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Pub Quiz! Which pub is this?"this subterranean pub has been open for many years. Recently closed for refurbishment, no trace of any renovation, redecoration or refurbishment is obvious!" ReviewThere is not a lot to be said about d.b.a., which is alleged to be the bar of choice by most of the NYC guidebooks, although I cannot see why. Despite having the greatest selection of beers and liquors seen in NYC, the bar itself has all the charm of somebody’s lounge, a complete stranger’s tasteless lounge. With candle-lit tables, subdued lighting and atmosphere, there are 10-15 chalkboards above the bar, detailing the vast selection of available drinks, each with a date showing when the keg was tapped. Despite the presence of a quiet garden at the rear, there appears to be nothing in the way of entertainment in this central East Village bar: quiz machines are lacking, it’s too dark and ambient at night to gaze at the women who were vaguely discernable in the shadows, and there is no food available, although you can bring in a take-away. Open from 1pm until 4am, be prepared to be have you ID checked by torchlight at the door, and when you select a random beer at the bar don’t be surprised to receive what appears to be less than half a pint of beer served in a Irish Coffee glass. There is a great deal of fuss about d.b.a. and how it’s a ‘little bit of London’, and that the four hand drawn taps most likely came from the UK. But the ‘little bit of London’ that d.b.a. appears to be is that little bit if London that most Londoners wouldn’t even bother with; d.b.a. is akin to a trendy, relaxed, chilled-out jazz-bar in a recently yuppified area of London. Not good. Vandalism in the toilets seems to be encouraged or tolerated, but trying to read the American ‘bog poetry’ will only serve to confuse a British mind, as it doesn’t make any sense. This bar may be the greatest in New York if you’re a drink connoisseur, who’s happy to sacrifice atmosphere for the vast selection of beers and liquors, but if the character is of the utmost importance, don’t bother coming here, as there’s numerous other bars with some excitement nearby. It’s unclear what d.b.a. stands for, but perhaps Don’t Bother Attending may be a good start, or more aptly Dull, Boring and Apathetic.    Review by mr_psm Nearby:Pubs:
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User Comments:
Ahhh, kind sir - you mean so well, but completely miss the point of DBAs. New York City has way too much entertainment (and aggravation) on a daily basis. What local East Villagers and other near locals seek and find in DBAs is a pleasantly uncluttered oasis where they can enjoy a fine pint and some sought after relaxation. There are so many meat markets and way too many quiz machines in this town so, those who frequent this haven very much prefer the 'starkness' and easy going atmosphere. And the women prefer to to chat and be listened to rather than gawked at by salacious patrons. Barflys and hipster-wannabeees are looked down upon and treated in such a way that it is hoped they will leave and not return while telling all their noisome mates.
Please do come to DBAs if you seek to enjoy a fine pint or fine shot of Scotch (wine too!), but please do not bring your pretentions or annoying habits. We denizens are here for the beer, conversations, and company. And if you want to know the meaning of the name, don't bother asking!