Theater stars’ favorite bars: West Side Story

Learn some Spanish

Puerto Rico–USA Bar
Puerto Rico–USA is a five-year-old local with plastic chairs, a corner TV and a friendly owner who grew up in the neighborhood. A domino table pleases longtimers, but most patrons are happy just downing beer and Bacardi. 124 E 107th St between Park and Lexington Aves (212-410-1170). Average drink: $4.

Camaradas El Barrio
Local bohos and professionals sip beer, wine and sangria at this packed Spanish Harlem happy-hour spot. Chunky wood and exposed brick give the space a Brooklynish feel, and the Latin American menu features pressed sandwiches, grilled skewers, and that glorious union of meat and plantains, mofongo. 2241 First Ave at 115th St (212-348-2703, camaradaselbarrio.com). Average drink: $6.

Mamajuana Café
The name may be cribbed from a rum-based Dominican aphrodisiac, but with frequent live flamenco and jazz, a long list of reds and whites, and Caribbean-inspired cocktails, the attractive clientele here doesn’t need any help getting it on. 247 Dyckman St at Seaman Ave (212-304-0140, mamajuanacafenyc.com). Average drink: $5.

809 Sangria Bar and Grill
The digits are a nod to the Dominican Republic’s area code, but the food and drink at this sleek lounge packed with sharply dressed diners represents a Pan-Hispanic union. Expect refined contemporary Latino tapas and entrées, gratuitous meat grilling and six kinds of sangria. 112 Dyckman St between Nagle and Post Aves (212-304-3800, 809restaurant.com). Average drink: $9.

El Malecon Restaurant
El Malecon is more of a Dominican diner than a bar, but it’s a great place to down a few cheap Presidentes ($4.50) and enjoy a roasted-pork sandwich. Drop by before a show at the nearby United Palace Theatre and witness the collision of worlds between unsuspecting locals and tight-jeaned indie kids. 4141 Broadway between 175th and 176th Sts (212-927-3812, maleconrestaurants.com). Average drink: $4.50.

NEXT >>

View Larger Map

Relax! Drink! >>
Winter—and everything—gettin’ to you? Party at our favorite bars, just like the casts of this season’s Broadway hits.