Grassroots Pub - New York, NY

Grassroots is one of those places that's very easy to pass on the street without thinking twice. The exterior is unassuming, the front door actually down a few steps from street level; and the only signage is a small neon sign on the window that you can barely see from the street. But it's really worth checking out, as it's one of the least pretentious bars in the area (LES? East Village? I can never keep NY "neighborhoods" straight in my head).

The place is somewhat small and cramped. There are some tables and of course seats at the bar... however good luck trying to get one on a weekend night. The bartender uses a complex system of indecipherable grunts to answer your requests for drinks. However, these is all part of the place's charm; the bar is inviting despite all of that, and for all the bartender's lack of verbal communication, he's incredibly efficient in getting me what I really want -- beer, not conversation.

There are a bunch of beers on tap (including several from Brooklyn Brewery), available in a small mug, a pint glass, or a pitcher; as well as a fully stocked bar. In addition, you can order air-popped popcorn until they run out. If you're not sold already, this is not the place for you. But it was for me.

All in all, if you want a low-key unpretentious place to BS and have a beer, go to this bar.