Excitement and passion for vibrant cocktail flavors are apparent at first smell or glance. Exotic, often Mexican-inspired combinations of flavor and texture dive into each lucky piece of stemware and momentarily pose before being passed around a table for all to try. Sharing is only mandatory if you want to have someone to talk to about what just happened in your mouth. Tequila and mezcal are the house specialties, but the back bar is home to plenty of other craft products. Join Ethan Ostrander and his team on Manhattan Mondays with vintage jazz on vinyl. (Recommended by Lisa Skutecki)

Notable bartender: Ethan Ostrander

Shabby-chic decor and down-to-earth staff help ease every new guest into enjoying some quirky but clearly thoughtful food and drinks. The Starlite Mule (Rain Organic Vodka, ginger beer, lime, and Angostura bitters) steals center stage, but its Mexican brother, The Velvet Diablo, should not be overlooked. The innovative, bright-tasting cocktails and lively atmosphere make for great conversation starters and ways to make new friends. The approach to food comes with an emphasis on seasonal, fresh and local, and is an everyday endeavor at the Starlite Lounge. (Recommended by Lisa Skutecki)

Notable bartender: Kate Wentz