Any recommendations for a great bar. Dark wood, not trendy, classic but won't blow our budget? And then a great dini g spot to go afterwards maybe italian or american?

Dark wood, classic New York, untrendy, expensive The Oak Bar at The Plaza Hotel or the Bull & Bear at The Waldorf Astoria.

Downtown, go to Chumley's.

Wait, what is that old Irish Pub around Grand Street that just started letting women in the establishment? It has been around for like, 100 years?

McSorley's Ale House?

The Oak Bar at the Plaza certainly qualifies as dark wood and not trendy. But, the budget issue will definately come up unless you're prepared to pay between $12 and $15 for one.

Bill's (which stubbornly held onto the "Gay '90s" part of its name until a few years ago even though it made those unfamilar with it think it was a gay bar) on West 54th just off Madison might be perfect for you. Dark bar, good drinks, relatively reasonable, considering.

Great suggesion Ryan, of Bill's. It's on EAST 54 th betw Madison & Park. The Monkey Bar across the street in the Elysee hotel would also qualify for the dark wood etc. It's not too trendy although gets a yuppy after work crowd. The restaurant there also called the Monkey Bar is a good eating option. It's now a steakhouse I believe. For other dining in that area, (you didn't mention budget) there's Oceana ($$$) is fantastic fish. You're also quite close to the new Lever House rest. For Italian, Bice is a block away or Fresco is 2 blocks away. Another bar in that general area is PJ Clarke's very classic, very famous. This is a real saloon. They also have good food and a new restaurant upstairs I haven't tried. Check the website.

For a different neighborhood and a more casual experience, the Old Town Bar on east 18th is a classic NY neighborhood place. In that neighborhood. Park Avalon is right down the block for a nice meal (website brguestrestaurants.com)

Dozens of bars meet your conditions. What neighborhood interests you? Crowd (age etc.)?

In the East Village, for example, if you like German beers, check out Zum Schneider on Avenue C at 7th Street. Then you could walk two blocks north on C for an amazing meal at ever-popular Esperanto.

Chumley's is a good suggestion in the West Village.

Check out www.sheckys.com for more info and a great search engine.

Enjoy!