Profile

Is it the art or the bargain martinis that pack 'em in? The West Village's version of an East Village watering hole, Art Bar is loud and crowded in front, so pass up the booths and head for the decidedly more relaxed back room, where couches and drapes muffle the din. It's so relaxed, in fact, that you may have to contend with couples sucking face as you suck down your alcohol. There's lots of '80s music, which, depending on your opinion of, say, Joan Jett's "Do You Wanna Touch Me" is a good or bad thing. Either way, this place makes for a solid after-work stop-off. — Angela Voulangas