Our correspondent vowed to have a drink at every single bar in Hoboken and did so successfully with Spirits in the Sixth Borough.” Every Friday morning, we’ll pick up where he left off, showing you distinctive bars in each New York City borough perhaps for the very first time, perhaps to refresh your memory of a fun place you’ve ducked into, or perhaps to suggest a new spot for you to check out as you gear up for the weekend. You can follow our sudsy travels every week with LocalBozo.com’s “Drink Here Now.”

Fools Gold
145 East Houston Street near Eldridge Street, Lower East Side
212-477-5005
Getting There: 6 to Bleecker Street; B,D,F,M to Broadway-Lafayette Street
http://www.foolsgoldnyc.com/

There’s no such thing as resting on your laurels. Not in the New York City bar scene anyway. The owners of the newly opened Fools Gold bring some tried and true craft beer expertise to the Lower East Side and breathe some much needed life into a dearth of notable bars on Houston Street. With Long Island City’s popular Alewife and the unique space at The Jeffrey slinging distinctive draughts to the masses, we ducked into Fools Gold during their jam packed soft-opening for a glimpse at what’s sure to be among the most popular bars in the neighborhood.

Inside, the surrounding space looks to be largely untouched. If the exposed brick walls and ceilings could talk… But the kitchen in back coupled with the rustic wooden tables for sharing which have become the norm at beer-centric spots complete a down to earth vibe inside. Tonight though, the anticipation and energy is high because the place has just opened its doors. And the arrival of a great new beer bar to New York City is cause for celebration.

Ultimately, Fools Gold will offer up a full menu, but their array of thirty some taps is mind-boggling just to look at- nevermind taste. Beermakers like Allagash and Victory sit next to De Struise and Thornbridge, so you’re guaranteed to taste something that’s a bit out of your comfort zone. We grab a couple pours of “Oberon” courtesy of the Michigan midwesterners at Bells Brewery and slug them down at our table, shared with some uber-friendly, albeit bearded, strangers. The beers are roughly priced between $8-$10, but with an alcohol content on some of these as high as 12%, it won’t take many to get the job done.

The Rundown

Bar Type - A serious craft beer bar with a serious beer list amid a laid back space.

When to Visit – Now! The place just opened. Be the first of your lame friends to recommend someplace new for once.

Value - Didn’t you hear? The place just opened. Leave Happy Hours to the suits looking for $2 PBRs. Sometimes you actually have to pay for a beer you’ve never heard of.

The Lowdown – While there are some notable beer bars downtown, none of them is perhaps as ideally situated as Fools Gold- especially for folks sticking around the East Village. The dim lighting inside brings the entirely laid back atmosphere together- almost as if you’ve been invited to a party in someone’s basement. Lucky for you- not only is this not YOUR basement, but you’re invited to come by anytime. Our advice? Stop on by and ‘Drink Here Now’ before word gets out.