U Street

Ben's Chili Bowl has been a staple in the Howard University area of DC for years. However, they have recently opened a wonderful bar (next door) aptly named. My coworkers, a cousin, and I enjoyed a happy hour there last week. I'd return for the great crowd (olud-talking lobbyists, down-to-earth locals, etc.).

Ben's Next Door

1213 U Street, NW

Washington, DC 20009

202-667-8880      

http://www.bensnextdoor.com/ordereze/default.aspx

Wall Street

While in graduate school, I worked in the Trinity Place building. Last week, I returned to the basement level and joined a friend at a lively (and reasonably-priced) happy hour.

Suspenders
111 Broadway

between Pine and Thames Sts.
New York, NY 10006
(212) 732-5005

South Loop Hot Spot

Tantrum is one of my favorite bars in the South Loop. Great crowd, laid-back atmosphere, good live DJ, dimly lit, and friendly bartenders. I wish they'd make their own sour mix, oh well, you can't have everything...

I had a nice cognac with my cousin the last time I was there and hope to visit again soon.

Tantrum
1023 South State Street
Chicago, IL 60605-2221

(312) 939-9160
http://www.tantrumsouthloop.com/

Happy Hour at the DuSable Museum

Museums often have the best events and DuSable Museum in Chicago is one of my favorites. A few weeks ago, friends and I went to a Crown Royal event there and enjoyed delicious Manhattans and other libations. My favorite in the portfolio was the Crown Royal Reserve.

DuSable Museum of African American History and Culture

740 East 56th Place

Chicago, IL 60637

773-947-0600

http://www.dusablemuseum.org/

Prospect Heights Sports Bar

Half Court appears to be a run-down dive from the outside. However, once inside, I was pleasantly surprised. It's a great local, comfy sports bar, with a good selection of spirits. The last time I was there the Giants found out they were in the Super Bowl!

Half Court
446 Park Place
at Grand and Classon Aves.
Brooklyn, NY 11238

Soho is known for over-the-top trendy bars and this isn't one of them. A friend and I had delicious margaritas a few weeks ago and it felt comfortable, like a real neighborhood bar. That was a weeknight, I'm certain on the weekend, the velvet ropes go up... However, the atmosphere was great, the decor was dark but not dingy and the bartenders were great. Go for the good service.

MercBar

151 Mercer Street

New York, NY 10012

212-966-2727

Grand Central's Best Bar

A good girlfriend helped me select a ballgown this weekend, so in reward for her excellent taste, I treated her to a holiday toast at the Campbell Apartment. Located upstairs through the south entrance of Cipriani, it really does feel like a very refined guy's apartment. Perhaps a mythical guy. Anyway, we had martinis and they were very good, served with style (the bartender had on a fantastic suit). I'm going back when the fireplace is lit and trying the Prohibition Punch. Very cozy!

The Campbell Apartment
15 Vanderbilt Avenue
New York, NY

(212) 953-0409

Manhattan Speakeasy

Step through a tiny coffeeshop in Chelsea and you'll be transported to a prohibition-era speakeasy. Delicious cocktails, knowledgeable bartenders, and great appetizers await. Their website is still under construction, will be up soon.

Bathtub Gin
132 9th Avenue, between 18th & 19th Streets
NYC



Mint Juleps in the City

For casual Italian fare with ample outdoor seating areas and fantastic DJs, Villa Pacri is the best of the Meatpacking District. I recently learned about their Mint Juleps with a twist (Cognac, instead of Bourbon) and was so happy to have one earlier today. I will go back for brunch soon.

Villa Pacri
55 Gansevoort Street
New York, NY 10014
212-924-5559

Artsy cocktails in Brooklyn

Have been traveling so much lately, I've neglected my blog. One of the places I visited was the Brooklyn Academy of Music's lovely bar, often featuring live music. It's great on a Friday during the spring.

BAM

30 Lafayette Avenue

Brooklyn, New York 11217
718.636.4100

Eclectic New Orleans-inspired cocktails in Bed Stuy

Writing while on vacation in New Orleans, I am definitely in a Happy Hour mood. A few weeks ago I went to the Voudou Bar in Brooklyn and was pleased to say it had that Big Easy feel.

Voudou Bar

95 Halsey Street

Brooklyn, NY

Mezcal in Park Slope

As a margarita fan who loves Chicago, I am very picky about my Mexican restaurants. So, was pleasantly surprised to find an old Park Slope standby, Mezcal's, has great margaritas topped with one of my favorite spirits. I have to go back for the Chile Relleno, which smelled wonderful. 

Mezcal's Mexican Restaurant
223 5th Avenue 
Brooklyn, NY 11215-1203
(718) 783-3276

Caribbean Cocktails in Prospect Heights

For tasty rum cocktails with a Caribbean/big city vibe, Sugarcane is a great place to go. After work is best, as it gets very crowded after 9pm. The fresh flowers are welcome touch in the winter. 

Sugarcane
238 Flatbush Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11234
718-230-3954

Honey wine in Brooklyn

Tej, or honey wine, is a favorite of mine. Happy to say that a wonderful, modern Ethiopian restaurant is within walking distance of my office. The whole fish is wonderful and the honey wine is plentiful. 

Ghenet 
348 Douglass Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217-4528
(718) 230-4476

Swank Lower East Side Lounge

Stanton Social's upstairs bar is a relaxed, elegant, and candelit--perfect for birthday cocktails or an intimate conversation. I tagged along with a friend to a fun birthday gathering last Sunday and was so happy my old neighborhood is as trendy as ever. The house-made potato chips are wonderful, as are the infused Margaritas and flavorful cocktails.

Stanton Social
99 Stanton Street

New York, NY 10002
(212) 995-0099

One of Brooklyn's New Dives

Soda is one of the many divey, yet fun bars in the Prospect Heights area of Brooklyn. Very near the Brooklyn Museum, great place to go for inexpensive cocktails and local flavor.

Soda Bar
629 Vanderbilt Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11238
718-230-8393

Jazz & Cocktails

For wonderful Sidecars and other classic cocktails, with great Jazz and a cute crowd, Tillman's is the place to go. It's conveniently located in NYC's garment district, with a late-night comfort food menu that rivals the best diners. Friends and I had Margaritas, followed by a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich.

Tillman's
165 West 26th Street
New York, NY 10001
(212) 627-8320

Red Rooster's Harlem revival

Friends and I met at Red Rooster's crowded, yet fun bar a few weekends ago. The cocktails are great, mostly because they use a variety of  house-infused bourbons. I enjoyed The Brownstoner, accompanied by the Hearth-Baked Mac & Greens (shockingly very good!) and cornbread appetizer. I'm going back for seconds.

Red Rooster Harlem
310 Lenox Avenue
New York, NY 10027
212-792-9001

Oysters and Whiskey

The signs outside mentioned oysters and whiskey, so I was intrigued, and very pleased when I stopped by for the first time yesterday for their happy hour. The Blue Point oysters were fresh and very good with the Cava I had. When I am hungrier, I'll go back for the Oyster Po'Boy or the Crostini with Robiola, peppers, and olive tapenade.



Cornelius
565 Vanderbilt Avenue @ Pacific Street
Brooklyn, NY
718-398-6662

Pan-Asian cocktails in Dearborn

Crave is a wonderful place for after-work cocktails, right in the heart of Dearborn, MI. The modern decor, the friendly service, and the tasty sushi were a hit. I had a saketini and the Chilean sea bass--both were wonderful.

Crave Restaurant & Sushi Bar
22075 Michigan Avenue

Dearborn, MI 48124-2352
(313) 277-7283