d.b.a.

dba has completely bucked the loungey trend that has taken over the city, instead remaining firmly and resolutely an unpretentious neighborhood bar. It's a beer- and scotch-lover's paradise, with a massive drink menu on giant chalkboards.

Owner Ray Deter specializes in British-style cask-conditioned ales (the kind that you pump by hand) and stocks a phenomenal collection of single-malt scotches. Ray has enclosed the back garden, transforming it into a cozy East Village beer garden. Excellent jukebox, too. During the 2006 World Cup, they had a big sign out front "Footy on the Telly All Day!" Look for such daily specials as Sunday Bloody Marys with free lox and bagels from Russ & Daughters. (Review source - Frommers.com)