BWW Preview: The GRAY MARE-A New American Tavern in the East Village

As New Yorkers welcome fall and are embarking on the holiday season, a cozy new tavern, with a private event room awaits. Nestled in the heart of the bustling East Village at 61 2nd Avenue, The Gray Mare is bringing back the long-standing tradition of the American tavern and providing its neighbors a place to meet up, socialize, and of course, eat and drink. Open daily from 2pm to 3am the modern tavern is a welcoming place where visitors and locals alike, can drop in any time of the day for a nice glass of wine, a latte or a delicious house cocktail, and stay as long as they wish.

Located in the former Dempsey's Pub space, The Gray Mare is owned and operated by the team behind well-known craft beer destination Cooper's Craft & Kitchen as well as one of NOHO's favorite watering holes, Slainte Bar & Lounge on Bowery.

The owners have lived in and served the East Village Community for more than twenty years, and keenly understand the need for a local tavern emulating the great old tavern tradition. The Gray Mare was created specifically for the needs and expectations of the current generation and is a blend of tradition with modern updates, just like the East Village itself. After a late summer soft opening period, The Gray Mare is now kicking into high gear for the Fall Season.

Starting on Friday October 28th, TGM will introduce the weekend DJ program, beginning at 11pm every Friday and Saturday Night. In addition, The Gray Mare will be featuring guest bartenders from some of the top cocktail dens throughout the city. New Yorkers can also cheer on their favorite sports teams with games streaming live throughout the week, including PREMIER LEAGUE FOOTBALL & the NFL Sunday Ticket.

To compliment the daily and nightly programing is a menu designed by Chef Clifford Paroff (The Ainsworth, The Smith, Waverly Inn) featuring updated takes on tavern classics, offering many shareable dishes such as Deviled Eggs, Tempura Green Beans, Mushroom Toast, as well as heartier options for dinner such as the La Frieda Blend GM burger, Ribeye Cheese Steak Hero, or a decadent dish of Mac and Cheese served bubbling hot in a cast iron skillet.

The back room effortlessly converts into a private party room or event space with its own separate bar as well as the option for custom cocktails to be served on the draft system for large events - perfect for upcoming holiday celebrations.

Menu-clad TV's are strategically located throughout the venue, so as to not taint the atmosphere when not in use. However, when special events, award shows, and sporting events are on, it makes The Gray Mare the PERFECT place to watch as there is not a bad seat in the house.

The Gray Mare also provides outdoor patio seating, perfect for al fresco dining and lively people watching on the very-active 2nd Avenue strip.

The Gray Mare is the ultimate neighborhood destination, a place where everyone knows your name, remembers your favorite perfectly crafted cocktail, how you like your burger cooked and is always a friendly place to stop in and charge your smartphone.

For additional information visit www.THEGRAYMARENYC.com.

and follow @TheGrayMareNYC on Social Media.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Gray Mare