When I initially inquired about this Lower Manhattan nightspot promoters informed me that there was no typical crowd, as each night one can expect anything. I had no idea how right he was.

One year ago, one could just walk into this nightspot without worrying about a line – but oh how the times have changed… Now there’s only one word to describe Katra Lounge on a Saturday evening: POPPIN!

Saloon NYC describes itself as the “Best of Both Worlds” by fusing the NYC club scene with the NYC pub scene. If your group can’t decide if they want to just drink or would also like to dance this is a good spot to visit and explore both options.

In Downtown Manhattan between Mott & Mulberry streets lies a small dive bar called Nolita House. Located right across the street from the Puck building and a short walk from the 6 Train, Nolita House is a chill bar with good drinks and great people.

In Manhattan’s McSorley’s Old Ale House, a newspaper clipping printed on the back of every menu describes the saloon as “an ancient landmark, a relic of one phase of American life that has passed.” It goes on to praise the then-60 year old bar as a stoic establishment where philosophers can assemble their thoughts over a humble mug of ale and enjoy the sense of permanence in an atmosphere impervious to the rapid changes brought on in the early 20th century. Did I mention that this article was written 96 years ago?

Walking into Mary Carroll’s in this weather feels like walking into a big, cozy ski lodge after a long day of soaking up the snow. With its huge stone fireplace and comfortable couch-lined lounges, Mary Carroll’s easily becomes a perfect spot to warm up and chill out.

Down an unassuming street on the west side of DuPont Circle you’ll find Brickskeller, a homey basement bar that happens to boast the “Guinness Book of World Records” certificate for world’s largest selection of commercially available beers.

Mawells’s American Bar and Grille is the newest addition to the Lessing family’s enormous resume of restaurants, bars and catering halls across Long Island and Manhattan. The big name, however, does nothing to daunt the quaint Main Street bar in Islip.