Johnny's Bar

Johnny's Bar is a tiny dive in the West Village that we stumbled into after brunch on Sunday.  We walked in mostly as a way to escape the rain but then stayed for the laid back vibe.  I feel like most spots in the West Vill are adorable little brunch places where you're hoping to run into one of those celebrities who's not just famous but also a local New Yorker.  This is this exact opposite.  Nothing about Johnny's would be described as adorable - grungy is more like it.

The wall behind the bar is littered with bumper stickers and pieces of paper listing drink specials in marker.  Also behind the bar, one of the greatest ideas ever: a "buy a drink for a friend" chalkboard.  Here's how it works: let's say I'm sitting in Johnny's, having a drink, letting off some steam.  Everything would be great if only my good friend X was there with me so I decide to buy her a drink.  On the board, which is divided into three sections, the bartender writes who the drink is from, what the drink is, and who the drink is for.  As long as X comes in within the month, she can claim her pre-paid drink.  If you and your friend are regulars, this makes for a fun little game.