Marie's Crisis Inc

04/30/08

History of Marie's Crisis

by CMKR99

From Bruce Kayton's "Radical Walking Tours on NYC": Marie Crisis Cafe commemorates the site where the eventually spurned American revoluntionary Thomas Paine, died in 1809. The current building went up in 1839 and is named for Mr. Paine's "Crisis Papers", which began with the famou line "These are the times that try men's souls."

03/24/07

Go Go Go! Marie's is a treasure!

by syberyenta

I returned to Marie's Crisis tonight to hear Dexter and the redoubtable Maggie. It was loud, it was gay, it was straight, it was everything it ever was. Terrifically entertaining without attitude. OK, everybody who sings there (meaning the patrons) isn't always completely on pitch, but who can control that? Go! You'll have a great time. If you don't, well, leave. The place will still be packed.

• Pros: them goold old broadway show tunes
• Cons: loud, crowded

02/23/07

Going straight -- Too Bad

by briansaun

This bar has been supported by the gay community for decades, but now it appears to be going straight. The last time I was there the bartender was straight-identified, and few of the customers were gay. I would suggest if gay patrons want a more gay ambiance to go with their music, they cross seventh avenue and go to The Monster, which also has a piano in the back. In any case, if you hate the very idea of standing around singing or listening to show tunes, this is definitely NOT the place for you.

• Pros: Pleasant enough if you're in the mood
• Cons: Doesn't seem to be that gay anymore

01/03/07

The name is after Tom Paine's "The Crisis." He died in a building on this site.

by ionfreeman

This according to the website forgotten-ny. Click 'Street Scenes' and follow the link to 'A PAINE IN THE ....'

09/15/06

This piano bar has been a Village staple for decades.

by Contributor

The Scene
No one seems to know the origin of the curious name, but you might surmise that the forlorn nature of this little gay establishment was borne out of Marie's troubles, whatever they were. A dusty yellow glow illuminates dark panelled walls and small weathered tables. No need to replace the red formica that wraps around the piano bar with more fashionable materials--the owners and patrons of Marie's have more pressing concerns.

The Draw
Friday nights bring sing-alongs geared toward broken hearts and lost dreams. Other nights, the bartender behind the little bar at the back will listen to your all of your woes, at least once he turns up his hearing aid.

09/05/06

Sing Out, Louise!

by kem31753

Lucky for me I have friends who have studied voice and know every show tune ever written. I always stop by with friends (gay, straight, bi-) and shimmy up to the bar for some strong but basic cocktails. I've never known the piano player to not know a song, or be unwilling to wing it if he doesn't, or the wait staff to be rude. For me, I know the entire score of "Mame" and "The Man Who Got Away." Yes, I do sing, badly. Will bring a really big jar of Excedrin Migrane the next time. I wouldn't think of being in this neighborhood for a night out, and not stopping by. It's a nice respite from the typical gay bars (both boy & girl). I would say it's fun for the family if they have inclusive family values.

• Pros: Human kareoke (accent on human); strong drinks; fun atmosphere with live music
• Cons: no parking, occasional stiffs not singing or participating

08/04/05

This place has gone to crap!

by benzjerry

I've been frequenting this place on weekends everytime I've visited the city for the past 6-7 years. On my last visit the waitress all but humiliated me in front of my friends with her be-atch-iness---As if I should be kissing her butt for serving me! All this was AFTER i gave her a $10 tip for a $25 check! I don't know what happened to this place.This used to be one of the most entertaining environments in the city. I could spend hours sipping my perrier's, flirting with the guys and singing along. What used to be controlled chaos is now just chaos. No one sings along.People talk even at the piano. The piano player has to scream over the crowd.The handful of gorgeous voices that always seemed to keep the room going have gone elsewhere. I wish I knew where.

• Pros: cute guys, great piano player, cheep drinks
• Cons: rude staff

01/02/03

Excedrin Please!!!

by fratmuscle

I have a headache, and it's got Marie's Crisis written alllllllllllll over it.

If you want screaming, shouting, singing queens alllllll night long (and i mean ALLLLLLLLL night long) head over to Marie's.

I will never go there again...

...unless I'm hit over the head with a frying pan.

• Pros: close to subway, other bars are around, ambulence accessible
• Cons: loud, loud, sad

11/26/02

too much fun

by cmarinaccio444

We, too, were drawn to the laughter and song coming from this place. We were out on the town with the girls and had a blast. People were friendly and the drinks were good.

07/29/02

10

by queenytod

The best showtunes bar in the WORLD. Marie's Crisis is truly a New York phenomenon. Maggie, Dexter and Michael are the most entertaining staff in all of New York. Everyone visiting New York should stop by this New York original in the heart of the Village.