STOP 1: TØRST

stemware at Tørst — *stemware at* *Tørst*

Tørst is the brainchild of Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergso, the Danish brewer behind Evil Twin Brewing, and Daniel Burns, who formerly headed Momofuku's test kitchen. With an ownership tandem of such prestigious pedigree, it's no wonder why Tørst is both an outstanding beer bar and fine dining destination, housing a Michelin starred restaurant with a $115 tasting menu in the back room. However, you don't have to blow a bundle to sample some tasty food, as the beautiful bar room offers a concise menu of snacks and sandwiches, including a nice cheese plate with Danish rye bread and a confited duck sandwich.

But, the real reason to visit Tørst is, of course, the beer, which is served from a hi-tech tap system that distributes perfectly pressurized pours at precise temperatures. The 21 distinctive drafts and over 200 bottles of rare beer are served in elegant stemware for a sophisticated sampling of some seriously good brews.

STOP 2: MANHATTAN INN

The back room of Manhattan Inn, a cave-like space with brick walls and a moss-covered Gothic chandelier hanging from the skylight in the vaulted wood ceiling, seems ripped straight from the pages of Gaston Leroux, minus the organ, plus a white baby grand. That is to say, this place is nothing like your average karaoke bar. But, this isn't your average karaoke.

Every Tuesday evening, pianist Jason Laney hosts a night of piano karaoke, when he pulls up lyrics to requested tunes on his laptop and accompanies those who are ready and willing to sing a song or two. Laney has an expansive repertoire, and even if he is unfamiliar with the title written on the ticket, which is unlikely, he'll do his best to make it happen.

If you're a bit anxious about your own piano bar routine, you can hang back and sip a cocktail in the grade school auditorium chairs, set up on an elevated platform encircling the piano. If there aren't any takers, Laney will happily put on his best lounge act and belt out renditions of everything from Tom Petty to Billy Joel.

Whether you're in the mood to sing or not, stay a while, enjoy the show and don't forget to tip your piano man.

RECAP:

Tørst: The city's best beer bar, with a highly calibrated tap system for perfect pours of distinctive brews.
Manhattan Inn: Dark piano bar which hosts piano karaoke every Tuesday evening.

ESSENTIAL INFO:

-Tørst is located at 615 Manhattan Avenue. Manhattan Inn is located at 632 Manhattan Avenue.

-Total Cost: About $50 per person for beer and small plates at Tørst and drinks + tip for Mr. Laney at Manhattan Inn. Tax and tip included.

-Karaoke is free at Manhattan Inn and begins at 10:30pm.