Casual Free Food Friday At Rudy's Bar & Grill

Okay, time for the weekly, “Casual Free Food Friday” episode (I now am doing this on Thursday and posting it on Friday), where I make a weekly journey to a bar and sample some free grub. One of the best known places for free food is Rudy’s Bar in Hell’s Kitchen. They have free hotdogs there and not just at happy hour but all through the day and night (they’re open from 8 AM to 4 AM.) It’s a classic New York place, the only problem is that some night’s it’s just to crowded to even get a drink in there, much less a free hot dog, but since I have more free time for on my hands for awhile, I thought I’d go in the afternoon and see if it’s a little less crazy then. And I’m going to meet a TWM commenter that I’ve never met before! Who is it? Well follow along and you’ll find out!

Down into the subway we go as we make our way to Hell's Kitchen near Times Square.

A train has just pulled up as I get to the platform! I love it when that happens.

Obsessive texter alert! I swear she hasn't looked up for five minutes.

Wow, right off the train and already a celebrity sighting! Hello, Joan Rivers!

Memories!

And here we are at Rudy's Bar & Grill, deep in the heart of Hell's Kitchen.

I love the giganzo pig and the customized "Rudy" door, let's go inside and check it out.

Wow, even at four in the afternoon it's crowded in here, but I see a spot at the end of the bar, so I'm going to snag it.

Here's the view from my perch at the bar.

Angel and Judy were working behind the bar, great and friendly people!

And here's Rudy's legendary free hot dogs, cooking behind the bar.

A free hot dog and a bottle of Budweiser in Rudy's bar as the jukebox is playing, "Desolation Row ." It doesn't get much better than this!

The beer list behind the bar. Note that bottles of Budweiser are just three bucks, cheapest beer in town!

Vintage lights hang over and illuminate the bar.

Here's the beers on tap, the house beers, Rudy's Red and Blonde are designated by the mini piglets.

A shot from the back of the bar.

The banquettes that line the wall opposite the bar are done up in what appears to be red duct tape.

Theodorah was seated at one of the banquettes enjoying a beer. She's got a beautiful smile!

Richard and Sherwood were hanging out at the bar. Richard is visiting from California and Sherwood lives in New Jersey.

And here's the TMW special guest star, commenter Jason! Jason works in the city and lives with his wife in New Jersey. It was great to meet Jason and have several beers with him. Jason's a very talented artist and sculptor, check out his work here: Jason Andersen Website.

Obligatory bathroom mirror shot!

And it's time to head out the door.

And nighttime has fallen on the city! I love it when that happens. Thanks for tripping out with me and we'll see you tomorrow.

Rudy’s Bar
627 Ninth Ave. @44th St.
212-974-9169

Further Reading: Jeremiah’s Vanishing New York, Mitch Broder’s Vintage New York and 365 Bars.

I saw you in Rudy’s,
You were very high.

Surprise link, click on it...I dare you!

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Bonus Photos by Danny the Freelancer!

After reading yesterday's record store post, TWM reader and commenter, Danny the Freelancer, sent in a couple of his prized records from his collection. The first is a limited Keith Richards release from his solo album, "Talk Is Cheap." Here's what Danny told me about it via email: "This is the Keith in a can CD. "Talk is Cheap."  A couple of years after I bought the CD, Keith was doing in  store signing at Tower Records on 4th St. My friends were in the front of the giant line and let me cut in. They all had black guitars that they wanted Keith to sign and I had a silver marker. Keith lived right on top of Tower Records at the time. I know because my friend pained his bathroom, eggplant purple with goldleaf trim on the moulding. So I did my bathroom the same way."

Danny also sent in a picture sleeve 45 of the Ramones, "Bitzkrieg Bop," signed by every original Ramone. As Danny notes, the photos on the 45 are from a Ramones show at C.B.G.B. Very cool, thanks for sending these in, Danny!