards, and cassava flour that reminded us of a trip to Rio de Janeiro that we had taken years ago) and a kebab bowl (with meat, rice, vegetables, and bread). We ordered and paid separately at each vendor (using a credit card), and each seller brought our food to our table when it was ready (however, we think that they must use a buzzer/beeper system when it gets more crowded so that guests return to the counter to pick up their own food rather than sparing busy staff to deliver food).

We enjoyed our experience at The Deco, and we would return if we were in the area at the appropriate time.

 

New York City: Doylers Irish Pub (February 2020)

Doylers Irish Pub - Convenient for Guests of the Hilton Garden Inn and Nearby Homewood Suites

My spouse and I visited Doylers Irish Pub (also called Doylers 37 NYC) on a Sunday evening in mid-February 2020. Doylers is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as for late night drinks and light bites. Patrons can reserve a spot using the online Open Table reservation system.

Doylers is located on West 37^th Street between 8^th and 9^th Avenues in Midtown South/Garment District. It is part of the Hilton Garden Inn building (with access directly from the lobby) and is situated on the same block/side of the street as the Homewood Suites (where we stayed, but which did not have its own restaurant except for its complimentary breakfast buffet) and across the street from the Marriott Courtyard. The main dining area offers lounge space with low seating, an attractive bar, high-top seating against the windows (to the HGI lobby), and regular-height table seating between. In the warmer months, al fresco dining is available on a rear courtyard patio, and we could see a middle room that probably seats overflow customers. The bar/restaurant even has a baby grand piano and occasional live entertainment. The minimalist décor creates a clean, contemporary feel.

Doylers serves continental and Irish cuisine. We shared the cheesesteak sliders (with onions and peppers and served three to an order) followed by the “bread-and-butter pudding” dessert (served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and dollops of whipped cream). The Irish bartender provided great table service and seemed to really care about creating a good experience for his customers. 

Doylers Irish Pub fit the bill when we were looking for a quick late-night snack before returning to our nearby hotel.