Revealing another location on our NYC Big Adventure: Sunswick 35/35 bar in Astoria

Revealing a third stop from next Saturday’s upcoming NYC Hidden Gems Big Adventure and the first bar stop of the day. We’re going to pay a visit to Queens’ best kept secret bar: Sunswick 35/35.  

Sunswick makes our list because they check off on all the critical criteria perfect for a midday stop on a Big Adventure: Comfortable atmosphere, lots of space, solid menu and the friendliest bartenders this side of the East River. However, all that aside, the true highlight of Sunswick may be the constantly rotating selection of 25 craft and seasonable beers on tap. Many of which start at a mouth watering $5 per pint. If memory serves, the buy backs are pretty descent as well.

Also, as a nice bonus, Sunswick is just two blocks away from the Museum of The Moving Image. A convenient coincidence for sure. In fact, since the bar is located directly across the street from Kaufman Astoria Studios (home of Sesame Street and sports radio station WFAN) everyone from various puppeteers to Boomer Esiason has been known to stop in for a cold one. 

In short, Sunswick has been billed as a classy joint with a divey vibe. Or perhaps it's the other way around. Either way, it fits the bill perfectly as an NYC Hidden Gem. Have we convinced you to join us yet? Don’t forget to sign up on the event page or e-mail Info@NYCBigAdventure.com if you’re up for this next Big Adventure.

Sunswick 
35-02 35th Street (at 35th Ave!)
Astoria, NY 11106
718-752-0620
http://www.sunswick3535bar.com/

Ya don't need a Big Adventure to swing by. And, if you need a bit more prodding, NY Magazine wrote this nifty review with these nifty photos:

The Big Adventure Guide of Things to See & Do in NYC - A few more of our favorite bars

The Big Adventure recently hosted an event in NYC that brought scores of people to town. We had gathered some recommendations of various places to see and go for first time visitors and seasoned travelers alike. In the end, we had a list of restaurants, bars, activities, and museums  that are unique to New York City,relatively inexpensive and eye-opening. In short, A Big Adventure "Best Of" list. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing some of our suggestions here…

A few more of The Big Adventure's most beloved bars throughout Manhattan... 

  

Parkside Lounge

317 E. Houston Street (between Attorney Street and Avenue B)

www.parksidelounge.net

Ah, we love this place. It is a quality dive bar and we’ve never had a bad time. If you’re feeling adventurous, we guarantee you’ll meet some characters. Easy going staff, incredibly reasonable prices (Parkside Ale will run you $3 and tastes like it) and old school pac-man table game and pool table make this place straight up fun. But, beware, the quality of the bathrooms is indicative of the bar.

Blind Tiger Ale House

281 Bleecker Street (between Jones and Commerce Streets)

www.blindtigeralehouse.com    

 

This world famous West Village pub is interesting and unique.  It’s all beer here – not a drop of liquor to be found. They specialize in craft beer while regulars join a club that challenges them to drink every beer offered over the course of the year.  Great open air bar, nice summer spot on Bleecker, but often not much seating in the evening –prepare to stand.  Great afternoon spot, though!

Crocodile Lounge

325 E 14^th Street (between 1^st and 2^nd Avenues)

www.yelp.com/biz/crocodile-lounge-new-york

Who would have thought of the concept? We didn’t believe when we first went: For every beer that you buy, you get a free pizza. Seriously. Carnival like atmosphere means everyone is always smiling. And, really, who doesn’t love a free pizza with their beer?

Pine Tree Lodge

326 E. 35^th Street (between the tunnel entrance and 1^st Avenue)

www.pinetreelodgeny.com

Missing your trip to Canada this summer because you came to NYC? The Pine Tree Lodge is full of Great White North ambience without being to kitschy. Upon entering, you feel like you should be shaking off the cold and hanging up your skis and parka. Grab a drink, smile at the mounted elk head wearing a life jacket and relax in the parlor complete with Bear Skin Rug and, of course, Big Buck Hunter. 

Coming this weekend - Just a few more bars to share (because there is much drinking to be done in NYC)

The Best Bathrooms in New York City

"Trust me, this is the best bathroom in midtown! On the left--exquisite marble! High ceilings. An' a flush, like a jet engine!"  -George Costanza 

Ah, sure there are hundreds of lists of restaurants, parks, attractions and more, but when was the list time someone took the time to focus on what was important: The place you most want to go when nature calls. 

Yelp.com has devoted an entire section to inside..ahem...streaming reports on the best spots to take care of business. See the link below, but here are the Top Ten facilities for a big flush in the Big Apple:

1. Bar 89
2. Inakaya 
3. Morimoto
4. Peep
5. Foley's - Not one to quote someone's personal review, but this was too good not to share: "The urinals are from the old Waldorf, before it moved. They're enormous, and you feel like you're in some sort of pod while you're peeing."

Best Bathrooms throughout New York City

And, of course, sometimes you just need a clean bathroom. We've become experts on those too....Manhattan's Cleanest Bathrooms

Say Hello to Otto's Shrunken Head

Another bar locked in and now revealed for the Big Adventure on August 28th: Otto's Shrunken Head. To say this place is one-of-a-kind is an understatement. Plus, secret photo booth in the back room. Indeed.


http://www.ottosshrunkenhead.com/

One of the stops we're particularly excited for on the upcoming Big Adventure this Saturday is the White Horse Tavern in Greenwich Village. Sure, it finds into our horse themed day, but the location has long been on our list. Reputed as historic but not stuffy, you're almost guaranteed some begrudging friendly service, inexpensive drinks and great stories. Read more here: http://www.newyorkontap.com/reviews2show.asp?show=120

What do YOU think?

Announcing The Brooke and Phil's Film Big Adventure

Its Time once again...plan to join us on Saturday, March 6th when we’ll be embarking on yet another Brooke and Phil’s Big Adventure.

Brooke and Phil are setting out on the cinematic streets of New York City to determine if life really does move at 24 frames per second. Starting in the eEarly afternoon and adventuring through the wee hours of the night, we'll be paying homage to the finest of American Film throughout the city.

From Midtown to the West Village to Chelsea and beyond, we’ll be making stops that are unique, social and friendly to the wallet. We’ll visit some familiar and not-so-familiar establishments and even have a few surprises along the way. Also, it is no mere coincidence that we’re hosting our outing the day before another bigger film event (see: The 82^nd Annual Oscars)

In two weeks, we’ll be posting all the information, stops and critical details you need right here on the Blog. As always, everyone is always welcome. Check back for specific details including route, locations and times in the next couple of weeks. But for now, Buy your tickets from the box office, save the stub and join us on Saturday, March 6th for Brooke and Phil’s Film Big Adventure. Hoping to see you there...

Questions? We've got something for that now. Feel free to e-mail us anytime at BrookeAndPhilsBigAdventure@Gmail.com