106 Amsterdam @ 106th and Amsterdam

From David:

Thursday night was guy's night out. I've been eyeing up the bar around the corner with the Blue Point Brewery neon sign for months, waiting for a chance to grab a less than quiet dinner and a pint. (Beth never wants to go into the loud bars with flashing televisions.) From visits to friends in Davis Park, Fire Island (whose house was next to a brew master from Blue Point), I learned of craft beers often termed 'the elixir of gods'. I couldn't wait to have a swallow of Blue Point drawn from a tap here in New York City.

At 7:00 pm, the bar was packed--every stool was taken with drinkers and diners. Although most of the patrons were of student age, there were a few of my contemporaries. If it is a crowd and noise you want--this is the place. I caught the bartender's eye and asked if a stool at the bar would soon open. She hunted down a stool, moved a couple of people, and seated me at the end of the bar. I asked for a menu and ordered my Blue Point.

"Sorry, we're out."

Tempted as I was to say, sorry, I'm leavin', I looked over the selection of two dozen beers on tap. I asked about a PA Pilsner-type beer and was given an sample. Too light. "You prefer a hoppy flavor?" asked the bartender. A sampling of another PA brewery was right on target made me forget (to some extent) the Blue Point. Most pints were $6.00 and all were available in a 1/2 gallon take out "growler'" for $13.

The menu covered a lot of ground--from standard burger fare, wings. edamame, hummus, quesadillas, a number of jerk-spiced dishes, lots of salads, a lobster Mac & Cheese, pizza and a Shakshuka (Middle Eastern dish meaning 'all shook up.' This menu had something for everyone and it all looked pretty good coming out of the smallish kitchen. The Shrimp Po-Boy on a hero roll caught my eye @$12.

I sat next to the grill and saw the chef toss a handful of fresh shrimp on the grill. Seasoning was Caribbean spicy and had some fire--perfect with the beer to cool my palate. French fries were included and cut somewhere between regular size and bar cut. They were crisp, but not exceptional. As I left, some of the spaces at the tables were empty, but I sensed it was just a lull before the more hungry and thirsty patrons poured in. 106 is a great place to watch a game or just if you just want, to have a comfort meal of surrounded by a crowd enjoying themselves.

Appetizers range from $4 to $12 with most in the $6 range. Dinners/sandwiches were mostly $12 with some at $6 and most expensive, the Lobster Mac & Cheese ($14)