20 beers that are always changing.
I admit, I’m a taste snob. I can tell you the difference between two bottles of the same wine with six months separation between tastings, and wax poetic about the intricacies of flavors at a five-star restaurant. But for me, there’s still nothing like a good beer. Call it my blue-collar roots coming out — that is if my blue-collar family had appreciated hints of macadamia nuts, coffee beans and chocolates complementing the perfect blend of malts and hops.
American craft beer has come into its own over the last decade. Beer lovers no longer swill watery brews without thinking. Now there is conversation to be had, as true fans gather to discuss their favorite beers and share stories that are surprising similar (though much more down-to-earth) than the conversations you’ll find at a wine tasting. And out of all the places I’ve enjoyed a fine pint, few places can compare to The Pony Bar in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan.
Located at 45th Street and 10th Avenue, The Pony Bar is part of the new breed of beer establishments springing up that understand true beer fans don’t like to limit themselves to only a few regular brews. The whole craft beer culture demands a constant stream of sampling and experimentation. So The Pony delivers with a style that will win over even the most jaded fan.
Twenty beers are on nitrogen or CO2 taps, with another two brews on cask taps, at any given time. So no matter your tastes, you’ll find a beer to satisfy. Working with many of the top craft beer makers in the country, as well as many you’ve never heard of before, they attempt to always have a selection that ranges from pilsners and IPAs (India Pale Ale’s for those not in the know) to lagers, porters and stouts. And when a keg “kicks,” (that means we drank it all, folks), a whole new beer is brought up from the basement for the fans to try.
Happy hour is always at 4:20pm.
But what really makes the establishment special is the culture that has grown up around it. From the ring of the fire bell and shouts of “New beer!” every time a new keg is brought out to the awarding of “All-American Status” when a beer drinker finishes his or her hundredth beer at the bar, The Pony becomes a celebration of everything a beer lover appreciates. Happy hour is always at 4:20pm as well. (Read into that what you will.) And don’t go asking for a Budweiser. They have it. Hidden away. And they’ll sell it to you with a sneer. But The Pony will suffer no fools. This place is about real beer and you have to earn the respect of the bartenders before you’re treated with respect. Ordering a Pabst is NOT the way to do that.
Even the menu is amazing. Unlike a lot of brew pubs, the food menu features flavorful sandwiches that are far beyond any bar fodder I’ve ever had. From a Chipotle-Ale Shrimp Torta to an A.L.T. (Avocado, Lettuce and Tomato) to special menu items like Lobster Rolls, you have a menu as rich as the experience.
Conveniently located at 10th avenue and 45th street.
If you do go, though, make it a Sunday through Wednesday. Because the beer is only $5.00, the place can get loud on the party nights. You will frankly miss out on a lot of what makes the bar great if you can’t hang out with the regulars and talk. But if you do go on a quiet night, make sure you sign up for your All-American Card to begin your journey to 100 beers. And for $0.99 you can download the iPhone app to keep track of your progress.
The Pony Bar is a must-stop for every beer lover in New York. And as a guy who is about to become an All-American himself within the next few weeks, I’d love to have you drop in and toast a pint with me.
Robert Knorpp is host of The BeanCast Marketing Podcast at thebeancast.com and is President of The Cool Beans Group, a marketing strategy consultancy based in New York City. He likes laughing even more than breathing. You can follow the madness on Twitter at twitter.com/BobKnorpp.
