Do you remember when bars were actually bars? Not "sports" bars or lounges or brew houses or any other such nonsense. I'm talking about real bars with dark interiors (especially during the middle of the day), games to amuse yourself while drinking (pool, darts, etc.), and a casual atmosphere where you could strike up a friendly chat or be left totally alone.
Gin Mill is one of those few places. It's not a seedy dive, so you don't have to bathe in Purell afterwards, but it's beautifully old school. I've been there after a show at Amos' Southend or in the middle of an all day beer crawl and no matter what it's consistent and comfortable.
They even have popcorn as a free snack which is a million times more sanitary than beer nuts (just remember to use the scoop, you drunk bastards).
I'm happy that places like the Gin Mill are still around. Unpretentious, relaxed bars that let you enjoy a beer and forget about the outside world.