3. Neighbors: E Bar and Jacob’s Pickles
E’s Bar (511 Amsterdam; 212.877.0961) and Jacob’s Pickles (509 Amsterdam; 212.470.5566) have revolutionized their block on Amsterdam between 85th and 84th. Well-behaved young people stream through at all hours, having a good time and bringing life to a once difficult area. E’s claims that it is “reminiscent of the dive bars we grew up in but for grown-ups,” meaning book events, board games, excellent draft beer, and urbane mixed drinks, plus what the New York Post called “delicious pub grub.” Jacob’s Pickles next door has been a hit from the day it opened, often hosting multi-hour lines. Owner Jacob Hadjigeorgis is a hospitality genius, offering customers excellent comfortable seating (once they get it) that allows them to watch one another and sidewalk passers-by while eating Southern food and drinking craft beer.