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Single Room Occupancy
Just one of a growing number of places that make you do a bit of work to get in - here you have to know to ring the doorbell - SRO is one spot that's worth it. It's got a speakeasy vibe in the air, and a nice selection of wine and beer on the menu. But, it's very small and kind of cave-like, so claustrophobic tipplers best not apply. Most others should find it titillating.
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Smoke
Smoke has defied the odds of its no-man's-land location (not deep in Harlem but north of the Upper East Side) and flourished as an intimate and welcoming club. It's long dark drapes and fluffy sofas give it a homey feel, and the low covers appeal to the local student population.
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Splash Bar
First it was Splash, then SBNY and now Splash Bar. Still, not much has changed (a good thing) at this Chelsea staple, a multi-levelled spot that's part lounge, part club, and home to some of the hottest, most scantily-clad bartenders around. Sunday's Trannyshack is a popular drag queen party.
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Spuyten Duyvil
Painted-red tin ceilings, vintage maps and ashtray displays look over wooden floors, with armchairs set by library racks of old paperbacks no one would want to lift. In good weather, the au-naturale back courtyard is open. There's cheese, pickles and cured meats for snacking.
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Starlight Bar & Lounge
A funky mix of Chelsea boys and East Village artistes cross paths in this pleasantly overcrowded bar, with room to relax in the back lounge. The all-female bartender crew work the crowd and Sunday night ('Starlette') is widely considered one of the best lesbian events in the city. Wednesday is queer comedy night, hosted by funny man Keith Price.
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Stoned Crow
A divey but fun jukebox joint located in a basement, Stoned Crow's semi-claustrophobic vibe seems to appeal to students hiding from homework and midterm exams. Its big pitchers of beer and regulation pools tables add to the allure as well.
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Subtonic Lounge
Hidden in the basement of the more famous Tonic lounge, the Subtonic is a hedonistic rave-like dance party that proudly features the best German techno coming out of Berlin - and sometimes the best guest DJs, too. Friday night's 'Bunker Party' raises the roof as spinmeisters whip the packed dance floor into a frenzy.
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Subway Inn
This is a classic old-geezer watering hole with cheap drinks and loads of authenticity, right down to the barmen's white shirts and thin black ties. It should truly be landmarked, as the entire scene - from the vintage neon sign outside to the well-worn red booths and old geezers huddled inside - is truly reminiscent of bygone days.
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Sullivan Room
This unmarked, basement-level hideaway attracts throngs of good-looking, black-clad creatures of the night for DJ's house parties, stiff cocktails and extensive foreign beer offerings. You'd never know it from the outside as there's no sign of the place (and the other block's offerings are pretty dismal). However, this is a very happening affair.
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Superfine
Superfine isn't only a good place to eat and play pool - it's a cool bar too. Late nights on weekends keep it open well past .
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The Delancey
Three levels of spacious fun, the main draw being the top-floor roof that's actually got a splashing fountain (of sorts) and the odd shrub or two providing some greenery. Downstairs there's a DJ playing rock (indie and classic) with some new wave, and experimental punk/electronica reign in the basement.
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The Den
This is a very sexy place, visited by some very sexy people who like to laugh, drink and eat, as well as share the stage on open mic night (Wed). Part art gallery (local painters are shown on the walls), part gin joint (sip your Uncle Tom Collins with your tongue in cheek) and part soul restaurant (with pulled park and sushi on the menu), the Den is also gorgeous to look at.
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The Whiskey Ward
Once upon a time, city officials divided Manhattan into wards - the Lower East Side was the 'Whiskey Ward,' courtesy of its many drinking establishments. Modern owners of The Whiskey Ward apparently appreciate history as much as they adore single malts, rye whiskey, blended Scotch, Irish whiskey and Bourbon. And their patrons, a sleek and sexy mix of all ages, enjoy the single-mindedness of this brick-walled bar.
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Ulysses
Old-school financial types have been flocking to this Hanover Sq newcomer, which succeeds in blending traditional Irish pub style with the modern lounge vibe. You'll find an impressive list of beers, tequilas, whiskeys and cordials, friendly, fresh-faced staff, and an encouraging stance when it comes to tying one on.
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Waterfront Ale House
Solid pub grub, like burgers, fries, smoky meats in big paninis and hearty salads, combined with a neighborhood vibe, a wide beer selection and live blues and jazz makes this place a winner night after night.
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West Side Tavern
Talk about normal! This beer-scented tavern has an old-fashioned vibe, loud classic rock and a popular pool table, along with decent pub fare and roomy tables alongside its lengthy bar. The crowd is filled with groups of regular Joes and the occasional girlfriend, and on alternating Fridays the high straight-boy content (for Chelsea) is especially obvious.
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Winnie's
Performing drunken, embarrassing karaoke at this Chinatown dive is a rite of passage for New Yorkers. The place is tiny and always packed, the disgusting cocktails (such as the Abortion, a mixture of Sambuca and Baileys) are potent, and the weird karaoke videos, flashed behind you on a movie screen, are shockingly stuck in the '80s.
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Xicala
There's a Cuban trio on Wednesday nights that adds to the already festive atmosphere at this quaint, tiny tapas and wine bar. The strawberry sangria is the house signature drink, but the Rioja's and Jerez sherries are just as delicious.
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