Jando S.
Yelp
It all started with a Yelp check-in offer. It was one of the few bars in the area that had it and I was definitely willing to take it. And with the discount being 10% off the total bill, it was most certainly better than nothing at all. After discovering many wonderful things, I've been coming here ever since.
For Sunnyside, Bar 43 is not the average venue. Not even by a long shot. In an area ladden with a dime a (two) dozen Irish pubs, this place distinguishes itself by being a multifaceted venue. Instead of being "just a pub" it prides itself as a cozy sports bar, a restaurant, and a lounge with free wifi. There is admittedly a contemporary, modern feel here compared to the old world pubs around the corner and the hood definitely needs a joint like this. Though it may not tout a nice beer garden / patio like some of the other nearby venues, it does have nice outdoor dining setup out front.
The food may not be enough to knock one's socks off, but there are some decent takeaways. Instead of eating steak fries with plain ketchup / mayo, try their version of curry and chips. It's a staple in the hood (same goes with the Irish breakfast) and they do a decent job of it. The $10 burger is good option, with a nicely cooked, well seasoned patty, and standup presentation that I don't expect in places like this. I have yet to have had a bad version of their ground beef nachos, which is abundantly stacked with the usual toppings (sour cream, salsa, guac, cheese, and meat) and is plentiful in every way. The brunch hour on the weekends feels admittedly a tad pricey ($12 for some eggs benny? Yikes) and I much prefer coming here on a laid back week night.
And speaking of week nights, their nightly happy hour goes from 12-7pm with beers and cocktails ranging from $3-5 each. There is also an open bar deal on Mondays and Wednesdays, which goes from 6-8pm and is $20 ($5 tip included). As much as I love the Tuesday taco night, I'm not terribly fond of their tacos but I do love the festive ambiance. Thursday evenings is for the ladies, which includes an open bar from 8-9pm.
Lastly, the staff has always been cool from the waitresses to the bartenders to the managers. They're always diligent about refilling my water or drink, randomly comping dishes that my group and I may not have liked, and are quick to point out specials to help everyone save a few bucks. That's pretty awesome and as a result, so is Bar 43.