Joyce’s Tavern is part of a series of tidbits from the chapters of my book Bars, Taverns and Dives New Yorkers Love, published by Rizzoli. You can order it from Powell’s, Amazon, Rizzoli, and Barnes & Noble. Signed prints of all the bars in the book are available here.

We’re standing at the bar at Joyce’s Tavern—me, Colleen, Juan, Tony, and Tony’s mom Virginia, who came over from her house, the same place Tony grew up, just a few blocks away. We’re at the bar, the front door opens up, and an old man with a walker pushes in, making his way slowly toward the back. Before he gets to where he’s going, a guy slides off his bar stool and moves down a couple, and the bartender, a big guy with a Mount Rushmore chin, draws a beer and sets it in front of the vacated seat. They old guy slides onto the stool, nods a thanks to the bartender, and all is well.

“Yeah, that was Mr. Toomey,” owner Joe O’Toole Sr. tells me. “He’s a retired NYFD lieutenant. Bud drinker. He calls before he shows up and asks if anyone’s in front. That means ‘move your damn car,’ so he can park there and be close to the front door.”

When to Visit Joyce’s Tavern:

Stop in at 4:30 or 5 p.m. on a weekday and see the place during the post-work rush. O’Toole says, “That’s when all the people getting off the train come in, and the retirees, after their chores for the day are done.”

Where to Sit:

At the back half of the bar, near the door leading out to the deck. There, you’re near the taps, within a quick strike of the jukebox, and with the fireplace at your back, a blessing in the winter. But if Mr. Toomey comes in and wants his seat, move on down.

Next up:

Jimmy’s Corner, the only place I ever really “want” to go in Times Square, and another chapter of my book Bars, Taverns and Dives New Yorkers Love, which you can order right here. Limited-edition signed prints of the bars are available here.