Midtown Lunch

If you like to eat, chances are you like to drink (read: a lot of you are freakin’ lushes), so I thought maybe it was time to introduce a happy hour column to the site. Every week, our Happy Hour Correspondent “Mamacita” will post about a different bar in Midtown that fits the Midtown Lunch mentality: unhealthy food, not lame (unless it’s lame in a cool way), and most importantly… cheap.

Anyone following the ML forums can see the natives are restless for some happy hour refreshments. Some bars mentioned I may have stopped in at once long ago or already covered. I thought this would be an excellent opportunity to refresh my memory and also give you all a quick glace at the possibilities. One of the bars that caught my eye was Snafu on the Eastside. I decided to do some undercover recon work to scope out the place. I know it’s a thirsty job, but someone has to do it.

Word on the street was that Snafu takes a cue from the Superman comics: by day a mild mannered watering hole but by night a super human drink fest. I came in time for happy hour and was greeted by its Clark Kent persona. I was instantly attracted to its lounge feel and multi level floors that host a fireplace, many relaxing couches and a downstairs billiard and game room option.

Cheap and easy, Snafu offers a good alternative to the usually pricey midtown bar, with plenty of space, comfortable seating and many TV screens to watch the games on. Specials include $3 cosmos and apple-martini, $5 shots of Patron, Jameson and Jager, and $3 Bud light. My trip during the day was welcoming with a freshly popped basket of popcorn and a Blue Moon Belgian White with a wedge of orange. My bar man was a social, down to earth fella that made me feel at home.

The lighting at all times is dim and crimson. The burgundy glow permeates every level. The day regulars tend to be business class and this is their hideaway. The fireplace is especially nice on a cold day and with a close group friends.

Snafu’s alter ego is that of a popular late night spot whose crowds can tip towards the rowdy side. It was still pretty early into their happy hour when I finished my drinks and headed out, but already the amount of patrons at the bar had doubled. They were all men, not too shabby for the ML happy hour ladies.

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

• Rotating summer and winter specials that usually include martini and also shots
• Free snacks: popcorn is made fresh throughout the day
• Fireplace and lounge for laid back drinking
• Pool table is perfect to occupy your time as is the many TV screens to watch a game

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t likes this place would say)

• Scoring a seat on the sofas is difficult on a busy night
• Most drafts are regular price, $6 so if you don’t like girly drinks or shots you’re out of luck
• Possible sausage fest and I ain’t talking Hallo Berlin

Snafu Bar, 27 E. 47th St (btw Lex+3rd Ave), 212-317-9100