TONY RECOMMENDS

Beers Kosuke’s commute to SUNY Oneonta takes more than two hours, so he won’t be fazed by a quick pedal over the Williamsburg Bridge—and with a whole Benjamin to blow, he can afford to take a buddy, too. The Mark Bar (1025 Manhattan Ave between Freeman and Green Sts, Greenpoint, Brooklyn; 718-349-2340) has a handy bike rack out front, or he can bring his beloved two-wheeler in while he kicks back and enjoys a $3 Bud during the dollar-off happy hour (daily, 4 to 8pm) in this friendly Greenpoint dive.

Cocktails If he’s feeling fancy, from 6 to 8pm Kosuke and his pal can down happy-hour champagne cocktails for $6 each at Boxcar Lounge (168 Ave B between 10th and 11th Sts, 212-473-2830). This tiny East Village spot is a beloved hang for TONY editors and others in the world of words.

KGB Bar

Reading Speaking of literary types—Kosuke is a publishing intern, after all, and everyone needs to network—KGB Bar has readings most every night (85 E 4th St between Bowery and Second Ave, 212-505-3360. 7pm, free). On Thursday 21, the monthly event “Drunken! Careening! Writers! Saints and Sinners in New York City” features readings of short works (15 minutes) that are big on laughs. Bottled beers are a five-spot apiece, so he can spring for two (with tip) and it’ll cost him $12.

Dinner Scrimping on the booze leaves enough dough to splurge on a meal for two at Omido (1695 Broadway at 53rd St, 212-247-8110). This Japanese restaurant, just a few minutes from Port Authority and that dreaded Trailways bus, features knockout fare that earned a rare five-star rating in TONY. At lunch, a bento box can be had for $23, or at dinner, the huge Big Omido roll—which takes two hands to master—is packed with 12 items (tuna, eel, salmon, yellowtail, shrimp, kanpyo, tobiko and more) and is just $19 a pop. Wash them down with a pair of Sapporos ($8 each) and even with tax and tip, a killer meal costs just $68.

TOTAL SPENT: $102

NEXT »