Shuko, an unmarked Japanese spot near Union Square, is our favorite omakase experience in NYC.

Crown Shy is an American restaurant in the Financial District that’s one of the few places we’d recommend to absolutely everyone.

Bohemian has a secret phone number and referral process to get a reservation, but that’s not why you should care about this Japanese spot in Noho.

Gran Electrica serves simple, excellent Mexican food and creative cocktails. It also has a great back patio.

Calaca is a little cash-only Mexican spot in Bed-Stuy where you should drink flights of tequila while eating some great tacos and tostadas.

The Lower East Side location of Mission Chinese used to be a party. Now it feels like one that ended a while ago.

Harry’s is a classic steakhouse and cocktail bar on Wall Street.

King Cole Bar is an iconic hotel lounge in Midtown East.

The Russian Vodka Room is a kitschy cocktail bar in the Theater District.

Smoke Jazz & Supper Club is a jazz spot with great cocktails on the Upper West Side.

Anyway Cafe is a Russian bar with live music in the East Village.

No Bar in the East Village is a queer-friendly spot that’s simultaneously fancy and quirky.

Ronin’ Stones is a speakeasy-type bar on the LES that plays great music and serves yakitori skewers.

Bar Pisellino is an Italian bar and cafe where you can stop by for bomboloni in the morning or have a negroni and arancini before dinner.

Elsie is a rooftop bar a block from Times Square, and it’s a surprisingly nice place to get a cocktail. Stop by after work, and maybe bring your boss.

Last Light is the rooftop bar at an LES hotel called Sister City. It isn’t huge, but it has a decent-sized patio, and it’s great for outdoor drinks.