my wife and I will be in NYC this weekend and enjoy bar hopping in the evenings. Any particular bars or areas we should know about. We enjoy neighborhood/sports bars. No dance clubs or overpriced 'hot spots' and NOT ESPN zone but where locals may go after a softball game, or friends go to just hang out. Staying in Midtown if that helps.
Also, any Memorial Day Weekend festivities we should know about.
thanks.

I like to bar hop on First Avenue above 60th Avenue or way over on Nineth Avenue from about 42nd Street south.

Bars? Are there bars in NYC?

First, get out of midtown. One does not bar hop in midtown or Times Square. A few suggestions:

1. East Village -- If you like "dive" bars with cheap beer, start at the Astor Place subway station and walk east on St. Mark's Place. Along the way you'll encounter any number of "dive" bars with tons of character (and characters). When you reach Avenue A, turn left (north), and find Hi-Fi, a great bar with the best jukebox in NYC.

2. Lower East Side -- Start at Ludlow & Houston and walk south. The intersection of Rivington is the epicenter of the Lower East Side. Walk both directions on Rivington, perhaps have dinner at Schiller's (131 Rivington). So many great bars -- you might only make it a block or two.

3. Upper East Side -- If you want something more "traditional"; that is, more sports/Irish bar-esque, then start on Second Avenue at 86th Street and walk south. You'll find literally dozens of non-chain sports bars, Irish bars, etc.

More info:

www.sheckys.com

Enjoy!

GoTravel's First Ave suggestion is a fine one, but you'll find more options on Second Avenue in the 70's and 80's.

Finally, it would help to you know if you prefer beer, wine, or cocktails.

There are several good places in Greenwich Village. One good sports/neighborhood bar is the Barrow Street Ale House:
http://www.barrowstreetalehouse.com/

There are several others in the vicinity, so you should have no problem hopping a bit.

Enjoy!

Thanks Gekko, I meant Second Avenue above 60th Street.

Thanks to everyone for the advice and quick response.
Gekko- we will drink beer, wine and cocktails depending on how we feel that day. (no mixing)

Also, going to the Yankees game on Sunday. Any "don't miss" things to see/do/eat while we're in that area.

You've got a lot of good optioons on bar-hopping. For sports bars think upper east side may be best.

Re Yankee Stadium - get there in plenty of time - at least an hour before the game starts - since lines are enormous due to greatly increased security since 9/11. Also be aware you can't bring anything sizeable into the stadium with you - a small purse is OK - but nothing else is going to make it.

If you want to see batting practice or work-outs get to the Stadium about 2.5 hours before game time. Then you can also tour Momument Park.

We loved Jimmy's Corner near Times Sq.
Great dive bar....and it's NOT on a corner.

Annie Moore's near Gr Central Station.

McSorley's.

The bar inside Gr Central Station over looking the BIG lobby is a big hoot...but $$$.