Overlook New York
Comics' 'Sistine Chapel'
Geoffrey from New York
There are comparably significant murals by Howard Christy on the walls at Leopard at des Artistes but at the Overlook bar is the work of many dozens of artists on three walls, and as an unprotected treasure of singuarly American art, it is perhaps the best in NYC, maybe even in the United States.
If you recognize the character Dagwood Bumstead, the name Al Jaffe or the style represented by the character Bullwinkle the Moose, you're old enough to go to Overlook, have a beer and ogle this fantastic collection of comic book art/graffiti, done with true New York style --- many, many characters drawn on basically the same day, long ago, by their creators.
Your first visit might invoke some familiar feelings, like "I think I remember that character from when I was little" or, "I recognize that artist's name" and even, "I know that style." And as your smile grows, you'll feel closer and closer to your youth --- the artwork's patina portends aroused feelings from the past.
So, cruise the walls and if you're really into this kind of classic art, best to do your cruising just before lunchtime so that you won't conflict with patrons sitting in the booths that abut those murals.
A draft pilsner is a pricy eight bucks, the food is fairly generic NYC pub food --- burgers, maybe red sauce pasta --- and a bit pricey too, this being solid Midtown-East territory.
But you can go in take a look and leave without spending anything, too.
New York Spotter Geoffrey
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