We all have a Welcome To The Johnsons story. Did you fall asleep on a sofa after too many PBRs? Did the bassist from that band you like get fresh over dollar shots? Did Luc Carl explain his philosophy of life to you? We wouldn't trade our memories of this uncanny approximation of our parents' wood-paneled basement for all the Wild Turkey in the world. But, our tastes have expanded beyond whatever you can buy for $3, even if our love for this dive remains. With a broad gourmet beer selection (taken from boxes that cleverly decorate the windows) and honest-to-goodness food, Alphabet City Beer Co. is our new faux-dingy standby. A dive in theme only, it has the casual comforts of Welcome, but a mature menu and a calmer, chicer clientele — just the place to kick back with friends and speak of the good-ol' days in Hell Square.

Welcome To The Johnsons, 123 Rivington Street (between Essex and Norfolk Streets); 212-420-9911
Alphabet City Beer Co., 96 Avenue C (between East 7th and East 6th Streets); 646-422-7103

Photos: Welcome To The Johnsons, Photographed by Sara Haile; Alphabet City Beer Co., Photographed by Sara Haile