Afternoon Bite: Chips & Dip Trio From The Dram Shop

Bar food can oftentimes make or break a watering hole for us, but luckily The Dram Shop (339 9th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues) is at the ready with a tasty trio of dips to enjoy with your beverage of choice.

The first thing that caught our eye about the Tortilla Chip Sampler ($14) was that it included the Texas delicacy known as queso. It’s rare that we come across queso on a menu here in NYC (South is another good spot), so when we saw that a bowl of melted cheese and pepper goodness was included in the offering, there was no doubt that the sampler was in our future.

In addition to the decadent queso (which did not disappoint), the appetizer featured a basket of chips, a fresh bowl of guacamole, and salsa. The guacamole was very tasty, with nice big chunks of tomato mixed in, while the salsa had a good kick, without making us tear up from the heat.

The bar’s atmosphere is laid back, and there’s plenty of room to stretch out with a friend or two, so if you find yourself with the mid-afternoon or late night munchies and you’re looking for a break from that famous burger, consider giving the Tortilla Chip Sampler a whirl. We’ll definitely be back for more.

The Dram Shop is open Monday through Friday, from 3pm to 4am, and Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 4am. Brunch is served on weekends, and credit cards are accepted.