So as I teased earlier this week in my write-up of Posto, I have a great new bar to share with all of you! 3 Steps, located on the same block, so 2nd Avenue between 18th and 19th, is a fantastic little hole in the wall and I’m literally excited to tell you about it. Let’s just say that the day after I found it I began all sentences at work with “I fell in love last night with a new bar, and bartender, Angela.”
So on to the goods. Although my roommate and I lived in the neighborhood for nearly two years, we really never noticed this bar before. It’s small, underground a bit (perhaps three steps down?) and 2nd Avenue is pretty vacant near us (Posto and The Lantern are the other two spots that come to mind, along with some Italian restaurant that I never tried) so we don’t often walk down it. Anyway, what we did notice this time was a little easel outside advertising quite the drink special: 50% from 5-10pm.
Since we were celebrating my birthday that night we decided another drink at least was in order, so we thought we’d check it out, especially when they’re half-off. Now this being a Monday night, I assumed it was a Monday-only deal, so my first question (after “Do you have a drink menu?”) was “What are your happy hour specials the rest of the week?” My jaw dropped when I heard “Same deal every night.” Yes, every. single. night.
Now Saturdays can be iffy based on weather or something to that effect (I didn’t quite get it), but in general the deal is that if they’re open, you can score half-off drinks every night from 5-10 pm. I couldn’t believe it and kept asking to verify the information when finally another patron at the bar spoke up and said that she’s been coming to this bar for two years because of the special - she even treks on over from the West side because it can’t be beat. I think she’s on to something.
So in honor of a great deal, we decided to get a glass of champagne. I mean we felt like ballers that night since we could actually afford it. It was half-off….and J. Roget brand….
Anyway, despite our intentions to have a low key dinner/drink catch-up, we ended up staying at the bar for the next three hours or so watching Dancing With the Stars (per my request, and I can’t believe they granted it! And what’s cooler than watching DWTS while drinking at a bar on a Monday night? I’m sure many of you can think of lots of other things, but this was pretty cool for me.) and got bombed off of wine, shots (which were free) and the like. Unfortunately the aftermath of this experience was that I shattered my computer screen at home after writing a ridiculously embarrassing email to a bridal party I’m a part of, but that’s neither here nor there.
So again what do I love about this place? Well, here’s a quick list:
* 50% off drinks every night from 5-10 pm
* Small, cozy, dim, perfect for a casual night
* DJ Thursday, Friday and Saturday, perfect for a dancing night
* The bartender/owner Angela – so kind, easy-to-talk to and helpful. A true gem.
* You can reserve space for a party without a fee and they’re really flexible about potentially extending the happy hour deal the night of said party
After I heard that last bullet my roommate and I immediately texted a lot of people (read: way too many) to advise them that we were planning a party in June. I believe the text read something like: “Great bar. I’m in love. Party on June XX. Be there.” Again, this is neither here nor there.
Other things to know: They don’t serve food but they have a great relationship with Posto and other spots in the area for a quick delivery. It has a very loyal clientele, age seemed to range from 23-40 and it’s an industry hot-spot. And this one is for the ladies - apparently the clientele (particularly on a Thursday night I was told) is composed of attractive men just getting off of work. I plan on checking this out sooner rather than later to confirm.
So to sum it up, if you like a casual place, fantastic service, friendly people in the bar and saving money, then this is the place for you. Hope to see you there sometime!
The Basics
Name: 3 Steps
Location: 322 2nd Avenue
Who to take: Roommates, friends, family, a date, everyone
Price:50% off! $
Overall: I haven’t been this excited over a new bar in years. 5 Stars.
