The back area
Just when I think I’ve found my favorite bar in New York, I find another gem. I just finished reading “The Poisoner’s Handbook” by Deborah Blum which is about Jazz Age New York. It focuses on Prohibition and how it affected the city. I have spent the last couple of days fantasizing about the old speakeasies, the mysterious drinks that were shipped by bootleggers, the secrecy and dangerous nature of drinking. I love living in a city soaked in so much history.
Back-lit wall decorations
The theme of this bar predates the Jazz Age but still provoked in me a nostalgia for different times. Modern, trendy bars are a dime a dozen, and I prefer something spacious and cozy. The large, weathered glass behind the bar, the velvet lampshades, the crystal chandeliers.
I was obsessed with these vintage mirrors that were everywhere.
A friend and I ended up hanging out here for a good 4-5 hours in the afternoon, sipping on beer, sharing a spinach and artichoke dip. In my late twenties, I’ve found that I appreciate a bar that isn’t too crowded, is well lit, and doesn’t have music pumping so loud it causes my earrings to vibrate against my earlobes. This was perfect. I do have to mention that we were there in the late afternoon, and it did seem to get a bit more crowded as the after-work set began to show up. But, nonetheless, it’s a charming bar at which to while away the hours.
Chrissy's Blog 
When/if I ever come visit you, this is a place you absolutely must take me! I love those kinds of places too — way more awesome than a too-loud too-crowded club.
You’d love it. I was thinking of you actually. My friend I went there with is considering massage school, and I was telling her how much you enjoyed it.
Awww! ❤
I'm hoping/planning on some travel later in the year; if NYC looks possible I'll let you know… 😀
Massage school was pretty great; totally fascinating subject matter, and very useful skills. Things to keep in mind when considering it: make sure the director of the school isn't basically insane like mine was; be comfortable with touching/being touched by strangers, and be vocal if you have needs/boundaries that should be considered; start building up strength and flexibility in the hands and wrists asap, and realize your limits so you don't damage yourself; try as many different modalities and techniques as possible, because you never know what will click and be exactly right. The best time i had was learning APK, and working on college athletes alongside athletic trainers. I would never have guessed those things would have been my favorites before i did them. 🙂