The Punch Bowl

This is an old school gin mill, maybe 40 years plus and things have not change much. It is a shot and beer joint. Whiskey, bud bottle, half liter liquor bottles for service, etc. etc. Order a martini get a look. Order a frozen drink you go to the backroom and disappear.

In recent weeks I have been here a couple of times for various reasons. I thought a bottle of Bud at  $4 was a little high for this neighborhood and for afternoon pricing. The place has great potential with a good cleaning. While I do like a Dive Bar atmosphere, it had to much of The Bowery feel of years past, before gentrification.

I guess if I lived in the area, I would stop by. It is right off the 238 Street stop on the number 1 line. It is a solid bar, but may not appeal to everyone. Irish Bartenders, lottery machine, pool table, darts.

Overall, The Punch Bowl has stood the test of time. Maybe the Owner owns the building. Who knows. The bar is a bar of convenience. It is ideally located with a ton of regulars, but time will see that clientele vanish. The Punch Bowl serves it's purpose, but I would like to see the shine put back on. We can keep that gin mill charm just add some new world comforts: HD TV, craft beer, wifi, credit cards, etc. etc.

I want to preface this -- this is a DIVE bar and as such, it really deserves 3 stars. But if you were to compare this to a regular joint, i wouldn't even give it a one.

As you enter, the room is filled with smoke, cigarette smoke. The bar is along the left side. On the right, there's a Karaoke machine with a hostess. You make your requests and you can belch all you want when its your turn. Some of them were really good. Towards the back there are some pool tables. One of the main reasons people come here is because you can do whatever you want and no one gives a crap, ie. smoking -- anything. lol. And also, because the drinks are super cheap. Their clientele as far as i can see, are younger or older -- not many in between.

I was there for about 40 minutes or so and stunk of cigs. I doubt that I would come back again but for what it is, not bad at all.

Boar and deer heads on display. Good glassware, feels very smooth and pleasing to the skin of my bare hands.