We’re still recovering from the chaos that was the Big Apple Beer Marathon of 2011.  Last Saturday, 1,000+ New Yorkers (and a handful of jealous people from Boston) took over 26 bars on the East Side for an all-day drinking fest.

A lot of people strategized in advanced and mapped out their route based on location and timing of drink specials.  Some people just head to the closest location to get their drink on.  Everyone started off at the Heartland Brewery where registration technically started at 12 noon, but a bunch of eager beavers showed up at around 11:30 am ready to get started.

The Beer Marathon Team worked swiftly and tirelessly getting everyone registered and ready to go, throwing on viking hats (that light up!) and adorning everyone with Mardi Gras beads and stickers.

Don’t forget the t-shirts!  Even angry whales like beer and viking hats.

The notion of the Beer Marathon did not originate in the Big Apple, but rather six years ago in Boston (boo!).  They draw crowds of up to 3,000-4,000 bar crawlers with 26 bars around Fenway Park, and this is their first year venturing into NYC with a little help from Village Voice, Yelp, Poggled, and the Bronx Brewery.

While New Yorkers did ourselves proud this first year, next year we’re sure to make even more of a fuss.

Yours,
Von

Participating bars:

• Heartland Brewery
• Highland Park (Bar Twelve)
• Blind Pig
• Opal
• McFadden’s
• Calico Jacks
• Heartland Brewery (Union Sq.)
• Turtle Bay NYC
• Irish Exit
• Wharf Bar and Grill
• O’Neill’s
• Bar 515
• Joshua Tree
• Taproom
• Whiskey River
• Bull’s Head Tavern
• Ryan’s Irish Pub
• Bull McCabe’s
• The Thirsty Scholar
• The Stag’s Head
• Cornerstone Tavern
• Tonic
• Plug Uglies
• Bowlmor
• Duke’s
• Keats