Summer living…when the temperature rises and so does my BAC. I don’t know what it is about the summer that leads me to crave happy hour more than any other season but I definitely can’t complain. Sure, rooftop bars are primetime but half the time I end up inside in a nice air-conditioned bar instead of even enjoying this weather. As the summer has come to an end, I have found myself enjoying every last second of it to the fullest. When my buddy Brett called me up saying he was having a goodbye happy hour (he quit his company) with some co-workers, I figured it was another good excuse for boozing. I was even more excited when he told me that we were heading to Croton Reservoir Tavern.
Getting toasy with my buddies Brett and Rex
I have been to CRT once before (an INAW First Friday) and had a freaking blast so I was excited to check it out again. CRT is a dual threat, the top floor consists of an upscale atmosphere perfect for an after-work drink with clients or old colleagues alike. However, don’t let the ambiance fool you from the mayhem below. Head downstairs to find a bar crowded with young professionals looking to get a little rowdy and let the stress of work disappear to the tune of loud music and cheap drinks.
I ended up going down and meeting my buddy and some of his co-workers who were already in the process of saying goodbye the only way they know how…by getting a little toasty. We quickly started off with several rounds (and shots) before heading into a rowdy game of Landmine. With in 45 minutes we had a table stacked with bottles and a group of 8 belligerent dudes trying to screw each other over. I really respect CRT for their diverse feel. Even though people were dancing around us, they never harassed us for turning out area into a drinking game lover’s haven. As the game came to an end, I realized I was pretty drunk and after another beer or two decided to head out of there. I definitely will be back to CRT for another happy hour soon.
The Landmine table starting to get a little full of "landmines"
Takeaways from Croton Reservoir Tavern
- Croton Reservoir Tavern is a definite happy hour winner for anyone working near Bryant Park. Impress your boss by taking them out for an after-work drink in the professional ambiance of the top floor. Then make up an excuse and go get rowdy with your friends downstairs!
- For the times you find yourself there outside of typical happy hour deals, take advantage of the INAW Deal: $3 Select Drafts 24/7. When I went it was Bud Lights (I think that is probably the standard) but I was fine with it considering the happy hour deal was $4 Bud Lights. Winner!
- I haven’t tried the food here ever (except for stealing a few homemade chips from someone at our table) but have heard good things from people who have ate here. Feel free to indulge in more than just the booze. Also, I remember seeing something about 80’s parties here before so keep an eye out for special events that they might be throwing on the weekends.
One Comment
Quality review. CRT was a blast and it has now hosted about 6 going away parties in the last 3 months. That is saying something…….
Lets get it done, Friday night Devils style.
-Caldwell