Ear Inn Inc   

Owned by some of the same folks as Walker's, this Soho pub bears some of that Tribeca tavern's traits that make it so popular among locals. Those who make pilgrimage seeking to unearth historical artifacts under its floorboards, like Civil War-era whiskey jugs, should know that the 19th-century James Brown House dive only became the Ear Inn in the 1970s (after which the exterior sign was changed from Bar to Ear). The multi-level landmark isn't shy to show off its age, with old spruce planks, original sandstone, a fireplace, ancient signage and a no-cellphone policy. No longer longshoreman and blacksmiths, the crowd is now more artists, musicians and hipsters pining for a good pint, margaritas, a decent burger and some live rock. Saturday afternoons also see emerging poets and writers read new work. It's not the oldest bar in New York (McSorley's is), but it may be the crustiest, in the best sense of the word.