Best of New York: Free Bar Snacks

When you think of bar snacks, you usually think of the boring classics: pretzels or peanuts, maybe. But not in New York. Whether it's a new take on a bar food staple or a whole buffet of food choices, bar snacks in NYC are not only delicious, but are often free. Whether you're craving cheese, olives, truffles, or even a whole pizza, you can find it here:

Cheese: Blind Tiger Ale House

Wine and cheese. Beer and cheese. It’s the perfect combination, and you can have the cheese for free at the Blind Tiger Ale House on Wednesdays. During happy hour once a week, the staff brings in a full cheese platter from Murray’s, arguably the best cheese shop in New York. Sample a selection, or try to pair the different cheeses with your drink.
281 Bleecker St, Manhattan; 212-462-4682

Pizza: The Charleston and Gusto Ristorante

It’s hard to make a whole meal out of bar snacks … unless it’s a whole pizza you’re snacking on. There are a handful of bars in New York that offer a whole pizza with every drink; these legendary watering holes have been written about at length, but these two stand out from the pack. The pizza service at the Charleston in Williamsburg was closed for several months at the start of 2011, but has recently reintroduced the deliciously charred thin-crust pies toppings to their thankful patrons. And although it old serves during happy hour—between 3 and 7 p.m.—Gusto goes pizza right, with gourmet toppings like speck, arugula, and fresh mozzarella.

The Charleston, 174 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn; 718-782-8717 Gusto, 60 Greenwich Ave, Manhattan; 212-924-8000

Aperitivo: dell’anima

If you enter a bar in Rome during happy hour, you’ll often be delighted to find a whole array of appetizers that put American bar snacks to shame. Luckily, you can get the same Italian aperitivo treatment at dell’anima, which serves a variety of small plates from 4 to 6 p.m. on weekends. The spread includes marinated olives, plates of crostini, chickpeas, and more. Buon appetito!

38 8th Ave, Manhattan; 212-366-6633

Popcorn: Desnuda

Two words: Truffled. Popcorn. There are a number of bars with free popcorn, and everyone knows that it’s a crafty ploy to make you thirstier and buy more drinks, similar to offering free pretzels or peanuts. But Desnuda’s popcorn, with a liberal pour of truffle oil over the bowl, is worth the impending thirstiness for the overall tastiness. A shoutout in the popcorn category does to the now-shuttered Tabla, whose popcorn with curry powder was a worthy runner-up.
122 E 7th St, Manhattan; 212-254-3515

Surprise: LoneStar Bar & Grill

Come out to this Bay Ridge favorite, and you never know what you'll find on the night's menu. During happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. every day, the kitchen keeps rolling out the food, and will serve up whatever they feel like. From baked ziti to quesadillas to ribs, it's all free. Stop by on a summer day and you can pig out in the outdoors, on the bar's charming patio.

8703 5th Ave, Brooklyn; 718-833-5180

Image: Carlos Porto / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

New York's Best: Outdoor Bars

Stake out a table and raise your glasses: the season for outdoor drinking has begun! Snagging a seat at one of NYC’s outdoor patio spots can be a challenge, and sidewalk seating at many bars is often more cramped than comfortable. That’s why we’ve put together a list of our favorite outdoor bars in New York, from beer gardens to rooftop bars. Cheers!

Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden

Unlike at some Manhattan wannabes, there’s plenty of room to sit down and enjoy a pint outdoors in this classic Astoria beer garden. Now celebrating its 100th anniversary, the sprawling complex used to be a Czech social club. Today the meandering hallways and the massive garden are open to the public, although you might catch a Czech and Slovak festival or two in the warmer months.

2919 24th Avenue, Queens

Roberta’s

Take a long ride on the L train to this secluded Bushwick oasis. Hidden among warehouses and abandoned lots is Roberta’s, a community farm that opens a pizzeria and outdoor bar when the sun begins to set. Many of the cocktail and pizza ingredients are raised organically on the farm, so you can sip a drink while watching the fields where it all began.

261 Moore Street, Brooklyn

Ava Lounge at the Dream Hotel

Despite its midtown location, a few blocks away the heart of Times Square, the Ava Lounge is a world away from the bustle below. With wicker chairs and a chill atmosphere, you’d think you were sipping martinis in LA – if it weren’t for the views. Located on the penthouse floor of the Dream Hotel, you’ll be able to look down on the whole city while you drink up.

210 W 55th St, Manhattan

4th Avenue Pub

The inside is a bit of a dive, but you’ll feel like European nobility in this garden courtyard, surrounded by tony apartments and picturesque shuttered windows covered in vines. The beers are similarly international, with a standout selection at reasonable prices, but the complimentary unlimited popcorn, praised by the bar regulars, is a decidedly American addition.

76 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn

The Frying Pan at Pier 66 Maritime

Where else but NYC would you find a bar on an 8-year-old renovated lightship? Climb aboard the Frying Pan, now permanently docked on the Hudson, and take in some river views with your booze. The atmosphere is decidedly casual – There is no table service – but once you’ve scouted out a table you can enjoy the buckets of Corona and specialty spiced fries.

26th Street and the West Side Highway, Manhattan