MANHATTAN BARS

B Flat
At this jazz-themed basement hideaway, vest-clad “bar chefs” shake or stir classic cocktails (martinis, manhattans and mint juleps), as well as more exotic quaffs named after famous jazz albums or songs and flavored with wasabi, shiso leaf, yuzu juice and other Japanese ingredients. The drink menu is organized by base liquor, the food menu is Asian-influenced, and there’s live jazz on Monday and Wednesday nights and the prerecorded kind the rest of the time. Look for the sheet music to “Giant Steps,” the inspiration for a wasabi-infused vodka and sake libation, in a small frame by the door. 277 Church St between Franklin and White Sts (212-219-2970, bflat.info)

Brandy Library
Labels are the primary reading material at this candlelit library, where shelves (complete with those old-fashioned wooden ladders on wheels) are stocked with bottles, not books. Lifelong learners can enroll in “spirit school” seminars that explore the history and production of particular boozes, or just study the hefty, leather-bound volume (complete with glossary) that passes for a drink menu. 25 North Moore St at Varick St (212-226-5545, brandylibrary.com)

M by Megu
Those prone to late-night indulgences should try the bottle service at this luxe lounge, presented in the style of a Japanese tea ceremony. Nibble on kobe beef sliders or Crunchy Rice Cake Poppers while peering down at the giant Buddha ice sculpture in the Megu restaurant downstairs. Or just sip on a Tokyo Celebrity (sugarcane shochu, champagne and lemon juice) and keep your eyes peeled for New York ones. 62 Thomas St between Church St and West Broadway (212-964-7777, megunyc.com)

NEXT IN MANHATTAN: UNION SQUARE AREA»

BRONX | BROOKLYN | MANHATTAN | QUEENS | STATEN ISLAND

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).