Profile

On a wind-swept, trash-strewn street in the no man's land between Chinatown and Tribeca, M1-5 doesn't soften the rough edges of its locale. The stark, black and red interior is decorated with three murals depicting a graffiti tag, a trio of prostitutes, and the Manhattan skyline. The influence of nearby Industrial Plastics can be seen in the red screens on the front windows and the red plastic holders in the exposed-bulb chandeliers. Even the bar's name reflects a utilitarian theme: M1-5 is the city's zoning code for the neighborhood. Floor space around the central U-shaped bar is ample, as is the headroom, thanks to the eighteen-foot ceilings. The bar makes use of its surplus of square footage by playing host to events as diverse as birthday parties, corporate outings, hip-hop shows, and "big and beautiful" singles' nights. Staying close to the pool table, a small core of regulars provide a neighborly feel. The only thing missing is a neighborhood. — Ethan Wolff