JFK Airport Bar Crawl: How to properly drink your way around Terminal 4

It’s that time of year again: the Holidays.

For most of us that means we’re about to log some serious sky miles traversing the country (or globe) countless times and spending one too many hours in the airport. We’ll see family members we haven’t seen in years, get our cheeks pinched by our one weird aunt and be guilted by our parents (why don’t we come home more often?!). The collective “we” is gonna need a drink.

As far as places to drink go, there aren’t many more safe, concise options than an airport. Think about it: You won’t be driving oroperating heavy machinery, and there are dozens of restaurants and bars scattered among the terminals.

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In New York City, nearly 3 million passengers are expected to pass through John F. Kennedy Airport this holiday season. If you find yourself to be among them, cheers! Enjoy our guide to getting properly drunk (read: drunk enough to handle that aunt when you land, but sober enough to be allowed to board the flight), in the bright and shiny Terminal 4.

Step 1: Start with some wine

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Once you’re through security, head down the escalators. In the center of the beautiful shopping area you’ll find Le Grand Comptoir, which is NOT your standard airport wine bar. They have a device that allows them to pour some of the greatest producers in the world BY THE GLASS. Want something big? Joseph Phelps Insiginia, Opus One and Heitz Cab are all available in a 5 oz pour. Our advice? Make your first drink on this crawl a fantastic glass of Penner Ash Pinot Noir.

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Step 2: Take it up a notch

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Next, something to eat (and drink). Even though this is a bar crawl, it’s important to pair your beverages with a bite here and there. Remember, the goal is to be properly drunk not blitzed-out-hammered. Just down the hall from Le Grand Comptoir is the airport version of The Palm—an old standby for New Yorkers. A big Gigi salad and a vodka martini (extra dirty) is the right move here. Their dirty martinis are deliciously salty and perfectly sized, as innot so big that all that vodka goes straight to your head. Enjoy the classy cocktail and let’s keep moving along.

Step 3: Veer from the norm

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After a martini, it’s all about maintenance. The goal is to keep the feeling that one glass of wine plus a martini provides until just before boarding. Depending on which gate you’re departing from, there are plenty of bar options. Just because it’s random, we suggest stopping in for a shot at Buffalo Wild Wings . . . because why is there a Buffalo Wild Wings at the airport?

Step 4: Remember where you started

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To bookend your bar crawl, you should grab one more glass of wine. Pizza Vino is a fun little wine bar. The wine list isn’t long, so don’t over think it. Order something light and sip it while you people watch. At this point in your crawl, watching people sprint down the terminal in a hurry to catch their flight should make for some good entertainment. Enjoy it, but watch the clock. You certainly don’t want to be in their shoes…especially after a couple drinks.

Step 5: Celebrate

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Nothing screams FESTIVE like a glass a champagne. You’ve taken a good spin around T4 and now it’s time to sit back, relax, and prepare for the family inundation. Pop into one of the airline clubs (if you’re a frequent flier you probably get into at least one of them free of charge; otherwise, pony up a few dollars for the entrance charge) and treat yourself. A bottle of Dom Perignon, perhaps? Cheers! There really is no telling what beverages will be served at the family gathering, so enjoy your time at JFK’s trusty ole Terminal 4.

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Tagged: New York