Bay Ridge is heating up — even as all eyes are on the ice.
It’s National Hockey League playoff season, and we have a hat-trick’s worth of hot bars where you can watch the Rangers take on Tampa. It is imperative that you publicly support Tex’s boys during Friday’s game four match-up — our hometown players have to know we still back them after they let a team from sunny, iceless Florida score on a 5-to-3 New York power play in game two.
If you’re growing a playoff beard, head to Lock Yard (9221 Fifth Ave. between 92nd and 94th streets) — nowhere is wild facial hair more acceptable than Bay Ridge’s so-called “hipster bar.” Grab an artisanal sausage and a craft beer, ironically cheer for the Zamboni, talk about what throwback jersey you’ll buy when the Islanders move to Barclays Center, and — oh yeah — enjoy the game.
If you’re a die-hard, head to the Bean Post Pub (7525 Fifth Ave. between Bay Ridge Parkway and 76th Street), where Rangers stalwarts are still celebrating the Blueshirts’ last Stanley Cup two decades ago. Bandwagoneers beware — these bar flies can smell a fair-weather fan!
For the full experience — that is, being packed in like a sardine and leaving drenched in cheap lager — go to the Windy City Ale House (7915 Third Ave. between 79th and 80th streets). It’s technically a Chicago bar, but this icehouse has become de facto center-ice for the neighborhood’s Rangers action. It has hit capacity during most of the Rangos’ playoff games so far this season, so get there early.
