Bars with room

BRONX

An Beal Bocht Café
Pints of Guinness and shepherd’s pie go down easy against the backdrop of this I-can’t-believe-it’s-not-really-Ireland oasis. Despite the proximity to Manhattan College, you won’t find unruly fratboys here—the superfriendly but ID-happy staff makes sure of that—just a slew of neighborhood regs who are more than willing to share a pint and listen to Thursday through Saturday’s live Irish folk music. 445 W 238th St between Greystone and Waldo Aves (718-884-7127, anbealbochtcafe.com)

Keenan’s
During the day and into early evening, the old Irish bar-sitters at this comfy, no-nonsense watering hole are absorbed by keno and other lotto variations—the place is even equipped with a lottery checker by the door. Late one recent night, the only other woman to be found was the bartender, but the fellas were all perfectly polite. 5588 Broadway between 231st and 232nd Sts (718-548-9751)

Throgg’s Neck Clipper
Lined with life vests, anchors and, incongruously, plasma TVs, the Clipper (named for a fictional Irish-immigrant ship) is both sports bar and nautical-themed Old World pub. Add in a sea of locals and a full menu of comfort food (mixed grill, Irish breakfast) and you’ve got yourself a veritable port in NYC’s hipster-bar storm. 3599 E Tremont Ave at Sullivan Pl (718-829-0005)

BROOKLYN

BED-STUY/CLINTON HILL

Rope
Nearby Pratt Institute ensures an arty crowd, but don’t expect Williamsburg-style posing and $100 haircuts. Rope caters to serious drinkers who like their booze cheap and their music loud, courtesy of a killer jukebox stocked with indie, punk and hip-hop gems. Sexy nude paintings line the walls, and plenty of couches and stools mean you’ll almost always have a place to sit with your pals. 415 Myrtle Ave between Clinton and Vanderbilt Aves, Clinton Hill (718-522-2899)

Sputnik
This out-of-the-way Soviet-themed haunt attracts a very specific crowd: The majority of patrons on an average night have wandered in from the numerous loft buildings in the area (the ladies from the neighboring Sisters of Mercy convent rarely stop by). But even if you don’t live across the street, the high-ceilinged room—filled with Communist propaganda murals and ’60s-style furniture—is worth checking out, as are the wide variety of events, which range from hip-hop shows and book-release parties to a monthly queer bash. 262 Taaffe Pl between DeKalb and Willoughby Aves, Bedford-Stuyvesant (718-398-6666, barsputnik.com)

Vesper Bar & Lounge
The lights are a little bright and the decor a little bland, but it’s rare not to get a seat at this not-quite dive (it’s too clean). Sometimes, when you’re running around in the cold, you just want a warm place to sit, chat with a friendly barkeep and thin your blood. An MP3 jukebox provides tunes, but the crowd usually has its attention on a sporting event on the big flat-screen TV. 493 Myrtle Ave between Hall and Ryerson Sts, Clinton Hill (718-399-1984)

BOERUM HILL

Bar Tabac
This quaint, French-themed bar and restaurant is a pleasant surprise, resisting clichéd references to berets, baguettes or bicycles. Low lighting and flickering candles add to the comfy atmosphere, while a French barman and football on the television add to the authentic brasserie feel. Expect to see some double-cheek kissing salutations, too. 128 Smith St at Dean St (718-923-0918, bartabacny.com)

The Brooklyn Inn
In a recent episode of Gossip Girl, the Brooklyn Inn starred as an old bar, which Vanessa fought to get landmark status for so that evil developers couldn’t tear it down. OMFG! Grab a bowl of the gratis nibbles and hole up in the corner by the window for an unrestricted view of young profs making merry at this relic of a pub, lined with a wooden bar built in Germany in the 1870s. Punch up a tune on the dynamic jukebox and join in a game of pool in the back room, or just order a pint and see who you can pick up. 148 Hoyt St at Bergen St (718-625-9741)

Pacific Standard
This California-themed watering hole changes its tap offerings weekly— perfect for keeping the sports-watching young patrons on their toes. If beer and football aren’t your thing, try the potent Blueberry Lemonade with seltzer and blueberry-and-citrus vodka ($8). Your chances of getting drunk are fairly high, but stick with the TV if you want to experience a home run. 82 Fourth Ave between Bergen St and St. Marks Pl (718-858-1951, pacificstandardbrooklyn.com)

COBBLE HILL

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)

DUMBO

Superfine
Two words: hot lesbos. “We nicknamed the place ‘Lesbian Island’ because most of the staff here are gay,” says Superfine bartender Lola RocknRolla (who also reminds us that drinkers of all feathers are welcome here). That—along with the orange-felted pool table, a constantly rotating drinks menu and straw-umbrella cocktails—is reason enough for us to label this swanky but unpretentious Dumbo go-to super-duper-fine. 126 Front St at Pearl St (718-243-9005)

FORT GREENE

Alibi
There’s nothing fancy about Alibi. It’s a bar. With dirty windows. And cheap beer. If you’re lucky, the smell won’t be too bad. So why are we recommending it? Because this is the type of grungy neighborhood joint that once made the city great, with whippersnappers boozing and playing pool with working-class stiffs. This bar is an endangered species, and you should appreciate it while you can. 242 DeKalb Ave between Clermont and Vanderbilt Aves (no phone)

Frank’s Cocktail Lounge
Like a scene out of a Scorsese film, Frank’s oozes with effortless New York authenticity, thanks to its fluorescent lighting and wood paneling. While there are generally a handful of gentrifiers in the crowd these days, it’s lifelong Fort Greeners who take up most of the seats here. Solo drinkers are always more than welcome, though you’re likely to be pulled into a lively conversation about local politics or sports. 660 Fulton St at South Elliott Pl (718-625-9339, frankscocktaillounge.com)

Stonehome Wine Bar
Rose Hermann and Bill Stenehjem run this polished, high-design wine bar outfitted with Craftsman-style touches, such as a 40-foot cherrywood bar covered with Italian glass tiles. Stenehjem compiled the 200-bottle wine list, with 30 available by the glass and a few new ones for every season. Take the accelerated route via one of six flights. 87 Lafayette Ave between South Elliott Pl and South Portland Ave (718-624-9443, stonehomewinebar.com)

GOWANUS

The Bell House
From the owners of Union Hall and Floyd comes this mammoth bar and music venue, converted from its former life as a printing press and fly-by-night shipping company. Outfitted in deep reds and rich golds, it coos warm holiday cheer year-round, making it the perfect place for couples, singles and Manhattanites looking to spend some time in Gowanus. 149 7th St between Second and Third Aves (718-643-6510, thebellhouseny.com)

GREENPOINT

The Habitat
The quaint interior of this lodgelike spot brings the country inside, right down to an indoor “porch” attached to the kitchen. The food’s market freshness makes up for the predictable spread, which ranges from satisfying pressed sandwiches to hand-rolled empanadas that cram pork, ham, Swiss and pickles into two crunchy, corny heels—all the better to pair with one of 12 rotating drafts. 988 Manhattan Ave between Huron and India Sts (718-383-5615, thehabitatbrooklyn.com)

The Pencil Factory
If you’re looking for a dimly lit spot to savor single-malt Scotches and a conversation of actual substance, don’t pass by the Pencil Factory’s austere facade. Thanks to an unobtrusive soundtrack that pipes in everything from woozy dub reggae singles to old-time country tunes, it’s easy to get swept up in the carefully cultivated atmosphere here. Not to mention the hefty draft list—it would take four or five weak-kneed trips to tackle it. 142 Franklin St at Greenpoint Ave (718-609-5858)

PARK SLOPE

The Dram Shop
Leisure pursuits reign supreme at Park Slope’s raucous sports parlor, where bros and beer geeks gather at the 33-foot wooden bar or in deep booths. While you watch the game, sip suds both lowbrow ($3 Miller High Lifes) and high: A dozen microbrews (Lagunitas, Sixpoint, Ommegang) are dispensed in icy mugs. If onscreen sports bore, there’s always shuffleboard, pool, darts and board games—not to mention a griddle-cooked, double-decker burger courtesy of a recipe from co-owner Clay Mallow’s grandfather Lynn. 339 9th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (718-788-1444)

MANHATTAN

CHINATOWN–LITTLE ITALY

Good World Bar & Grill
This rustic spot plays to a Scandinavian theme (yes, in Chinatown) with rough-hewn wooden tables and a menu that offers meatballs and pickled herring. A giant stuffed caribou presides over the bar, but this place is chic; Miranda ate here in the Sex and the City movie. The ample selection of suds includes Swedish Pripps Carnegie, a bitter, chocolaty porter, along with a couple bubbly Belgians on tap. 3 Orchard St between Canal and Division Sts (212-925-9975, goodworldbar.com)

EAST VILLAGE

Ella
From the wallpaper that mimics red-velvet drapery to the floppy flapper hats displayed behind the bar, Ella makes you feel as though you’ve stepped into a 1920s starlet’s boudoir. Order the Joan Crawford–inspired Mommie Dearest (Milagro tequila, lime juice, orange bitters), and try not to squirm under the gaze of her oversize photo. Continuing the movie-star theme, the two red oval couches in the back are from the green room at last year’s Oscar venue. 9 Ave A between 1st and 2nd Sts (212-777-2230, ellalounge.com)

Grape and Grain
Nestled next to the beautiful 6th Street Garden, this small but sweet wine bar has an incredibly friendly neighborhood feel. Brick walls are lined with black-and-white paintings of the city, and the tiny tables are perfect for groups of two or three to casually sip on glasses from the bar’s international wine list. Light appetizers—such as a tangy, cool white-bean dip with seasoned pita chips, or a small artichoke-and-shaved-Romano pizza—are perfect for those looking to nosh while imbibing (i.e., everyone). 620 E 6th St between Aves B and C (212-420-0002)

Section 8
Yes, the East Village is currently saturated with gay bars, but there’s no shortage of queer boys to fill them—even the skanky old Boiler Room is SRO on Saturday nights. So it’s a pleasant surprise that this cute little newcomer has managed not to be overrun. It’s probably a temporary phenomenon, but for now, visitors have plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy the awesome jukebox (indie rock and classic pop) and shoot the breeze over a game of pool. 218 Ave A at 13th St (no phone)

FINANCIAL DISTRICT

Bin No. 220
Malbec-colored walls, exposed brick and metal, dim candle lighting and stem-free stemware render 220 a by-the-book wine bar, but fret not, oenophobes: The place features a full liquor selection. The wine list is divided, of course, into reds and whites and offers three different flights daily, but it’s also split further according to co-owners’ recommendations. A glass generally falls in the $8 to $15 range, and the menu includes olives ($6), antipasto ($10–$16) and panini ($7–$13) for a light nosh. 220 Front St between Beekman St and Peck Slip (212-374-WINE, binno220.com)

GREENWICH AND WEST VILLAGE

Blind Tiger Ale House
This welcome break from the ice-cream, smoke and T-shirt shops lining Bleecker Street is a beer drinker’s heaven—there are more than 100 either on tap or bottled. Connoisseurs can pick a specialty brew from any number of countries, or stick with a domestic like Sixpoint or Sierra Nevada, all of which nicely wash down the kitchen’s small plates, such as deviled eggs, seven-pepper chili, or a toasted cheddar melt with roasted bacon, apple, onion and cheddar cheese. 281 Bleecker St at Jones St (212-462-4682, blindtigeralehouse.com)

The Duplex
This West Village staple is known as much for its talented bar staff as for its wide array of cabaret shows. The downstairs piano room boasts an open mike every night beginning at 9pm, when patrons are welcome to take a turn in the spotlight. Upstairs, the game room’s leather banquettes, small cocktail tables and low stools give the feeling of a pool hall circa 1902. 61 Christopher St at Seventh Ave (212-255-5438, theduplex.com)

8th Street Wine Cellar
For a spacious wine bar, this sub-street-level spot, labeled only by a painted sign on the sidewalk and a modest logo on the door, is awfully easy to miss. Inside, dozens of bottles—and a rotating group of 20 by the glass—are served by an incredibly attentive staff, led by two former Union Square Cafe barkeeps (cofounder Jonny Cohen is also a cartoonist whose wry doodles have appeared in The New Yorker). To its credit, this cellar lacks the snooty attitude that clings to some enotecas. 28 W 8th St between Fifth Ave and MacDougal St (212-260-9463, 8thstwinecellar.com)

124 Rabbit Club
Since the rest of MacDougal Street drips with more neon than the Vegas strip, you’ll need a sharp eye to catch the beat-up entrance to this underground hidey-hole for dirty beer nerds. Stay on your toes—it’s dark enough inside to catch your ankle on a barstool. The heavy rock music is a tad too loud for casual conversation, but it nicely drowns out the fratty free-for-all outside. Bring cash for the no-credit-card beer list, which meanders through the damp, beer-brewing parts of Europe—Scotland, Belgium, Germany. 124 MacDougal St between Bleecker and W 3rd Sts (212-254-0575)

LOWER EAST SIDE

East Side Company Bar
Thanks to a brushed-aluminum front bar, cozy wood booths in the middle room and a shabby-chic rear lounge, ESCB feels like three separate spots. What the trio shares is a menu of creative cocktail selections that have come to be expected from owner Sasha Petraske (Milk & Honey, Little Branch and White Star, below). Be sure to check out the ceiling: Workers put up sheets of the stamped tin, and then realized they were crooked, and had to take them back down again. 49 Essex St between Broome and Grand Sts (212-614-7408)

MIDTOWN

Inc. Lounge
Three mini TVs loop ’80s rock concerts (Iggy Pop, Bowie) over a dimly lit lounge clad in white, black and red. Friendly young bartenders serve cocktails like the Inc. Julep to patrons munching personal pizzas and filet mignon skewers as they recline on vinyl couches. If you stand close to the black and red wallpaper and tilt your head at the right angle, hidden nude women are noticeable within the elaborate floral pattern. Time Hotel, 224 W 49th St between Broadway and Eighth Ave, second floor (212-320-2984, thetimeny.com)

Salon de Ning
The main draw of this 1930s Shanghai-inspired bar in the Peninsula Hotel is its two terraces, outfitted with daybeds fashioned from ornately carved timber: One provides a Fifth Avenue vista, the other a view of the Hudson to the west. If you can’t stand the cold, come inside for holiday-themed drinks like the Poinsettia (framboise, champagne, and pomegranate liquor and juice) or the tiramisu martini, which will warm your insides with Absolut Vanilia, Kahlúa, amaretto and whipped cream. The Peninsula New York, 700 Fifth Ave at 55th St, 23rd floor (212-956-2888, peninsula.com)

MURRAY HILL

Fáilte Irish Whiskey Bar
This large (possibly haunted, just ask a bartender) pub distinguishes itself despite its seen-it-before “old country” decorations with a large selection of Irish whiskeys (24 on a recent trip) and specials like a noon–6pm happy hour, featuring plenty of drinks under $4 and free food during Monday Night Football games. There’s also trivia on Thursday nights, when the most important question and answer goes something like this: How much are your Bud Lights? One dollar. 531 Second Ave between 29th and 30th Sts (212-725-9440, failtenyc.com)

QUEENS

ASTORIA

Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden
Prost! This authentic Czech beer garden (such an old favorite, it’s a cliché) features plenty of mingle-friendly picnic tables, where you can sample cheap, robust platters of sausage, and of course, plenty to drink. Picnic tables, you say? Yes! The huge, tree-canopied garden is open year-round—we’re talking tents and heat. 29-19 24th Ave between 29th and 30th Sts (718-274-0043, bohemianhall.com)

Cávo
The sprawling outdoor patio at Cávo may be useless in the colder months, but the cavernous restaurant and lounge has plenty of off-season draws—not the least of which are an array of Bellinis (strawberry, raspberry, mango), a belly dancer (Sundays at 8:30pm) and an ever-present DJ spinning Greek-inflected world music. 42-18 31st Ave between 42nd and 43rd Sts (718-721-1001, cavoastoria.com)

Vino di Vino
Trattoria L’Incontro chef-owner Rocco Sacramone is behind this wine bar, outfitted with U-shape booths and dim lighting, which is adjacent to his restaurant. Sip one of 60 wines by the glass (including feisty amarones and smooth Australian shirazes) or one of 300-plus bottles, delivered by elegant waiters who expertly advise on cured meats and cheeses. 29-21 Ditmars Blvd between 30th and 31st Sts (718-721-3010)

ELMHURST

Terraza 7 Train Café
Bohemia meets Latin America by way of the 7 train at Terraza, a funky bar (vibrantly hued walls, your abuelita’s mismatched comfy couches and a Virgin Maria statue). The locale, frequented by a largely Latino crowd on the weekends, regularly hosts South American musicians, English and Spanish poetry readings and an LGBT night, and will soon launch an indie-film screening series. 40-19 Gleane St between Britton and Roosevelt Aves (718-803-9602, terrazacafe.com)

LONG ISLAND CITY

LIC Bar
LIC has that old New York feel: exposed brick walls, antique wooden furniture and a fireplace, all dating back more than a century. Battle it out with fellow Gothamites at Thursday trivia nights, or simply stuff your face with house panini. 45-58 Vernon Blvd between 45th and 46th Aves (718-786-5400, longislandcitybar.com)

Lounge 47
Just one subway stop into Queens is a bar decked out in ’60s and ’70s furniture and vintage wallpaper from Holland. Reasonably priced cocktails include the LIC Long Island iced tea, spruced up with a hit of peach schnapps, and a full bar menu (shepherd’s pie, spinach and ricotta lasagna) pulls in folks from the neighborhood’s Silvercup Studios and P.S.1. Before you take off, guard against the winter chills with the Long Way Home: a warming dose of Captain Morgan and Frangelico swirled into coffee and topped with whipped cream and cinnamon. 47-10 Vernon Blvd between 47th Ave and 47th Rd (718-937-2044)

SUNNYSIDE

Bar 43
Stocked with an Irish staff and menu, this feels like a modern update of Sunnyside’s old-school pubs. Nine plasma screens give the place plenty of sports-bar cred and during peak hours, a spiffed-up crowd makes it feel kind of clubby—like, B&T clubby. More often, though, Bar 43 exudes a casual, friendly vibe. 43-06 43rd St between Queens Blvd and 43rd Ave (718-361-3090, bar43.com)

WOODSIDE

Saints & Sinners
There’s plenty of space for penitents of all persuasions at this expansive spot. Locals are drawn in by Irish bands on weekend evenings, and every other Wednesday is the pub’s quiz night. The menu features organic specials including a moist, delicious roasted chicken—but after a few lethal apple martinis, you won’t be feeling virtuous for very long. 59-21 Roosevelt Ave at 60th St (718-396-3268)

BRONX | BROOKLYN | MANHATTAN | QUEENS | STATEN ISLAND

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