There’s nothing like a good Manhattan! Not only the borough of New York City but also the beverage!
At several Elks Lodges across the country, I’ve ordered a Manhattan. Some have been pretty good, some not so good. Sometimes the bartender has needed a lesson in how to make the drink (“I’m a beertender, not a bartender.”). Other times, the drinks have been expertly crafted.
While in Manhattan, I decided to drink Manhattans – and review each drink and experience. 🙂
My first Manhattan was at Tessa Restaurant. I went there on my first Friday in NY. Given I was solo during the Friday dinner rush, I had to sit at the bar rather than a table. Two of the three people (all friends) sitting next to me were second year med students and their friend, who the day before broke his wrist biking in Central Park, is a second year law student. The drink itself was really good! Not too sweet and very tasty.
A few nights later, I went to Harvest Kitchen, where the food was excellent but the Manhattan was a bit boring. I learned, too, that I prefer a straight up Manhattan rather than on the rocks. My server was a young man from Albania who had been in NY for less than a month. He was on Maui for two years and lost everything to the wildfire. He came to NY to replace his identification, visa, etc, and is working at the restaurant to support himself while in NY.
On Halloween, I chose NOT to watch the parade in Greenwich Village. Although I used to like crowds, I now prefer to avoid them due to COVID and other germs – and the risk of terrorism.
Instead, I walked to Broadway, enjoying the many kids in costumes trick-or-treating at the local businesses. That evening before seeing the excellent show, Hadestown, I went across the street for a bite and a Manhattan at Hurley’s Irish Pub. I had quite the multi-cultural experience! Mediterranean food (hummus) and an American beverage in an Irish pub! The drink tasted good and didn’t feel very strong…until it did! Manhattans tend to hit about 20 minutes after I finish the last sip. I know NOT to order that second drink.
The daughters of one of my best friends now live and work in NYC. With their busy work and school schedules, the best time for us to get together was for happy hour. At The Horny Ram, I got to not only catch up on their fabulous lives but also have another Manhattan! This beverage was not my favorite. Although it had a good cherry, it was mild tasting and a bit boring. The conversation, though, made the total experience wonderful!
I had my final Manhattan on my last night in the City. My mother’s best friend’s son (my “fifth brother”) and his wife met me in the city at Legasea, so we could have dinner and chat. The food was delicious, the conversation wonderful, and the drink okay. For the first time, I considered ordering a second drink, but (wisely!) chose not to.
My findings:
1) Straight up Manhattans are better than on the rocks.
2) I would absolutely return to Tessa and Hurley’s for a Manhattan.
3) Further research shows that although other cities have drinks named after them, having a Manhattan in Manhattan is the BEST!