The 11th Street Bar is where Liverpool supporters in New York call home. Situated in the heart of the funky, bohemian East Village, it is a haven for all Liverpool fans, whether living in New York or just passing through.
The East Village has a very neighbourhood, close-knit community feel and is also home to many artists. There are many restaurants, bars, coffeehouses, galleries and off beat designer clothing stores, catering to every taste. Off the tourist track, it can be a relaxing way to spend a day, drifting from store to bar to gallery.
In the centre of it all, is our bar, the 11th St Bar. Open every day until 4AM, on game days it opens about a half an hour before kick off; on non-game days, it opens at 4PM, and is always a convivial spot. It is a focus for many neighbourhood groups with political meetings, poetry sessions, pub quizzes and such, held there on a regular basis.
Across the street, there is a flea market on weekends and you’d never know what treasures just might be unearthed. Just remember, caveat emptor and a receipt gets you nowhere (if, indeed you even get one!). Just down the street is Tompkins Square Park. It has what would politely be described as a ‘colourful’ history, but in recent years has become a really cool place to hang out and watch the world pass by. Safe, it is a pleasant oasis in the middle of the East Village, and on a sunny day you’d be forgiven for not remembering you’re in New York.
11th Street itself is inviting, comfortable and laid back, with a focus on music, (when there are no Liverpool games on). There is no jukebox, leaving the bartender to control the mood with a personal eclectic taste. Requests are taken, but not always honored! Most drinks are $5 or less and 11th Street serves full 20oz pints. The beer selection changes regularly, but is always interesting, with local and American micro-brews usually available. Other than the Liverpool games, it is not a sports bar and management want to keep it that way, continuing to cater to all tastes. There is live traditional Irish music every Sunday night (no cover), beginning at 8PM. It is meant to finish at about 11PM, but that’s only a suggestion. This ‘seisun’ is well known around town, so you’d never know just who might drop by, nor for how long. From time to time there are other live gigs in the spacious back room, where the poetry and political meetings are held.
There are some pieces of Liverpool memorabilia on the walls and there should be a video library of recent and classic games. Usually these games can be played (sound off), if they don’t clash with other events. Of course you can always bring you own videos and DVDs, and circumstances permitting, they will be played. (If you are coming from the UK or Ireland, just remember, the video and DVD system is different here.) Club T-Shirts should be available from the bar, depending on supplies.
The 11th Street Bar is our comfortable home; it’s a Liverpool bar – it’s our Kop. Stop by, join us, watch the game, have a pint! We'll be there for every televised LFC game. Just look for the Guinness sign from the corner of 11th Street and Avenue A, and listen for the sounds of “You'll Never Walk Alone”.
The 11th Street Bar is located at 510 East 11th Street, between Avenue A and B in the East Village. The telephone number there is +1 212 982 3929. Easy to get to, the 11th Street Bar is located a 15 minute walk from the Union Square Subway Station (4 5 6 L N Q R W) or a 7 minute walk from the 1st Avenue stop on the L line (1st Ave & 14th St). It is also close to the F line (2nd Ave stop) and the 6 (Astor Place stop).