Not long ago we had time to kill before a Broadway show and stopped by our beloved theater district refuge, the cozy warren of a bar at Frankie & Johnnie's, which started out as a speakeasy back in 1926. But instead of finding asylum in the steakhouse's semi-secretive bar (accessed through the kitchen) we were dismayed to discover it reconfigured as a terribly-lit spot above the staircase, by the dishwasher, with sports on big TV screens! Ugh. The bartender (who was not the elderly, sagacious gentleman we'd come to expect) received a full white wine about it, and apologetically explained that because of structural problems, the bar had to be moved (and made soulless!) during renovations. Truly a terrible turn of events, but at least it's not all bad news. more ›

The subterranean countdown clocks that let commuters know how long they'll have to wait for the next train will be installed at over 150 stations next year. Currently in use only on the L line, the electronic marvels have long been familiar to subway riders in Washington and London. New MTA Czar Jay Walder says studies show that riders in London felt three-times worse waiting when they didn't know how long the delay would be, so get ready to feel thrice better, New York! more ›