1st Place: My Place
2nd Place: Whiskey Dicks
3rd Place: The Bullpen

It might be good for a tourist to know which bars are the toughest, but for those who frequent them, their responses were “What? We’re the toughest bar?” My Place (408 Galloway St.) came in numero uno, but the locals wouldn’t spill the secret as to why. Maybe the bartenders? The patrons? Rumor has it that if you’re not a regular, you might have a tough time getting a seat. I don’t know…maybe you should try it out. The “toughness” is a bit more apparent at Whiskey Dicks (943 Harlem St.), where a sign posted by the door prohibits all gang-related clothing. And lastly, but not any less tough, is The Bullpen (1522 Bellinger St.). The bartender there laughs and says they don’t take s--- from anybody. The leather-clad bouncer might scare you off, but you never know – it could be your kind of place. So grab a friend (a tough one) and check ‘em out! – Robin Kinderman