(Le) Poisson Rouge

158 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012 212-505-3474

Description: WEST VILLAGE. Art and alcohol - a combination at which (Le) Poisson Rouge excels. Situated on the site of the former Village Gate, LPR now functions as a multimedia art showcase. There are two sections of the LPR: the Gallery and the Main Space. The Gallery itself has a full bar and showcases artwork on a rotating basis, but its true function is to serve as a place for fans to congregate pre-show. The main events occur in the Main Space. The lineups are always eclectic - previous artists run the gamut from rapper Wale to British indie rock group Florence + the Machine to author Salman Rushdie.
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Amsterdam Billiards

110 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003 212-995-0333

Description: UNION SQUARE. One of the city's ­ some would say the country's ­ most distinguished billiard clubs, Amsterdam is handsomely dressed with blond wood partitions and sleek, contemporary sensibility (straight, defined lines, sharp geometry and semi-private sitting areas with flat-screen TVs). Co-founded by comedian David Brenner back in 1989, the classy place has been written up in numerous rags and featured on a handful of TV shows, including "Letterman" and "Good Morning America." TRAIN: 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W at 14th St-Union Sq.
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Bubble Lounge

228 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013 212-431-3433

Description: TRIBECA. This upscale TriBeCa bar lays proud claim to one of the most impressive selections of sparkling wine and champagne you can imagine ­ the staff claims it's the largest such list in the world, with over 300 on offer. A classy appetizer menu includes such delicacies as strawberries with chocolate fondue, pates, caviar, artisan cheese platters, and sushi. The ideal site to celebrate a special occasion or big event, the place has a chic, lounge-like feel that appeals to the well-to-do and fashion conscious patrons. For that added "Big Apple Touch," the Bubble frequently features live jazz. TRAIN: 1, 9 to Franklin St
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Café Noir

32 Grand St, New York, NY 10013 212-431-7910

Description: SOHO. Tucked away on the corner of Thompson and Grand is Café Noir, a dimly lit hideaway that offers a nice respite from SoHo's more crowded bars and clubs. Popular with the neighborhood crowd, this cozy little place boasts Mediterranean-style ambience that makes it popular with the neighborhood trendsetters. Indeed, it's not uncommon for several of the bar's candle-lit tables to be occupied by well-dressed patrons enjoying tapas. On occasion, the café features live jazz. TRAIN: A, C, E, 1, 9 to Canal St
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Circa Tabac

32 Watts St, New York, NY 10013 212-941-1781

Description: SOHO. Leave it to a neighborhood as fashion conscious as SoHo to boast a kicky joint like Circa Tabac, between Thompson and 6th Avenue. One of only a handful of bars in NYC to still allow smoking, this place has quite a bit of character, with an Art Deco-inspired interior reminiscent of the roaring '20s. Popular opinion has it that Circa Tabac offers one of the best wine lists around, and their imported beer list is somewhat legendary. Great place to go if you want to drink a martini and smoke a stogie in relative peace. TRAIN: A, C, E, 1, 9 to Canal St
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Coyote Ugly Saloon

153 1st Ave, between 9th and 10th St, New York, NY 10009 212-477-4431

Description: EAST VILLAGE. Okay, so the pretty girls from the 2000 flick "Coyote Ugly" don't sling the drinks, but the bartenders who are here are classics. This popular hole-in-the-wall, located between 9th and 10th Streets, is worth checking out on a Friday or Saturday night. Heck, you might even have a blast. Expect to find a rowdy neighborhood crowd ­ most of them taking advantage of the cheap beer, playing video games or arguing over who's got the next selection on the classic jukebox. Just so you know, it could be anything from classic rock to David Allen Coe to Bocephus. TRAIN: 6 to Astor Pl; L to 1st Ave
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Fanelli Café

94 Prince St, New York, NY 10012 212-226-9412

Description: SOHO. Fanelli's enjoys the patronage of a loyal group of artsy regulars who appreciate the cozy confines of this tavern-like bar. Sitting on the corner of Prince and Mercer, Fanelli gives newcomers the chance to rub shoulders with locals in a place they like to think of as their own. Don't be put-off if you're not treated like part of the family ­ it's just part of the overall charm of the place. Once inside, be sure to notice the bar, which is more than 100 years old. Fanelli's offers a decent bar menu, including greasy (but tasty) burgers, calamari and home-style meatloaf. TRAIN: N, R to Prince St
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Local 138

138 Ludlow St, between Stanton and Rivington Sts, New York, NY 10002 212-477-0280

Description: LOWER EAST SIDE. Head to the crossing of Stanton and Rivington Streets if it's a good, old-fashioned bar you seek. This Lower East Side gem boasts the classic elements ­ cozy alcoves, dark wood accents and a permanent smoky haze. Here, the brew is tasty, and the chatter teeters between sports and politics. Local 138 is one of those tried and true places that attracts a loyal after-work crowd, especially on evenings when the Giants, Rangers or Knicks are playing. TRAIN: F, J, M, Z, to Delancey St-Essex St; F to 2nd Ave
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Max Fish

178 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002 212-529-3959

Description: LOWER EAST SIDE. Located between Houston and Stanton Streets, this bridge between the hip East Village and the Lower East Side's hot lounge scene is the favorite watering hole of neighborhood artists and barflies alike. The bar frequently hosts exhibits by local artists and intimates a very bohemian feel. However, on the weekends, the crowd becomes a little more mixed as Dockers-clad Uptowners and students descend upon this artists' haven. Check out the jukebox, with a music selection as diverse as the clientele. TRAIN: F to 2nd Ave
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Milk & Honey

134 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002 212-625-3397

Description: LOWER EAST SIDE. Expect to jump through some hoops and follow the rules to gain admittance to this legendary speakeasy. The door policy is pretty straight forward ­ you don't get in unless you've made reservations at least a day in advance. The scene inside isn't at all the cloak and dagger "hush, hush" many people envision, but you'll no doubt find the service flawless, the attitude hospitable and the cocktails deliciously potent. Entrance is by referral and/or appointment only. TRAIN: F to Delancey St
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Naked Lunch

17 Thompson St, New York, NY 10013 212-343-0828

Description: SOHO. This smart looking dance hall, named after William Burroughs's famous book, is a good place to spot the occasional celeb. Conspicuously located on the corner of Thompson and Grand, the Naked Lunch is one of SoHo's favorite places to do the salsa, and dance to great 80s tunes on the weekends. After work, it's not uncommon to see a few business types here, waiting for the party to start and tossing back a cold brew. If you don't mind gawkers, you're welcome to start shaking your booty early. TRAIN: 1, 9, A, C, E to Canal St
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SoHo Billiards

298 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012 212-925-3753

Description: NOHO. Not really in SoHo (it's north of Houston, actually), this pool hall doesn't complicate things by trying to mix in pulsating F/X shows, loud music or over-zealous doormen. No, SoHo Billiards is what it is: A cool, laid-back place where you and your friends can toss back a few, shoot some eight ball, and not empty the coffers doing it. TRAIN: B, D, F, V to Broadway-Lafayette St; 6 to Bleecker St
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St. Dymphna's

118 St Marks Pl, between Ave A and 1st Ave, New York, NY 10009 212-254-6636

Description: EAST VILLAGE. Known for traditional Irish eats with upscale twists, this bar calls out to those seeking to satisfy both hunger and thirst. Guinness flows freely, and live folk music can be heard on weekends. A lovely garden behind the pub welcomes guests to sit outside and relax during warm weather. TRAIN: 6 to Astor Pl
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Terra Blues

149 Bleecker St, between Thompson St and LaGuardia Pl, New York, NY 10012 212-777-7776

Description: WEST VILLAGE. Terra Blues sits between LaGuardia and Thompson, right in the heart of the West Village. This small blues lounge attracts a more well-heeled crowd than most of its counterparts, which is due in part to its romantic, almost adult atmosphere. Enjoy the soulful sounds of traditional blues performers. The best tables are located near the windows, but if you want one you better plan on arriving early. TRAIN: A, C, E, B, D, F, Q to W 4th St
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The Central Bar

109 E 9th St, New York, NY 10003 212-529-5333

Description: EAST VILLAGE. This self-styled Irish sports bar is a terrific place to combine two of life's greatest joys: Irish brunch and Sunday afternoon football. TRAIN: 6 to Astor Pl
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The Duplex

61 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014 212-255-5438

Description: WEST VILLAGE. The legendary caberet performances staged at this West Villager bring in folks from all walks of life. Indeed, where else but here will you find a theatre whose illustrious alumni include Barbra Steisand, Woody Allen, Lovelady Powell, KT Sullivan and Lea Delaria? The Duplex's Piano Bar, meanwhile, gets kicking at 9pm, when the staff leads the place in a night-long celebration of drinking and open mic performances. TRAIN: 1 or 9 to Christopher St
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Verlaine

110 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002 212-614-2494

Description: LOWER EAST SIDE. French-Vietnamese influences pervade the snack menu at this dim venue on the Lower East Side. Named after the famously indulgent "poète maudit," Paul Verlaine, the lounge certainly does what it can to seduce its well-heeled clientele into a night of eating, drinking and chanting. The deep, comfortable banquettes are conducive to private conversation, and the cool, mellow music always seem to be at just the right decible. If you're looking to impress out-of-towners, this is the place to do it. TRAIN: F, V to Lower East Side-Second Ave
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Vol de Nuit

148 W 4th St, New York, NY 10012 212-982-3388

Description: WEST VILLAGE. The Village's very own Belgian beer bar, Vol de Nuit appeals to those whose palates crave something more than your standard domestic brews. The place exudes a certain European sensibility. The low-key space is rustically dressed with heavy wrought iron and wooden furniture, hardwood floors, exposed ceiling rafters and rough-surfaced walls. In addition to high-quality imported beer, Vol also serves up outstanding mussels and fries (made even better when accompanied by their homemade aioli or Anadalouse sauce). TRAIN: A, B, C, D, E, F, V to W 4th St-Washington Sq
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Welcome to the Johnsons

123 Rivington St, between Norfolk and Essex Sts, New York, NY 10002 212-420-9911

Description: LOWER EAST SIDE. This interestingly themed Lower East Side bar and lounge, located between Essex and Norfolk Streets, enjoys a fair amount of popularity with the neighborhood folk. The bar might as well have been decorated by the cast of "Dazed and Confused" ­ wood paneling, green vinyl barstools, couches with plastic slipcovers, shag carpeting, and a groovy old jukebox. Welcome to the Johnsons features a variety of kicky mixed drinks and enough cheap brew to help you rock and roll all night. The old pool table is hard to get on, as is the classic Ms. Pac-Man game. TRAIN: F to 2nd Ave
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Whiskey Ward

121 Essex St, New York, NY 10002 212-477-2998

Description: LOWER EAST SIDE. Fancy yourself a whiskey connoisseur? At this joint, top-shelf bottles of single-malt and bourbon see to the wants and desires of serious sippers, and curious first-timers will find plenty to pepper their palates as well, most of it for a good price. As to the decor, the brain trust behind the Whiskey Ward certainly did what it could to capture the saloon element without going overboard. In fact, the understated decor (specifically the wooden barrels) reminds folks why they stopped by in the first place ­ after all, the drink is the thing, right? TRAIN: F to Delancey St; J, M, Z to Essex St
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