Zagat: Tropical Bar In West Village Can Liven Up A Staycation
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The Zagat Nightlife Guide recommends a West Village bar that makes patrons feel like they're on spring break in the city. NY1's Michelle Park filed the following report. The Rusty Knot
425 West Street
1-212-645-5668
www.therustyknot.com
It's spring break season, and while you may not be one of the lucky ones jet-setting somewhere tropical, the Zagat Nightlife Guide highlights a bar where it's possible to have a taste of a coastal getaway right here in the city -- The Rusty Knot off the West Side Highway.
"How many bars have a great sunset that look at the sun setting on the water?" says owner Ken Friedman. "It's a staycation."
"That's kind of why we dubbed it the 'best vacation on the island without leaving the island,'" says owner Taavo Somer.
Surveyors say this Zagat "Top Spot" is a "nautically-themed" beach house with bamboo furniture and aquarium that serves up "affordable" boat drinks, from Dark 'N' Stormys to Spiced Coladas, Mai Tais and the like.
It's not just a bar, as they serve bites in addition to the booze.
"We're a bar with great food. It's the best things that you can eat with one hand without using a fork and a knife and a plate -- little tacos, hot dogs," says Friedman.
"You can even drink without using your hands. There's drinks for five, with straws, that are on fire," says Somer.
Despite the "faraway" theme, locals designed The Rusty Knot's party fare with Brooklyn Star's Joaquin Baca and Suenos' Sue Torres both contributing to the menu.
Whether you come to snack on chips and guacamole, chomp on a fresh iceberg wedge or fish po' boys, sip cocktails with a view, or dance into the night, the owners say a trip to their "yuppie dive" is well worth it.
"It's like going to the Bahamas -- fruity rum drinks and people wearing really dumb eye patches and really stupid hats," says Friedman.
"You kind of feel like you're on the beach," says Somer. "If you checked Kayak, Jet Blue doesn't have anything, Virgin America, Southwest, but you really can't swing it, just come to The Rusty Knot. You'll be like in Santa Monica."
As for the ratings, out of a possible 30, The Rusty Knot received 20 for appeal and 18 for both decor and service. The cost is listed as "M" for moderate.