Staffers of City Council Speaker Christine Quinn gravitate to Raccoon Lodge (59 Warren St between Church St and West Broadway, 212-227-9894). “It’s a dive, but they do serve lots of Miller High Life,” says an unnamed source within Quinn’s office. And we all know that people of any political affiliation can appreciate the Champagne of Beers—though apparently Obama prefers PBR.
You’ll find city Comptroller William C. Thompson Jr.’s people in Tribeca at City Hall (131 Duane St between Church St and West Broadway, 212-227-7777), a classy, high-ceilinged throwback bar, according to director of communications Jeff Simmons. A close second is the Woolworth Tower Kitchen (233 Broadway at Barclay St, 212-571-2930), which, ironically, is located closer to the real City Hall.
Those who work for Assembly member Richard N. Gottfried flock to East Village Irish pub Shades of Green (125 E 15th St at Irving Pl, 212-674-1394) and the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden (2919 24th Ave at 29th St, Astoria, Queens; 718-274-4925). Why? According to one underpaid staffer, “Because we won’t say no to big, cheap drinks.”
Clandestino (35 Canal St between Essex and Ludlow Sts, 212-475-5505) is the unofficial headquarters of the Paul Newell campaign (he’s running against Sheldon Silver for Assembly). “The place is conveniently located down the street from Paul’s house,” says campaign manager Evan Hutchison.
City Council member Daniel R. Garodnick’s minions gather at Biddy Early’s (43 Murray St between Church St and West Broadway, 212-732-2873). “That’s definitely not thanks to the ambience,” laughs staffer Dan Pasquini. “It’s just that it’s close to home.”
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