Spike Hill has the very convenient location of being literally steps from the Bedfor Avenue subway station, thus making it that much less terrifying to Manhattan-ites. The windows open up to look out onto Bedford Avenue, so you can literally wave to those coming out of the subway. It also has every beer and whiskey that you've ever heard of, and many you've never heard of. The wall is lined with exotic beer bottles from foreign countires, all of which the knowledgeable bartenders will explain to you. They do whiskey by the flight around here, 5 shots of whiskey categorized by price or by region, and all named after flight classes (coach, business, luxury). They also have food (excellent) and snug little booths to slip into if you're looking for privacy from the local neighborhood crowds. The only negative I could give it is that it's a little crowded on weekends, and the bar's pretty narrow. Oh, and did I mention brunch, with a free pint of Guiness?
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