Best Bar Snacks

August 25, 2006

There's nothing better than a great drink after work. Unless, perhaps, you enjoy a great drink with fabulous and sometimes free bar snacks. If that's of interest to you, check out one of the following spots for tasty grub at your local pub.

Luxia
315 W. 48th Street Between 8th & 9th Avenues
212.957.0800

Despite its Theater District address, Luxia does not typically attract a Theater District crowd. Instead, this charming, dark organic restaurant attracts those seeking a good (and inexpensive) after work cocktail. Behind the bar in large vats you'll see a clear liquid with floating fruit; these are their fruit-infused vodkas in flavors such as watermelon, and peach. You won't go for broke during happy hour when these fruity concoctions are just $5 during and when you can take advantage of their tasty and free bar snacks. For the kid in you, try the thick-sliced home-made, crunchy potato chips that are perfectly salted, and for the adult, turn your attention to the vase at the corner of the bar and enjoy one of the 3-foot long, thin salty bread sticks. Can't choose? Have both. Not enough? Dine in their back garden, and take a bowl of chips to go alfresco.

Luz
177 Vanderbilt Avenue between Myrtle & Willoughby Avenues
718.246.4000

Fort Greene is exploding in popularity, which is bringing a housing explosion to the 'hood. And many of these nuevo neighbors are going to Luz for their Nuevo-Latino cuisine. A sexy, dark spot off of busy Myrtle Avenue, Luz is a great date spot, and stop for locals to get their happy hour fix. Enjoy salty yet sweet plantain chips at the bar that the friendly bartender will continue to refill as long as you're there. They are well-complimented by Luz's cocktail menu, which features Latin favorites with a twist like the mango ginger mojito, passionfruit margaritas and cava sangria. During happy hour, the potent concoctions are a couple of dollars off. If the chips increase your feed need, stay for an inexpensive Latin dinner fiesta.

Moksha
18 Murray Street between Broadway and Church
212.608.0707

The former chef from Tamarind, Gramercy Park's upscale Indian restaurant, moved downtown and opened his own place. So it's no wonder that his bar offers free snacks that are reflective of his uniqueness, focus on food and talent. Order a cocktail, and while you wait, you can munch on kitchen-roasted Masala cashews. If you crave something a bit heartier (that also won't cost you a thing) opt for a freshly-grilled veggie kabob with peppers and onions, and be sure to sample all the chutneys that accompany it. Moksha also features a full menu of Indian faves like curried items, flatbreads and multiple lamb dishes, so when the freebies leave you wanting more, belly up to a table in the serene, waterfall-inclusive space.

Rue B
188 Avenue B between 11th & 12th Streets
212.358.1700

Rue B, a dark, sexy boite on Avenue B offers customers a mellow place to chill after work with a half price happy hour special until 8PM. But sometimes, the low chatty din is rudely interrupted by sporadic POPs! Rather than wrenching your neck to see what the noise is about, know in advance that Rue B is the proud proprietor of a Jiffy Pop machine, and that many of its patrons order the campfire favorite to munch on while they sip chichi cocktails like the Mango Tango or Lychee Martini. The machine is completely mesmerizing as it slowly shakes the tin popcorn holder back and forth and back and forth, so make sure you put in your drink order before they go back up to full price.