Was there many,many times, back in the day. Did the guy really think it wasn't going to be a dump?
Bar had the worst floor I've ever experienced. All sorts of little steps, and unexpected differing levels. Luckily, it was usually too crowded to fall down!
There was a horrifyingly run down joint near the local college where I went to high school -- sounds like the same kind of scene.
I've only been to NYC once, for a weekend in 1994. I had planned to see CBGB but they were running some kind of death-rap monstrosity so I didn't bother. I kinda wish I had gone there, just to see it. There's no way I could have put up with it for a whole show.