Rather than watching Monday night football or shooting pool with your friends, get in touch with your inner geek. You'll be surprised by how much arcade games have progressed in the last ten years, and this is a great way to enjoy local mixology in a laidback setting.

Take Barcade on Union Avenue, for example. This arcade bar offers Happy Hour from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. every day of the week, and more than 30 arcade games are yours for the choosing. From Donkey Kong to Centipede, the contents of your piggy bank will spend itself here.

Also popular is Ace Bar, where pinball and shuffleboard are the cornerstones of happy hour. Kick back with a VeeV cocktail or your favorite beer and pretend you're back in high school with your buddies.

Of course, if arcade games aren't your style, you can always go with the traditional shuffleboard and pool bars that combine urban grit with refreshing hospitality. Bleeker Street bar and The Diamond on Franklin Street are just a couple of your best options.

Arcade bars are taking New York by storm, and the best news is that there isn't a waiting list. Forget the trendy nightlife hotspots that require a celebrity friend to get in; instead, get back to your inner geek and let yourself be a nerd for the night.

And don't forget your computer. A laptop under your arm will only solidify your membership to this geeky club.

Sources:
www.Barcadebrooklyn.com
www.acebar.com

Written by Steve Thompson

In these uncertain financial times, New York's Financial District has never been more in need of a happy hour. And a pretty terrific place to spend that hour is New York's world-famous South Street Seaport.

The South Street Seaport is an ideal venue to kick back and relax after a hard day watching the markets. This local New York scene boasts several great bars and restaurants, where you can enjoy delicious bar drinks, including eco-friendly products like VeeV.

If you enjoy a familiar Irish pub feel, you can check out the Heartland Brewery and Beer Hall in the Historic Cobblestone District or MacMenamin's Irish Pub on the third floor of the Pier 17 Building.

If you crave a casual bite to eat with your cocktail, head over to the Seaport Café or J.P. Mustard. For a more formal dining experience, pay a visit to Sequoia, Cabana, Red or the Pacific Grill. Whatever your tastes, the South Street Seaport offers a restaurant with a full-service bar that will cater to them.

Local bars in downtown Manhattan boast diverse crowds of revelers, and the South Street Seaport is no exception. Whether you are in the mood for a relaxing meal overlooking the water or a casual cocktail while watching the big game on a television over the bar, the South Street Seaport is bound to come through.

The South Street Seaport also offers a variety of shops and some stellar views. So check out the local scene in lower Manhattan during happy hour after work.

Written by Jack Oceano