Bar Numero Uno: La Cocina, 30th Street and 3rd Avenue

What is better after a long week at work than a happy hour margarita or two? Nothing, that's what. Absolutely nothing. Fortunately we are close to several options, though only one that we have never experienced before. Welcome to La Cocina!

Now I have been to Tacocina in Hell's Kitchen before and thoroughly enjoyed the food, so I had high hopes for this incarnation of the chain. We walk in and are seated by the open windows overlooking the corner. People watching was a plus. We order a round of margaritas on the rocks. The wait staff tell us that they'll be a bit pricier because we won't settle for bullshit frozen. We're down. We also order some vegetarian nachos, because we managed to plow through the free* chips and salsa in about 2 seconds. What a lovely breeze is blowing through this lovely establishment as our lovely margaritas are brought to the table. This is my happy place.

I ordered a blueberry margarita. It was bright blue and it did not taste at all like blueberry. But it did taste like tequilla, so rock on. Bartender purchased a regular margarita with salt and while she didn't seem thrilled with the quality of the beverage she drank it. Shocking, trust me. The nachos finally arrived and they looked a bit strange. In addition to the chips, guac, sour cream and cheese there were some interesting additions: spinach and brocolli. Now, from where I'm sitting, traditionality with nachos is overrated. Not to mention that I can count it towards my daily vegetable intake. Did someone say win? Oh yeah, that was me. Point: La Cocina.

We decide to order another round and Bartender, who was not sated by the veggie plate, ordered some chicken tacos as well. Our friend and I chowed down on the rice and beans, and finished up our drinks. It was a delightful dining experience for me, and until we got the bill all was fine. It turned out that the restaurant had charged us for our two extra orders of chips and salsa that we thought were free. Downgrade, guys. Not cool. It just comes out of your tip my friend.

So if you're asking the therapist, the drinks weren't all that amazing, but the fun twist on nachos pleased me. I say Win. It wouldn't be my everyday place, but it was a good first stop on our bar crawl. I'm sure Madam Bartender will be weighing in soon. :)

The Plan

Mission: Take a therapist and a bartender and find bars in New York City that neither has been in before. (No easy task, trust me) Sample the drinks, meet the regulars, and rate the experience. Simple, but GLORIOUS. Summer is upon us, dear readers. And we be THIRSTY.

Content: Expect shenanigans. Stay tuned, it will be LEGEN...wait for it...

DARY! :)