Marie's Crisis @ Grove & 7th [RANK +4]

A NYC Gem. Marie's Crisis (Le nom éntant un troisieme entendre (someone help us with our horrible french) -- the original owner was named Marie, the joint has an etched French/American revolution mirror backing the bar, and the building was once occupied by Thomas Paine). One of the few if only remaining piano bars left in the city, Marie's is where you want to be if you love a broadway musical. Sunday's and Monday's are best as shows go dark and people with Actual Talent show up to Sing.

PDT @ Crif Dogs @ St. Marks Pl nr 1st [RANK -2]

PDT (ironically well advertised as short for Please Don't Tell) is a "secret" bar accessed through Crif Dogs in the E Village. We would review it; however, we apparently we're not hot-dog-and-drink material.

Having read various tidbits on nymag.com about the unexpected pleasures to be had from a crif dog paired with this or that drink, we made a point to check PDT out. We shuffled into the phone booth, asked to be let in over the phone, a door opened and the man inquired "yes?", we smiled and asked if we could bring our hot dogs in and enjoy them with a fine drink. The man suggested we finish our hot dogs first and shut the door.

Who has patience for this crap? We left.

White Horse Tavern @ Hudson & W 11th [RANK +3.5]

If you live in the Village and enjoy a good drinks (sic) about every day, consider becoming a regular at the White Horse. There's really nothing spectacular about the place other than it's a well run bar with loyal long standing regulars. Days are better than nights. For the best taste of the local flavor belly up around noon on a Saturday, drink, listen, but don't talk.

Mars Bar @ 1st & 1st [RANK +3]

Mars Bar, a fantastic dive, ranks +3. The unpretentious collection of good and bad local art earns a +.5. Better to go in the day when the local patrons drink vs. the night when random annoying people pack the joint.