5 great dive bars

divebars01

International Bar
After shuttering in 2005, this punk-rock tavern was resurrected in 2008 by new owners (including former TONY staffer Shawn Dahl), who faithfully ushered in a glorious second act of no-nonsense boozing. Jostle for a can of Genesee and a shot of Evan Williams ($4 for both), then pop a buck into an eclectic jukebox that rivals the one at Max Fish, with tunes from the likes of Black Flag and Lou Reed. 120 First Ave between St. Marks Pl and E 7th St (212-777-1643)

divebars02

Holiday Cocktail Lounge
What Max Fish is to rock stars and street artists, this weathered veteran once was to writers and intellectuals like W.H. Auden and Leon Trotsky. It wears its decades-old grime unapologetically, offering dependable gruffness in a 'hood that's lost most of its whiskey-soaked landmarks. 75 St. Marks Pl between First and Second Aves (212-777-9637)

divebars03

Lit Lounge
This East Village rock & roll bar is a second home for many longtime Max Fish fans. There's an art gallery in the back, a sweaty music club in the basement and plenty of hipster eye-candy---bathed in more flattering light than you'd find at the Fish. 93 Second Ave between 5th and 6th Sts (212-777-7987)

divebars04

BillyMark's West
A brightly lit pool table isn't the only thing this westerly dive has in common with Max Fish. It attracts a similarly eclectic---if decidedly less sceney---cross-section of humanity, from galleristas and FIT students to shift workers kicking back a few cold ones. 332 Ninth Ave at 29th St (212-629-0118)