Neighborhood locals cherish this quirky bar that is a landmark destination for drinking in New York, established in 1817, which is said to be the oldest in Manhattan. (Rumor has it that a sign once read “Bar, Inn,” but part of the “b” got cut off and resulted in its present moniker.) With its low ceilings and knick-knack clutter, it’s a wonderful place to get cozy for an evening – although weekend crowds can be hop-up-and-down infuriating. Its warped floors and seemingly slanted bartop make you feel drunk even before you’ve reached your third pint, so if you’re feeling woozy, order from their no-frills bar menu. (A few fries can go a long way.) There’s a craggy gentility about the place that you just have to love, and chances are one visit will inspire another. Catch live music on weekday evenings, and dig the Saturday afternoon poetry readings, a decades-long tradition.