The Ginger Man

This place is a craft beer lover's dream. They literally have a wall of beer on tap that are constantly changing. The staff is extremely knowledgable so even if you aren't a connoisseur of beer they will definitely help you find something you like. It's a casual place with a mixed crowd. You'll se everyone from business men in suits to frat guys, to couples hiding away in corners. Anyone can fit in and it has endless options. So it's all great? Not exactly. Despite the place being huge, it is ALWAYS packed. I've walked around the place 5 times before finally being able to grab seats right as people were leaving. That many people also mean it's loud so sometimes it's not the best place to go if you're looking to have sit back and chat. It also can get a bit pricey. With such specialized beers from all over the world a beer can cost as much as a cocktail. Overall this is a really fun atmosphere where you can try amazing beer. It's definitely worth your time, but if you are looking for a dive bar for a cheap drink, it might not be for you.

It was fun, but way too crowded. We had the upstairs because we were at a party for a group of my friends and I but when we had to go downstairs, it was way too crowded to get around. The people there weren't the nicest either, and that just made the night go downhill. The place itself is cool looking but I wouldn't go back.

With 70 taps of ales and lagers, The Ginger Man could easily promote decadence in spades. But instead the Murray Hill multi-tap bar is rather refined, focused more on stirring up a free flowing energy. Young and freshly-minted professionals commingle with former frat kids and social butterflies in an attractive after work crowd. The bar is a 10- minute walk from Penn Station. There was no cover when I recently hung out there. My friends and I settled in to a comfortable spot by the cozy back lounge. We knew two things: happy hour was still ferociously howling into the night and the surrounding young people were very talkative. Several people shared their love for genuine brews. And they weren’t empty-handed or heavy-hearted, letting the good times roll. I had a Hoegaarden (it was a great pour with a thick, creamy foam top) and a fresh-tasting margarita. It was hard to get the bartender’s attention, but her upbeat attitude was tailor made for the casual, homey ambience. And the classic vintage poster art and the harmonious synergy were a huge draw. As the night elapsed, the crowd grew more spirited. There were a few couples canoodling, and people were cultivating passionate conversations. I had a couple of new comrades by the end. Given the inspiring dialogue, rousing atmosphere, and encyclopedic selection of beers at reasonable prices, this bar should not be a stop on your nightly bar crawl through the surrounding Irish pubs and dive bars. It’s okay to stick around until closing (and take some cool candid photos for your Instagram page).

My only real complain about The Ginger Man is the crowd, and even that's not too terrible--just a lot of young professionals who are a bit showy and sometimes a little Greek for my tastes (as in frats and sororities, not as in big fat weddings). Otherwise, this place has a lovely beer selection and a really well-put-together interior. The staff are helpful and talkative, and the ambience is one of fuzzy, warm feelings and light-hearted conversation. The location is a little out of the ordinary for a beer bar, but once you get a nice cold rye ale in your hands, worries about the commute back home will slip away. If you can, stop in, have a pint.

This is a great place to go for happy hour, as it's usually packed with young-professionals just off of work. My friends chose this spot one Thursday and, being gluten-free, I was a little hesitant to go. The Ginger Man is known for its wide selection of beers, so I was worried I'd stand out if I had to order wine (like usual). However, I was pleasantly surprised to see a large range of gluten-free beers & hard cider (a few of which were on tap!). It was so refreshing to be able to drink a gluten-free beer and to avoid those "why are you the only one drinking wine" looks. Though they do offer wine if you're in the mood, so that's a definite plus. There are plenty of places for groups to sit, though it took a little bit before we were able to grab a table. A lot of people end up crowding the bar, so be prepared to push your way through if you want to order a drink. We finally grabbed a table in the back with large leather sofas and ended up hanging there for a few hours. It was a lot quieter back there, which made it easier to talk. Also, our waitress was very attentive and made sure we were taken care of . The short of it: awesome beer selection, good vibe, good service, good crowd... go for happy hour!

Ginger Man is a good spot for the after work crown looking for a wide selection of drafts and bottled beer that is not found in many places in NYC. The large crowd comes in for happy hour during the week and clears out early evening, leaving the ability to enjoy your favorite micro-brew with a seat at the bar. Great beer selection; good crowds; nice decor.