The Astonishing Metamorphosis of World Wonders Over Time

In the East Village of Manhattan lied the Mars Bar, a subversive local pub that provided people an escape from the gentrification wave of the area. Longtime residents of the neighborhood were fans of the iconic bar, as well as its owner, Hank Penza. The iconic dive bar wasn’t something to write home about, but that’s what made it so special for its visitors.

During its final years, before it closed its doors in 2011, Mars bar stood out in the area. Located on the corner of Second Avenue and First Street and surrounded by fancy restaurants and Whole Foods stores, Mars Bar seemed a bit out of place. When the iconic dive bar closed, it was replaced by an apartment building.