idle hands

Idle Hands
25 Avenue B @ 3rd Street
New York, NY 10009
(917) 338-7090
http://www.idlehandsbar.com/

The Passport blurb: Come to Idle Hands for "Bourbon Beer Rock" in the East Village. The beer menu features a selection of 40-60 craft microbrews on draft, in bottles and in cans. The focus is on domestic crafts with a selection of foreign beers. Expect to see some names you know with pours you haven't tried. The bar carries a wide selection of 60-70 different bourbons.

The deal: $5 for a can or 8oz draft beer & a shot of Maker's Mark.

The bar: I was already pretty buzzed from my celebratory moving drinks and the trip to Jimmy's, so I had to search really hard for the stairs leading down to Idle Hands. Ok...there was a chalkboard on the sidewalk that said "Bourbon Beer Rock" with an indicative arrow, but I was actively scanning the areas above sidewalk-level for a displayed address or signage and missed it entirely. Once I finally found the bar by spotting the chalkboard and trekking down the stairs, I was happy to find a laid back joint with the promised extensive adult beverage selection. The bartender promptly served me the Passport deal with my preferred can to pair with bourbon whiskey: PBR.



I noticed the presence of a DJ booth but no-one utilized it during my visit. The place is dim and cozy, with low lights and candles scattered throughout. I went on a Saturday at 7:30ish and it was relatively quiet, but as time passed the bar and tables started to fill up. I paid my tab and headed out just as it was starting to get a little loud and (I can only assume) live up to the described rockstar persona...

The narrative: So the last thing I probably needed at this point was a shot of bourbon whiskey, but if you asked one of my friends to pick a single word to describe me that word would probably not be "smart." I happily downed the Maker's and PBR while chatting briefly with the bartender. She told me an awesome story she read online about a woman who got pulled over while very clearly driving drunk that shat herself in fear during the ordeal. We agreed that this resonated as a good argument for living in NY: no need to drive (almost) ever. As a living, stumbling testament to this truth, I ventured out onto the street after visiting the bathroom (which was covered ceiling to floor in stickers of kicka*s bands). I got to Irving Plaza just in time to see the Dan Band perform and it was freakin' awesome. I got all sweaty, sang along and danced like the drunken monkey I was/am. Good times.



Yes. That's them doing "Single Ladies.' Also- Yes. I totes wish you had been there too.

The verdict: I didn't stay long because I was on my way to the concert, but I'll definitely go back with the hope that a DJ will be playing Rock to go with my Bourbon and Beer. Maybe I'll see you there. Cheers.