New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [125]
Pete’s Tavern.
Allegedly the place where that great transplanted New Yorker O. Henry wrote his sweet tale The Gift of the Magi (in the booth up front), Pete’s has charm to spare even today, when it’s crowded with locals enjoying a beer or a (fantastic) burger. | 129 E. 18th St., at Irving Pl., Gramercy | 10003 | 212/473–7676 | www.petestavern.com | Subway: 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R to 14th St./Union Sq.
Rye House.
A welcoming bar with slick cocktails and clever takes on comfort food, the Rye House beckons just steps from the chain-store overload of Union Square. From boiled peanuts and fried pickles to their own take on a Sazerac, the space is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle outside. | 11 W. 17th St., between Broadway and 5th Ave., Union Square | 10011 | 212/255–7260 | www.ryehousenyc.com | Subway: 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R to 14th St./Union Sq.
Rock Clubs
Irving Plaza.
This two-story venue is known for its solid rock performances, both indie (DJ Shadow and Sleater-Kinney) and more mainstream (Lenny Kravitz, Blues Traveller)—even if they can get a little pricey. Red walls and chandeliers add a Gothic touch. And if the main floor gets too cramped, seek sanctuary in the form of the chill upstairs bar. | 17 Irving Pl., at E. 15th St., Gramercy | 10003 | 212/777–6800 | www.irvingplaza.com | Subway: 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R to 14th St./Union Sq.
MURRAY HILL
Jazz Venues
Jazz Standard.
The Standard’s sizable underground room draws the top names in the business. As a part of Danny Meyer’s southern-food restaurant Blue Smoke, it’s one of the few spots where you can get dry-rubbed ribs to go with your bebop. Bring the kids for the Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra concerts every Sunday afternoon. | 116 E. 27th St., between Park and Lexington Aves., Murray Hill | 10016 | 212/576–2232 | www.jazzstandard.net | Subway: 6 to 28th St.
Rock Clubs
Fodor’s Choice | Rodeo Bar.
If the honky-tonk tunes, the bison over the front bar, and the peanut shells littering the floor at this neighborhood institution don’t clue you in, the rockin’ vibe and friendly service will: this is the go-to spot for good times and free live music every night of the week. The Tex Mex food is good (try the Cowboy kisses: shrimp and jalapeños wrapped in bacon) but the real draw is the music: local bands and touring pros play blues, bluegrass, country, alt-country, rockabilly, and sometimes rock ‘n’ roll. There’s never a cover charge but always a reason to hang out with a margarita or a beer from the quality selection. | 375 Third Ave. Murray Hill | 10016 | 212/683–6500 | www.rodeobar.com| Subway: 6 to 28th St.
MIDTOWN EAST
Bars
The Bar Downstairs.
The bar without a name in the basement of the newly opened Andaz Fifth Avenue may lack a moniker, but it certainly has a pedigree. Alchemy Consulting, a joint venture from Chicago’s Violet Hour and New York’s Death and Co., designed the cocktails here; look for spins on the Negroni and Manhattan in the sleek subterranean space. The food menu is similarly up-market, with a variety of nebulously Spanish small plates on offer. | 485 5th Ave., at 41st St., Midtown East | 10016 | 212/601–1234 | Subway: 6 to 42nd St.
The Cabin Club at the Pine Tree Lodge Bar.
Who says that the zaniest places are all below 14th Street? This insane theme bar offers serious competition. Think “summer camp on psychedelics”—we’re talking mounted wildlife, rafts, and other outdoorsy-kitsch decor. Don’t overlook the very spacious backyard or the racy raccoon picture in the comfy side room—you’ll never view those critters the same way again. | 326 E. 35th St., between 1st and 2nd Aves., Midtown East | 10016 | 212/481–5490 | Subway: 6 to 34th St.
Campbell Apartment.
Commuting professionals pack into this Grand Central Terminal bar on their way to catch trains home during the evening