Another cookie-cutter UES bar and grill, with dark wood, a brass rail below the long bar and front windows that open in summer. Mad River? It makes you wonder where they get the names for these bars. Certainly they’re not referring to the East River or the Hudson. Maybe it refers to the constant stream of people walking past this place to get somewhere — anywhere–else. If you’re really desperate to duplicate your experience in a less crowded version of Martell’s or Victory Cafe, then come here and soak up all the boringness the UES has to offer. [MF]
