Sing-a-long in NYC

Dark and dim but not dismal, this historic piano bar draws gays and local musical theater talent belting out Broadway tunes with gusto. Doesn’t matter whether you can carry a tune. Sing-along or not.  Dress down and expect to stand unless you get lucky with one of the few bistro tables.

The most elaborate thing a midst the gaiety is the mirrored bar depicting the American Revolution or perhaps the French. This is an old-time West Village joint said to have been the location of a brothel in the 1800s. Named originally for Marie DuMont, the bar added Crisis as a nod to Thomas Paine who supposedly died in this location and authored “The Crisis Papers,” a series of essays in support of our Independence from  Britain. “THESE are the times that try men’s souls…” He could well have written it today. According to http://www.ushistory.org/paine/crisis/, “General Washington found the first essay so inspiring, he ordered that it be read to the troops at Valley Forge.”

These days, the piano bar singing inspires more revelry then revolution, nonetheless…

Open until the wee hours:

Mon.–Sat., 5:30 p.m.–4 a.m., Sun., 6 p.m.–3 a.m.

59 Grove St. (near 7^th Ave.)

(212) 243-9323