On 14th Street just past Avenue A. Can't resist that sign. Will have one drink.
Maybe 12 people in the place.
The man puts a few bills in the jukebox. When "Smooth," the Santana/Rob Thomas ditty, comes on, he and his wife start to dance in the front of the bar.
Helene, with a wink, says the place is going to be busted for violating the cabaret laws. The two dance very well together.
An Andrea Bocelli song comes on. The couple slow dance. In the back, another man and woman -- these two much older -- also dance. We're all going to be thrown in jail, Helene says with a laugh.
James Brown comes in. Popeye 86'd him previously. He can't stay. So James Brown smiles, shakes a few hands and leaves.
The older woman who had been dancing in the back collects her cart with the Rite Aid and Associated bags she had parked under the TV and makes her exit.
One of the regulars keeps apologizing for no reason. Stop apologizing, the others say -- you're not in church.
One of the old-timers sitting in the middle of the long bar dozes off.
Five drinks later, I leave. Still light out.
Related:
Blarney Cove (Jeremiah's Vanishing NY)
nice story. we need more bars that bring to mind bukowski.
ReplyDeleteWe need more bars where people can slow dance to the juke box in the middle of the afternoon!
ReplyDeletealways seems skanky to me--can't even go in every time I pass it--
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
ReplyDeletethose tunes are not my cuppa, but the people sure are! Gotta head in. That is one cozy sounding place
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Ken! While it's still there! I always worry about that stretch of 14th Street between A and B. Ripe for development hell.
ReplyDeleteThat's my favorite bar in New York.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment, Nathan. Doesn't get much better than the Blarney Cove.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I really like the under the boardwalk shots -- particularly the forgotten franks.
I wish you had gotten a shot of the banner over the bar of the "drinking club" with a faded photo of a bunch of 90 year old men. Or maybe it's a list of their names. Can you recall what they are called? It's hilarious, and totally the reason this is the best bar in the 'hood.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I don't drink much anymore, or it would absolutely be the go to spot for me.
Hi Jill,
ReplyDeleteYes! It's the "Mid-day Gentlemen's Club." Charter members from 2002 include Uncle Al, Jimmy P and Johhny Mac.
It's a great sign.
I just heard that the Cove's Holiday Party will (probably) be on the 19th of December... that's always a night to remember!
ReplyDelete