CP NEWS: Fake Vacations in New York

[ddm-news]

-Erin DeJesus

Travel and Leisure may push their ritzy globetrotting travel ideas, but for most of us, summer vacation involves beating the heat (and guzzling the booze) right here in Manhattan. Though glitzy trips to Malaysia and San Tropez may be out of the question, it could be worse – the best part of vacationing can still be done here in the city. Head on Clubplanet’s Around the World Food n’ Booze tour and save your pennies for one of those “real” vacations. And who knows? You may even find the best exotic respite exists just a few blocks from home.

The BXL Belgian Café (Belgium)

125 West 43rd St.

212.768.0200

This cute gem of a pub offers a variety of reasonably priced Belgian brews, knowledgably paired with their appropriate glassware. On a recent visit, the friendly and attentive bartender also served up $5 shots – an amazing price considering the café’s close proximity to Times Square. The café, which also serves food, provides a nice respite from the expensive tourist traps in the heart of Midtown.

Maracas Mexican Bar and Grill (Mexico)

33 Greenwich Ave.

212.593.6600

Grab a giant (23 ounce) sized margarita and munch on the reasonably priced food – nothing too exotic here, but “traditional” Mexican appetizers like chilaquiles and flautas provide a great snack go to with your booze. Mondays offer a $3 frozen margarita special.

Buddha Bar NYC (Japan)

25 Little West 12th St.

212.647.7314

The Meatpacking District’s Buddha Bar provides a swanky locale to knock back the trendy house cocktails – complete with giant lacquered Buddha statue. Sample the saketini, which combines traditional Japanese sake with Grey Goose and cucumber, along with selections from the sushi menu or the more pricey French/Asian cuisine.

North Star Pub (United Kingdom)

93 South St.

212.509.6757

North Star, a casual British pub that serves up British and American pub grub (fish ‘n chips, mate?), features a large selection of English ales and malts, both bottled and on tap. The downtown locale attracts the Wall Street crowd, but ignore the suits and briefcases and enjoy the British vibe.

Alfama Restaurant (Portugal)

551 Hudson St.

212.645.2500

Though technically a quaint restaurant in the West Village, Alfama’s alcohol list is almost as long as their limited menu. An extensive wine list (though most are sold by the bottle, not the glass) compliments the specialty cocktails (if you’re sick of the traditional version, try the “Portuguese Margarita,” a combination of José Cuervo, Blackberry liqueur, Grand Marnier, and lime juice.

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