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To understand the history of the Fat Black Pussycat is to follow a game of Village tavern musical chairs. The original bar—where Dylan allegedly wrote “Blowin’ in the Wind”—was a folkie institution located at present-day Panchito’s. (The Pussycat’s sign still hangs above the Minetta St. exit). Now, owner Noam Dworman, whose family also owns the Comedy Cellar and Café Wha?, has brought FBP to the former Kettle of Fish site. (That old Kerouac joint has since moved to Christopher St. and displaced Mailer’s Lion’s Head.) The new layout, augmented by expansions, offers a room for every mood: A large, classic wood pub combines mini, recessed TVs in every booth with darts and billiards; a shadowy Moroccan lounge has well-cushioned sofas and red velvet thrones; a downstairs dance club (a.k.a. the Village Underground) features weekend DJs; there’s even an upstairs VIP area suitable for small private parties. The crowd, as eclectic as the competing atmospheres, flows through the rooms unimpeded as if they were participating in an entire bar crawl under one roof. — Andrew Paine Bradbury

On weeknights, The Fat Black Pussycat offers a 50% discount to parties of up to fifteen people who make a reservation on their website.