Dearest NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission,

It is from a secluded back booth that we implore you to bestow early landmark status upon hours-old tavern Monument Lane.

Traveling due west on an unfamiliar stretch of Greenwich Avenue, our famished party was frightfully short on Village recommendations.

Through giant window panes, we caught sight of the glowing corner nook filled with antique furnishings (tables made from colonial-era doors, Ratzer’s 1767 map of Manhattan) and buzzing patrons. The nine-seat bar — lit by miniature lanterns suspended atop a wooden pig carrier — proved a plentiful source of dark spirits (cognac, Scotch) and sparkling wines.

Seasonal pioneer Brian Murphy (Picholine, The Blue Plate) circled the culinary wagons: flash-fried chickpeas with crushed red pepper and sieved egg (pictured); baked pretzel bites swirled in smoked gouda dip; and the tastiest pot pie (braised pork spiked with a spiced rum reduction) in city history.

We think this place deserves the recognition.

Yours in community spirit,
DC Knickerbocker

Monument Lane, 103 Greenwich Avenue, at West 12th Street (212-255-0155).

Photo: Janelle Jones