BROOKLYN BARS

Clover Club
A madhouse since its June opening (imagine, a bouncer on Smith Street!), this luxe throwback to the days of speakeasy charm earns its rep with expertly prepared drinks. Bartenders break out the swizzle sticks and homemade bitters for on-the-mark juleps, old-fashioneds, highballs and whiskey sours. The interior is retro: pressed-tin ceiling, dark mahogany bar, rich leather booths. Finally—a club worth joining. 210 Smith St between Baltic and Butler Sts (718-855-7939 cloverclubny.com)

Last Exit
Don’t let the divey facade of this spot fool you; just beyond the black curtain lies a low-key room that brings to mind coffeeshop jam sessions, complete with red leather couches, exposed brick and rotating installations by local painters. Happy-hour specials throughout the week and the “cheap date” deal ($15 for six bottles of Miller High Life) keep the eclectic crowd of artists and local Brooklyn Law students nice and lubricated. 136 Atlantic Ave between Clinton and Henry Sts (718-222-9198, lastexitbar.com)

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They need a drink!
From Cosmo girls to finance guys, these recent victims of cutbacks share their picks for where to buy yourself (or them) a cocktail (or two).