Vibe: As any sports lover knows, there is no reason to have to separate sports from any other previous engagement, be it a wedding, funeral, or in this case, a birthday party (there’s always room for at least a small TV). But for a birthday party in New York City, you also don’t want your event to feel like a hung over Sunday with sweatpants, Cheetos, and all your meathead friends groaning about what’s her name from last night. In comes SideBar, your classically adorned, upscale pub-style sports haven.
Spot: Union Square’s answer to Gramercy Tavern, Side Bar is a mix of chandeliers, beautiful woodwork, candlelight, and flat screen TVs with every game you’re looking for (and yes, Sportscenter or PTI as well). With 2 rooms specifically for private parties, complete with private projection screens, even those meathead friends will be impressed. And of course, there’s a dance floor and DJ for late nights, as we are in New York City after all. Located right next the the Fillmore, Sidebar also makes a perfect place for the post-concert after party.
Grub: Definitely not your standard burgers and fries, SideBar steps its game up with sophisticated takes on pub-style favorites. Choices like foie gras devilled eggs, grilled sirloin steak sandwiches, and goat-cheese stuffed lamb burgers are just a taste of what your guests can expect at your birthday party.
The Deal: SideBar is like taking your fantasy sports bar and letting a much cooler version of your girlfriend decorate it: it keeps the TVs as the main focus, but then accents every corner and aspect of the place with a simplistic style and class that’s very debonair, and very New York City. Side Bar is a great spot to welcome all your friends for your birthday party, and then completely ignore them for four quarters without worrying about it seeming rude.
