March 29th, 2010—Bar 78

Day 78—Sunday, March 28th
Johnny’s Bar

First off, I have to say Happy Birthday to 365’s resident artist, “Boris!” “Boris” is double nickels today, that’s right, he’s the age Sammy Hagar can’t drive, 55! "Boris" not only created the banner here at the 365 site, he also did artwork at my old website, The Marty Wombacher Show, which is on hiatus now. Check out the artwork here: TMWS Home Page Art. “Boris" did the majority of the artwork there (I did the shitty stuff!) and did a great job. Thanks for all your great work, Daddio! And don’t forget, “Boris” has designed this new logo for t-shirts that will be available soon:

Alright, “Boris” Happy Birthday to you! And if you have a website that you need artwork for, “Boris” is your go-to guy. He also designs logos, CD covers, book covers and anything you can think of when it comes to art. Just send me an email and I will pass it on to “Boris.”

Okay, on to tonight’s bar. Last Monday I went to Bunga's Den and met bartender Mark, who graciously invited me to stop by Johnny’s Bar tonight as he bartends there every Sunday from 9pm to 4am. If you read that post, he’s the only one who knows the secret of the name, Bunga’s Den. I wonder if there’s a secret behind the name of Johnny’s Bar. Well, let’s go hoist a few and find out!

This sign says it all!

There's a familiar face behind the bar.

It's bartender Mark, serving up the first of many beers on this Sunday evening.

It's a Mod Squad of walls in here. One stucco...

One brick...

And the wooden wall completes this trifecta of wall designs.

Willow and Nick were seated in front at the window seats. They were visiting New York and Nick is the Executive Chef at Lucky's Lounge in Boston. He told me I would have a free meal if I ever visited there and I may take him up on that! Look out Nick, I'll bring a large appetite!

Books line the top of the wall opposite the bar. I wonder what titles are available?

Well, now, there's some interesting choices!

Ian multi-tasks by drinking his beer and flashing the 365 card all at once.

The bar at Johnny's. You gotta love it!

The Bronx Prep Crew were having fun in the back of the bar.

Some of the specials at Johnny's Bar. It's better than sex! Someone alert Tiger Woods.

Some of the draft beer selections.

Peanuts!

The mysterious woman known only as "Bar Lady" starts a card game.

I finish off the night with a Red Stripe and I'm ready to hit the road. Goodnight everybody!

Review

They say good things come in small packages and Johnny’s Bar proves this point. Johnny’s is one of New York’s quintessential dive bars and a neighborhood favorite in Greenwich Village. The red, neon outside sign says it all: BAR. What you see is what you get. The walls are faux brick, stucco and wood and the interior design is retro-modern throw it on the wall and see if it sticks. Old license plates intermingle with bumper stickers, vintage beer signs, stickers and a guitar hangs on one of the walls. Books line the top of the wall opposite the bar and an internet jukebox awaits you at the back of the 55 person capacity bar which is mainly filled with locals from the neighborhood.

Johnny’s has a marathon happy hour that runs from noon to seven in the evening with various specials happening in these seven hours. There’s a large selection of draft and bottled beers to be had and there’s a long list of specialty shots for $3.50 with inviting and exotic names such as: Shit on the Grass, Citron my Face, Dirty Girl Scout Cookie and Witch's Clit.

Johnny’s is open 365 days a week, from noon to four in the morning, so there’s no excuse not to work it into your schedule. You’ll be glad you did.

Johnny's Bar
90 Greenwich Ave. (near 12th St.)
212-741-5279