The economy may be down, but it’s no time to cry in your beer.

That’s the philosophy of Erik Ness, owner of The Bullpen, a new Upper East Side bar. He’s hoping his establishment will survive the tough times by offering customers reasonable prices, good food and a “neighborhood feeling.”

He’s got a big challenge ahead as the city’s $10 billion restaurant and bar industry braces for a decline. And with alcohol costs rising and a hops shortage pushing beer prices up, bars could be taking a double hit.

When a W. 14th St. bar was faced with relocation, its owner had to appeal anew to neighbors that had not looked kindly on him in the past.

McKenna’s Pub was displaced from 245 W. 14th St. — which is slated for demolition — but its owner, Brian McKenna, didn’t have to look far for a new location. The bar is set to occupy a new space in 250 W. 14th St. across the street. And his neighbors, who in the past have complained about the bar’s noise and disorder, can’t be pleased.

Read More

A controversial Williamsburg bar that has run up thousands of dollars in fines is about to be sold to a new owner who is vowing to clean up the joint’s act.

Geoffrey Weber plans to turn Triple Crown into a quieter bar called the Brooklyn Café, according to the soon-to-be-former owners and community board officials.

“He promised us he will run a bar that you’ll want to take your parents to,” said Mieszho Kalita, the chair of Community Board 1’s public safety committee.

Read More