William Barnacle Tavern
This place markets itself as a speakeasy from the '20s, but it doesn't have all the gimmicky, come-in-through-the-phone-booth, wait-three-hours-for-a-table trappings of other more well-known bars in the East Village. Seriously — you'll be able to sit at a table with a group of friends on a Friday night. This weird Celtic tavern is operated by Theater 80, which means you'll be sharing the bar with community thespians. Split a Swiss absinthe with a friend (they've got a great collection and are more than willing to walk through all the types with you), and — if you stay long enough — the barkeep might even play his panpipe for you.
80 St. Marks Place (between 1st and 2nd avenues)

Photo: Courtesy of William Barnacle