by Igor Kossov
There is a name we give to the purported reason behind all unfortunate events – “Murphy’s Law.” The good thing is that if you enter this cleverly-named bar on 417 East 70th Street, your experience will be all but unpleasant.
The brick interior already sets the mood before you even reach the wide, clean counter where an animated bartender inquires what you’d like in cheerful brogue. As you await your Guinness on tap or your choice of liquor, it may never dawn on you why the environs already feel so pleasant. Yet they do -- the music is just loud enough to enjoy without being overbearing; the lighting is pleasantly dim but you certainly don’t have to strain your eyes in the gloom. Feel like watching some tube? The four TV sets make them visible from any desired angle. Up for a conversation instead? Chat with your friends or shoot the breeze with one of the outgoing locals or a bartender. Unless they are busy, they are quick with a joke, an interesting fact, or a commiserating story to your tough New York City day.
By the time you get your food and drinks, you are probably considering this as your regular hang-out, if you live in the area. The beer is fresh, the burgers are great, and the wings are glorious. Both items were recommended to me by the savants of the Murphy’s Law menu – everyday denizens of 70th and 1st. They know what they’re talking about. The bar does its job well. Through a corridor, a large square chamber occupies the back: a seating area for large parties and aficionados of the restaurant chair as opposed to the bar stool.
Going hand-in-hand with the quality of the quality of the goods is the quality of the service. Sure, the attitude of the wait staff doesn’t matter when you’re out on a pub crawl in some neighborhood you’ve never even heard of, but when the establishment is close to home, it matters every bit. Fortunately, you’re getting a good deal here and it’s definitely enough to keep one coming back. Service is prompt, accurate, and friendly. Perhaps this is why this is the bar of choice for people around 70th and 1st.
Patronage, as expected, varies with the day of the week. You’re seldom to find a crowd on a weeknight, but the weekends are packed with Upper East Siders who are looking to take a load off and have some fun. Experience will vary depending on when you decide to pop your head in. You have plenty of choice in the matter; they’re open from 11 AM until 4 AM daily.