Bar of the Week: WILD HORSE TAVERN on the Upper East Side of NYC

The team behind trendy New York City hotspot, Church Street Tavern has expanded their hospitality to include the newest inspired entry in the Upper East Side scene, Wild Horse Tavern. The Rock 'n' Roll-themed bar and restaurant on 2nd Avenue between 84th and 85th Street features a lounge and dining area. The venue pays tribute to the Rolling Stones song, Wild Horses with images of Rock 'n' Roll icons on the walls and a stage to host regular live music.

At Wild Horse Tavern, you can expect the perfect combination of refreshingly good times and hearty, original food. Classic rock, the American West, and delicious cuisine all come together as a signature achievement. And, they have fused their inspirations with a character-rich drink menu and a daily happy hour that will likely become one of your weekly devotions. Visit the first time to see this neighborhood hotspot done right and keep visiting long after that.

True to its name, the Wild Horse Tavern gets some of its wines from California's Wild Horse Vineyards and offers a dozen beers on tap including Lagunitas, Kelso Pilsner and Bitburger Premium. There are undeniable strokes of creativity in their house cocktails. The "Thyme Is on My Side" is a refreshing summery recipe with vodka, lemon, agave and thyme. The "10 Years Gone" is a modified Old Fashioned, complete with Bulleit Bourbon but surprises with a dose of Pernod. The mixologists at Wild Horse have taken other brilliant liberties with cocktail classics. The tequila-based "Smoke and Mirrors" has the soul of a Margarita, yet the sweet and smoky notes of this drink are derived not from lime and Cointreau, but from lemon, honey, ginger, and coca leaf infused mezcal essence. The crowd-pleaser, though, is the "British Invasion," a gin-based drink that derives much of its subtlety and refreshment from an unmistakable warm weather pairing of mint and cucumber.

The menu at Wild Horse Tavern has some real favorites like Chili Hot Wings, sandwiches like their Eastside Burger with double-smoked bacon, and creative improvisations like their Vietnamese Dip or the Reubano. They also have the best of Oktoberfest fare with local sausages and warm potato salad on the Germantown Platter. It is also possible to indulge in more snack-like selections such as Beef and Gruyere Croquettes and a premium hot dog called the "Jersey Ripper." And there's a full roster of soups, salads, and home-style entrees like veggie Pot-Pie and Brick Chicken that gives Wild Horse a welcoming "sit and savor" air. One of the most popular entrees, Beer Mussels is seasoned with Smoked Bacon and Beer Mustard Pilsner and served giant pretzel. Choose any of these menu choices to pair with drinks as your own culinary escape.

Make our "Bar of the Week" your one of your favorites. Wild Horse Tavern is located at 1629 Second Avenue (between 84th and 85th Streets) New York, NY 10028. Call them at (212) 300-4132 or visit http://wildhorsetavern.com/ for more information.

Photo Credit: Liz Clayman

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