Blue Ruin

I am really glad this bar came to Ninth Avenue, because it adds a dive bar with a sense of fun to the area. At any night you don't know who will be in it: union guys who are working on the local mega construction jobs, media types who stroll west from midtown, commuters waiting to take the next bus home to NJ, and drag queens out to shoot pool. The jukebox is GREAT with some awesome tracks. I also really dig the all-female staff, who are pros. This bar is not for the faint of heart, but it is a real good neighborhood joint. Pros: Cheap drinks in the shadow of Port Authority Cons: Only open til 4 AM more

Went for happy hour last week, and it was anything but happy. First off, the deal they post about "buy one get one" drinks is false, and is only at the bartender's discretion, but I guess that is neither here nor there. This same bartender was the only one working the bar, but this really wasn't an issue - Friday at 7pm, and it wasn't packed by any means. The jukebox selection was decent, but the place had such a manufactured feel to it - and now that I've looked it up online, I see that it was, in fact, manufactured to feel like a dive bar. To me, a TRUE dive bar is one that has been around for years, and has become part of the landscape of the neighborhood - not a new place right next to the Port Authority Bus Terminal with a bad attitude. The bartender left a lot to be desired - belligerent for the sake of being belligerent. That flies at midnight when everyone is already trashed, but not when people are walking in looking to let loose right after work. All in all - AVOID. Pros: Nice mix of people, good location Cons: Bartender, ambiance, prices more

Where to begin? The happy hour is great. The jukebox is amazing. It is as varied and interesting as the patrons of the bar. The bartenders know how to take care of the crowd! They make sure you want for nothing while you are there. The location is fantastic. A block away from the P.A., so stop in for a round or 5 on your way home. It has all of the character of what Hell's Kitchen once was and hopefully will be again. This place is perfect for groups of guys or girls to go and see just how much you can drink before forgetting your name. Get over there, you will not regret it. Pros: Everything Cons: Nothing more

I came here on the first night this place opened (about 8-9 weeks ago) and I couldn't believe what the heck was going on! Everyone was having a great time, the (pretty drunk) bartender had everyone in the bar singing along to the juke box, and there were shots flying around everywhere. I heard songs I haven't heard in YEARS, and had a blast. I've been back about once or twice pretty much every week since they opened. They got a TV, but it's not on yet, but I don't care, cause I don't go out to watch TV. I'm glad I can say that I've been coming here since the beginning! Pros: Totally unique looking bar! Cons: They can't stay open 24/7 more

Came here and loved it !! great beer selection. They had a unbelievable jukebox! Obscure songs. oldies but real goodies that aren't in any juke I've ever seen. Love the design and theme of "old New York" would definitely recommend having a drink here and seeing for yourself. This place is definitely for good time havin bar conoisseurs!! Pros: best bartenders! Cons: TV's not working yet. more

All in all this is a solid bar. However, there is the element of Hogs and Heiffers or Coyote ugly from the mid to late 90's. Bartenders yelling at you to drink and making the show about THEM and not YOU. Thus concept just seems so played. I don't feel compelled to spend $ to experience this. I thnk they may get a bunch of one offs who will come in for the experience, but I have a tough time thinking they will get regulars with this nonsense. This bar has huge potential, please lose the megaphone. Pros: Cool physical space, loud juke, cheap drx Cons: megaphone more

This is just your average dive bar near Port Authority. The bartenders and patrons are pretty lively and fun. The drinks are also cheap. However, there are no televisions to watch the game and the jukebox has some really strange one-hit wonder songs. They don't even have Lynryd Skynrd, CCR, or Johnny Cash!! I think that if the jukebox had more southern rock and fast country music, this place would be a lot better and bring in more people! Pros: Dive Bar atmosphere, cheap drinks, lively vibe Cons: No country music, no televisions, bad jukebox altogether more