Bar Shots: Dumbo

68 Jay St. Bar

Yes, empty doll-sized felt outfits (work by a local artist) were pinned to the wall throughout the bar, but fortunately didn't add too much general terror to the ambiance. Smokers lounged carelessly and barefooted in the open window while people-watching and puppy-petting. The drinks were cheap ($5 wines, $4 draughts), the bowls of Goldfish were free, and the bartenders were friendly. It's the kind of place where you could sit for hours, drinking, drinking, drinking and lapsing into contented silence. Which it seems that some people do do, every day.

Bottom line: Quintessential neighborhood bar, with few bells or whistles but a loyal following and a mini-herd of greedy but lovable bar dogs.