Uminoie is a causal Japanese spot in the East Village where you can eat bar snacks and drink sake.

Black Emperor is a Japanese cocktail bar in the East Village that serves an excellent burger.

Ray’s is a Country Western-themed dive bar

Moca Bar is a laid-back cocktail lounge in Harlem. It’s a good spot to catch an open mic night, and it’s a great place to catch up with a few friends.

67 Orange Street is a cocktail bar in Harlem that’s good for first dates.

Harlem Hops is a bar in Harlem with a great backyard and lots of hard-to-find beer.

Harlem Nights is a casual neighborhood bar in Harlem with a daily Happy Hour and regularly-scheduled comedy and music nights.

Paris Blues is a historic jazz bar in Harlem with performances every night, but it feels a lot like a dive bar.

Harlem Ale House is a neighborhood dive bar near 125th Street in Harlem where you order everything on iPads.

Minton’s Playhouse is a famous jazz bar in Harlem that’s connected to The Cecil Steakhouse.

Archer & Goat is a restaurant/bar in the bottom of a townhouse in Harlem. It’s a good spot for a drink and a snack, and it has a nice little backyard.

Corner Social is a popular neighborhood bar in Harlem where you can grab a full meal or just hang out, drink, and meet some people.

Sugar Monk is a tiny cocktail bar in Harlem with velvet furniture, tropical wallpaper, and some very good (and complex) drinks.

Ovelia is a casual Greek restaurant in Astoria with really good brunch on weekends.

King Cole Bar is an iconic hotel lounge in Midtown East.

The Russian Vodka Room is a kitschy cocktail bar in the Theater District.