Best Pre-game Bar?

clogren

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Mar 28, 2015
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Howdy folks,

I tried Billy's tonight and it couldn't have been further from the pre soccer game experience I was looking for. The music was not only terrible but also loud enough to blow my eardrums out. Forget about having a conversation with someone standing 1 foot in front of me. How do people stand it?

Anyway, since I'm not familiar with the Yankee Stadium neighborhood I was hoping someone would be able to break down the bar options and what they are good/bad for.

Personally I am looking for a pub atmosphere where a conversation could be had. Ideally the music is at a decibel level that is conducive to breaking out into pre game chants. Does this exist? If not, I will have to buy a bar and make my own.

Thanks in advance for any information.

-CL
 
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I think the other popular pre-game venues are:

The Dugout, 880 River Avenue
Yankee Bar and Grill, 844 River Avenue
Yankee Tavern, located on the corner of 161st Street and Gerard Avenue


I haven't been to any of them, but it would be awesome to do a compare and contrast of each of these.
 
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I went to Dugout on Saturday and I like it because there's a lot of open space (and additional bars) in the back and it tends to be pretty comfortable without obnoxious music blasting. I haven't checked out the others but I'm not interested in Billy's for the reasons others have stated.
 
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I hit Billy's and the Dugout last Saturday.
Billy's was too loud in the main room and the front room is more conducive to a meal with four people or fewer. The food is mediocre and over priced.
The Dugout was congested by the front door but had a nice sized room in back. Tables were sparse but there was room to move and get together with friends. The waitresses were busy and attentive so getting drinks was easy. Another nice touch was the no-frills food counter.
 
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Dugout and Yankee's B&G were pretty great - got to meet some of the guys over at BBSC, HoO, and even the Forums!

Didn't get food, though - so can't speak to that
 
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I was told that Billy's was too packed & crazy but I ended up going this past Saturday and it was pretty dead. There was loud music but barely anyone was dancing. The energy wasn't there despite my efforts in trying to create it amongst my group. Definitely not a dive bar/pub atmosphere you want but its not as hyped up as I was led to believe. I've heard great things about Dugout though.
 
I was told that Billy's was too packed & crazy but I ended up going this past Saturday and it was pretty dead. There was loud music but barely anyone was dancing. The energy wasn't there despite my efforts in trying to create it amongst my group. Definitely not a dive bar/pub atmosphere you want but its not as hyped up as I was led to believe. I've heard great things about Dugout though.
I recognize you from billy's you were at the end of the bar right? on the corner?
 
I mean to try Stan's on Saturday since my brother-in-law told me to go - what's it like? It's the one on the corner, right?
Yeah its just a bit south of Yankee Stadium. It actually used to be right across the street from the old stadium. My first summer in New York in 2000 was a bit of a blur because of that place lol. Old school Yankees/sports bar. Always a great atmosphere on gameday for baseball.
 
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Dugout has a nice crowd without feeling overly packed. $4 PBR there vs. $7 at Billys.

TR needs to let Billys know that they'll walk if there isn't a break in the prices. How can you have a nearly 50% markup across the street and get away with it.
 
Dugout has a nice crowd without feeling overly packed. $4 PBR there vs. $7 at Billys.

TR needs to let Billys know that they'll walk if there isn't a break in the prices. How can you have a nearly 50% markup across the street and get away with it.
TR is a big group, can any other place accommodate the group? If so, they should bolt for the better prices because f**k Billy's.
 
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TR benefits from having a large open area to meet up so that limits their options.
I think that Billy's let TR do some work on the opening day TIFO in their main room so I give them props for that.