STATEN ISLAND BARS

Cargo Café

Adobe Blues
Owner Jim Stayoch, a former set designer, has re-created a bit of the Southwest in Staten Island: Look for faux-adobe walls, a kiva fireplace, live music, the famous margaritas, a long list of tequilas, 200 beers and the signature snack—beer-soaked “drunken shrimp.” 63 Lafayette Ave between Fillmore and West Buchanan Sts (718-720-2583)

Anderson’s Annex Tavern
If you’re craving an out-of-city experience, venture to this authentic roadhouse. It’s remote—way the hell out on the southern coast of the isle—but once you order a pint of Killian’s and kick back with the regulars, you’ll be too drunk to miss home. 83 Purdy Pl at Holton Ave (718-948-9410)

Cargo Café
You’ll know you’re at the Cargo because it’s the only electric-blue building in St. George (or anywhere?) with a picture of a scary toddler painted over the door. That’s not the only interesting piece of decor: Sharp-eyed patrons will notice a digital clock over the bar. Recently, the time read 3748:02:25:33. It’s supposed to count down to when a meteor is going to hit the Midwest, according to the bartender. “When it gets to be all 9s or all 7s or something, people just drink a lot,” he says. Drink specials abound: For Monday Night Football, it’s 50-cent pints of Miller Lite until someone scores a touchdown. Mondays through Thursdays, it’s $2 High Lifes after 10pm; Sunday is for trivia. There’s also pinball, a pool table, one of those fancy digital jukeboxes and, in classic Staten Island form, Jägermeister on tap. Who needs Manhattan, anyway? 120 Bay St at Slosson Terr (718-876-0539, cargocafe.com)

Corner House
Open since 1939, the Corner House is a traditional locals’ bar. “My grandfather brought me here when I was a boy, and now I bring my own grandkids,” one patron reports. “It’s pretty much the same.” The dining room’s burgers, neighborhood favorites, start at eight bucks; seafood entrées are pricier. 102 Lincoln Ave at North Railroad Ave (718-667-9856)

Jade Island
A tiki bar downwind from the Fresh Kills Landfill may not be the ideal spot to appreciate a sea breeze, but this irony-free place could help you forget the chilly season—and local geography. Take a seat in a bamboo booth illuminated by a taxidermic blowfish lamp, and enjoy rum drinks served in coconuts or hula-girl glasses. 2845 Richmond Ave between Platinum and Yukon Aves (718-761-8080)

Killmeyer’s Old Bavaria Inn
Serious brew lovers make the trek to this 19th-century beer hall’s handcrafted mahogany bar to pick from the frequently updated roster of suds, ranging from hard-to-find German and Czech brews to American lagers like Fat Dog Stout. There’s a full menu of meat-and-potatoes beer ballast, too. 4254 Arthur Kill Rd at Sharrotts Rd (718-984-1202, killmeyers.com)

Martini Red
The Monday night open mike (bring your guitar, jokes, or random-ass party tricks) has become a mainstay at this artsy hang, which on other nights hosts local bands, comedy and songwriter showcases, and an excellent DJ. Culturephobes can stick to the pinball machine and rotating cast of beers. 372 Van Duzer St at Beach St (718-442-0660, martini-red.com)

R.H. Tuggs
On the shores of the Kill Van Kull, directly across from the Snug Harbor Cultural Center, you can grab a $2 beer, park yourself in front of a window and take in the majestic view of Jersey’s oil refineries. Daytime brings in the boating and Borough Hall regulars. 1115 Richmond Terr between Bard Ave and Snug Harbor Rd (718-447-6369)

Reported by: Joshua M. Bernstein, Billie Cohen, Charlotte Cowles, Monika Fabian, Tatum Fjerstad, Josh Frank, Jennifer Garfinkel, Shakthi Jothianandan, Anna King, Ethan LaCroix, James Y. Lee, Kate Lowenstein, Roisin McGinn, Tisa Meer, Scot Meyer, Andy Parks, Alyssa Pinsker, Amy Plitt, Kristyn Pomranz, Joshua Rothkopf, Katharine Rust, Colin St. John, Maureen Shelly, Laura Sinberg, Allison Steinberg, Drew Toal, Becca Tucker, Michael Ventura, Allison Williams, Erin Wylie

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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).