Good, inexpensive cocktails in New York City.

August 6, 2009 7:11 AM

For my job (and for fun) I often need good places to go out for drinks after work here in New York. Please recommend bars between 14th Street and Midtown that have good, inexpensive (~$10 or below) cocktails and are good for conversations with small groups of people.

I'm a particular fan of the sidecar and the whiskey old fashioned, so I'd particularly appreciate recommendations for bars that do those drinks (and drinks like them) well.

I am not looking for beer bars, and I am not looking for places as expensive as the Flatiron Lounge.

posted by ocherdraco to food & drink (8 comments total)

Okay it's not exactly swank, but chinese restaurant Ginger House has a happy hour from 4-7:30 where all drinks are $4 including top shelf liquor. It's on Seventh between 28th and 29th.
posted by kimdog at 7:26 AM on August 6

What do you consider to be the midtown cutoff? More East side or West side or does it make a difference?
posted by kathrineg at 7:44 AM on August 6

I'd say up to 59th Street on the West Side, and roundabout 42nd on the East Side.
posted by ocherdraco at 7:51 AM on August 6

If you want one with a great view (particularly of the ESB), try the rooftop bar of the La Quinta hotel, on (I think) 32nd street just east of Broadway.
posted by allkindsoftime at 10:03 AM on August 6

Beauty Bar is fun for a group of friends--you can get a cocktail and a (bad) manicure for $10. It's crowded with lots of young folk, so older work colleagues might feel out of place.

Crocodile Lounge is a dive that has only earned its stripes for also serving free pizza, but there's no standard age group and it's cheap.

The Watering Hole is laid-back, has a juke box, and inexpensive well drinks.

I've heard decent things about Vig27, but I haven't been. There are no prices for the cocktails, but over half the glasses of wine are under $10.

And as you might know, Bookmarks is a favorite among mid-level publishing types.
posted by zoomorphic at 10:16 AM on August 6

And as you might know, Bookmarks is a favorite among mid-level publishing types. (zoomorphic)

Actually, I've never heard of it before! (So far, Crocodile Lounge is the only place on this page I've actually been to.)
posted by ocherdraco at 10:48 AM on August 6

Sushi Damo, by Columbus Circle

This might work for wines by the glass and free food, it's in the NYT building and I have not tried it

I will try to think of more.
posted by kathrineg at 11:15 AM on August 6

late to anwer, but check out the bar at Keen's
posted by objdoc at 2:42 AM on August 10