Mad River - Not the Ski Mountain

Apparently Mad River is a bar and grill, but I would know nothing about the grill aspect of this establishment as I went there late on a Wednesday night for the bar scene, and let me tell you, it was a SCENE! This place has all kinds of specials every day of the week, so definitely check out their website to see what is going on when you plan on going. They have trivia on Tuesdays, $20 open bar and $30 beer pong tournament on Thursdays, football deals on Sundays, and DJs nearly every night. You can have a private party here or even be a guest bartender. This place has everything and is a must go on any trip to NYC or even just up to the Upper East Side.

Mad River is located at 1442 Third Avenue at 82nd Street, in the heart of the Upper East Side's bar scene. The website lists that they are open until 4:00am (except on Sundays when they close at 12am), if that gives you any indication of what a hopping party it hosts. Dress however you want, just don't look like a bum. I was coming from a dinner with friends and we were all dressed to the nines and maybe stood out a little bit (which wasn't a bad thing!) but most poeple were in more casual duds, though I don't recall seeing any sneakers or baseball caps. There are doormen/bouncers but I don't think they'd turn you down for wearing sneakers, unless they were really dirty.

There is a large main bar and a small back bar on the ground level. The area in the back serves as a dance floor at night, where everyone crowds in and either dances or doesn't, but the DJ is so good you will find yourself tapping your feet at some point. I wasn't all that impressed with the flavor or quality of the drinks (keep in mind they're served in plastic cups), except that they did the job (they were strong, like whoa). It got very very hot with all the people so dress appropriately! Also, don't wear anything white or light colored as you will get drinks spilled all over you (and maybe someone will apologize about it).

Even though I left covered in booze, sweaty, and slightly wobbly in my wedges, I had the most amazing night, of course aided by good company. I will definitely go to this place again and can't wait to try some of their mid-week drink specials.