It's the Friday before Labor Day, and we're still chained to our desks. We're hoping they'll let us go soon, but in the meantime here's a taste of this week's featured new review, (Le) Poisson Rouge.

Hits: (L)PR is all about accessibility. Concerts cost, but there's no cover to get into the side carriage bar, which is also uber-cool, pumping out eclectic jams from Manu Chao to Nirvana.

Misses: Seating arrangements vary in the listening room; sometimes 200 chairs are set up in rows, at other times it's standing-room only, causing some patrons to awkwardly squat on the floor pre-show.

Check out our full editorial review of (Le) Poisson Rouge, then peruse other New & Notable bar reviews, nightlife news, recent closings and our list of spots that are too new to review (but not too new to get you hammered).

And be sure to enjoy the long weekend--unless your employer observes Columbus Day, it's the last one 'til Thanksgiving.

The only thing you really know about Labor Day is that, after it passes, a certain sect of fashionistas will prey on you for wearing white. You fear these people like you feared trans fats before the ban, because they could be lurking anywhere. But forget the snooty, overly fashion-conscious set--the people probably least likely deserving of celebration in the name of a holiday associated with labor. You, on the other hand, working man or woman, are entitled to some rest and relaxation this weekend. So use our Labor Day Planner to find outings, restaurant deals and shopping specials in New York. And, for at least a few more days, be fearless about wearing white.

Monday I was traipsing about Williamsburg when I saw a sign in front of Mulholland's advertising "Free Beer 8-9pm." Now, I'm no economist, but this sounded like a pretty good deal. However, it was only 10pm and the bar was completely empty. It seems like there should have been at least a few freeloading stragglers, but no--apparently free beer just wasn't enough.

This might have been because Mulholland's is a fairly non-descript sports bar right in the middle of Hipstertown, USA. I've passed by on Friday nights and seen it barely occupied while Clem's, just a block away, was packed to the gills. Occasionally if there is a big game, say, the Super Bowl, there will be a respectable number of people there, but I think it's fair to say that if free beer doesn't bring in a crowd, not much will.

The problem is a matter of taste. Hipsters enjoy sporting events only if they are ironic (see The Gutter, McCarren Park kickball, etc.), so a slick, modern look coupled with un-ironic $2 Jäger shot specials were probably a bad idea.

Seven easy steps for turning Mulholland's around:

1. Weathered photos of old-school sports heroes like Vince Lombardi and Dr. J.
2. Table hockey games circa 1970.
3. Skeeball!
4. No drinks called the "Orange Flirtini."
5. For the love of god, slick doesn't work in Williamsburg. Just distress the hell out of everything in your bar and you're good to go. Everything should look like it was built in 1935.
6. Indie rock jukebox featuring ironic nods to your sports bar theme like "Eye of the Tiger."
7. If you must be about sports, focus on soccer games. Hipsters love to pretend they know things about soccer, and the numerous Italians and French people in the 'hood would totally be into it.

There are definitely sports fans in Williamsburg, they are just a picky people with an aversion to anything that looks like it could just as easily exist in midtown. In Mulholland's defense, I've heard that the staff is super-friendly, so all it needs is a makeover. Or it could just start paying people to drink there.

Last fall we told you about DRV-IN, the place that touted itself as the only drive-in cinema in New York City, despite the fact that it was really a convertible in inside a room designed to look like it was outdoors. Now, it seems the same company, Grand Opening, is bringing the drive-in theater back to New York City--this time, by way of a traveling series that will hit all 5 boroughs, beginning with a parking lot on the Lower East Side (that's right--it's actually outside this time). On September 5th, 6th and 7th, at 8pm, you can catch "American Graffiti," "Jaws" or "Dazed and Confused," respectively, at the Clemente Soto Velez Cultural Center. Call 646-478-7689 to book one of 20 convertibles (provided by an undisclosed local dealership (we're guessing it's not BMW or Mercedes, but who are we to speculate) and enjoy some food and a film with your friends.

For more ideas on what's hot this week, check out our Weekly Go List.

Bodegas, aka the places where I buy Boar's Head sandwiches and Vitamin Water at 3am, are now more fashionable than ever. Ok, by "bodega" I mean "corporate bid for publicity," but still, this is pretty cool. Target, home of many a popular designer collaboration, is opening four "bodegas," or as they are known 'round these parts, pop-up shops. Average prices will be around $25, a great deal considering the roster of 22 designers includes Anya Hindmarch, Sigerson Morrison and Jonathan Saunders.

The Bullseye Bodegas will be open from 10am-10pm from September 11-14, and are located in midtown (101 57th Street at 6th Ave), Union Square (813 Broadway between 11th and 12th Streets), Soho (489 Broome Street between Wooster and West Broadway) and the East Village (325 Bowery at 2nd Street).

Tong Thai Brasserie has been in the works for quite a while over on East 13th Street, and as per the signage above, they'll officially open this Thursday. If only every new restaurant were thoughtful enough to provide all this info right in the window.

The space looks nice and the menu is interesting and quite affordable, with small plates (like fried squid, smoked chili soup and pencil spring rolls) ranging from $5 to $7, and larger plates (like blue swimmer crab fried rice) weighing in at $9 to $14.

Tong will also be delivering between 23rd Street and Bleecker Street, from 7th Avenue to 2nd Avenue. The restaurant will begin serving lunch daily sometime next month.

We took a few weeks off, but "New Review Fridays" are back and they're here to stay. This week we review Macondo, the street eats and cocktails spot that recently opened in the space formerly occupied by the LoSide Diner.

Hits: In a festive setting, you'll snack on tasty small plates and sip affordable and insanely inventive cocktails that push the boundaries of beverages.

Misses: The design feels a bit gimmicky--think Disneyland meets a Latin republic--and if you're not taking advantage of the drinks then paying top dollar for tacos may disagree with you.

Read our full editorial review of Macondo and then peruse other New & Notable bar reviews or check out our list of spots that are too new to review (but not too new to get you hammered).

The thing I love most about summer is that it gives you an excuse to get drunk at early hours that would otherwise be socially unacceptable. Tipsy at 2pm during the fall? You're a drunk. Raging drunk at 2pm while playing ping pong at Iona during the summer? You're simply taking advantage of the weather!

Sadly, summer is almost over. Take advantage of the rest of the season with our "5 to Try: Summer Beers" feature. We talked to five bars to see which seasonal brew they preferred. Harefield Road bartender Erin McWade reccommends the refreshing German weiss beer Julius Echter, while Brass Monkey bar manager Sandy Rudy goes for the Leffe Blonde, a lightly spiced Belgian ale. Take advantage of summer boozing now before being wasted at 3pm gets you dirty looks instead of high fives.

Photo borrowed from blog.

It's hard to justify having the blues on a Friday. But listening to the blues is another story listening--especially when it's free of charge. Tonight, August 22nd, Danny Kalb, renowned guitarist and former member of the 1960s band, The Blues Project, performs with Bob Jones on bass and Mark Ambrosino on drums. The trio will do two sets, starting at 9:30pm at Two Boots Brooklyn. There's no drink minimum or cover charge, but reservations at the restaurant are recommended, and since the entertainment's complimentary, you might as well drop some dough to eat, drink and be blue.

For more stuff to do this weekend, check out our Weekly Go List (*formerly the Weekly Hot List).

We first reported on a new spot called Fu Sushi coming to the East Village back in May. Well, the awning is up, the paint has dried, and the furniture has arrived at the seemingly soon-to-open restaurant, which is located at 182 Avenue B (between 11th and 12th), in the space formerly occupied by vintage shop Suzette Sundae.

As for that liquor license petition we were asked to sign by Mr. Fu himself, according to Eater good ol' CB3 put the kibosh on that. Perhaps would-be restaurateurs on this short stretch of Avenue B should heed some advice: If you don't already have a liquor license--as in literally have it in your hands--you better have Jean-Georges himself cooking up a storm in your kitchen, 'cause you're not gonna be paying the (exorbitantly high) rent around here with anything other than food sales.