Beer Table

Photograph: Dave Sanders

Give me more than Sam Adams and Bud
Beer Table
There are just three long wooden tables surrounded by bright-red metal barstools, but somehow this hops mecca never feels too crowded. Owners Justin and Tricia Philips work the mellow brick space, describing the day’s three boutiquey draft beers, one cask ale and ever-changing menu of bottles. The prices aren’t for amateurs (a glass of cask or draft will set you back $6 to $9), but happily, keeping the kiddies and keggers away leaves more room for grown-ups. 427B Seventh Ave between 14th and 15th Sts, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-965-1196)

I require great music
Barbès
Escapees from Fifth Avenue’s sceney stretch gather at Barbès, where the petite back room hosts a variety of world-class world music (upcoming bills spotlight Icelandic, Hawaiian and Slavic sounds), along with local players, folk and jazz outfits, and even the occasional jug band. Remarkably, the intimate performances don’t overpower the front bar area, so you can still conduct conversations—although sampling from the extensive list of single-malt Scotch makes that significantly more difficult. 376 9th St at Sixth Ave, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-965-9177, barbesbrooklyn.com)

I’m looking to catch up with friends
79th Street Boat Basin Café
Yes, it gets crowded. And yes, it gets crowded with annoyingly preppy UWSers. But the view, the terrace and the breeze make it hard to write off the Boat Basin. Summer in the city almost requires a visit or two to this social hub, and if you don’t mind waiting, you will be rewarded with a cynicism-busting sunset over the Hudson while you down burgers and beers with your best friends. W 79th St at the Hudson River (212-496-5542, boatbasincafe.com)

International Bar

Photograph: Jamie Bixby

An oasis in the desert of trying too hard
International Bar
This resurrected neighborhood haunt deftly fulfills the criteria for a cool East Village den (dark, narrow space; inexpensive drinks; hot rocker bartenders), without the usual side effect of attracting those with an Urban Outfitters wardrobe and an ironic penchant for Pabst Blue Ribbon. The jukebox—filled with Nina Simone, Small Faces and the Damned—is indicative of the vibe here: It just doesn’t give a shit about being cool and, of course, that’s exactly why it is. 120½ First Ave between St. Marks Pl and E 7th St (212-777-1643)

I want to meet people worth talking to
K2 Lounge
Every Friday after 6pm, the Rubin Museum of Art opens its K2 Lounge and becomes a casual but classy flirt fest—perfect for devotees of art, film and a nice pomegranate cocktail. Those who frequent the sleek, table-dotted ground floor are adult but not uptight; how else can you explain the flocks that gather here for music, gallery talks, and movies like The Dark Crystal and the upcoming Brigadoon on June 27 (free admission with a $7 bar tab)? 150 W 17th St at Seventh Ave (212-620-5000, rmanyc.org)

I don’t want to battle crowds
Duane Park
The patch of Tribeca around West Broadway and Duane Street has plenty of fancy restaurants, but it’s been lacking a serene spot for cocktails. Until now. Recently reopened, Duane Park has a cocktail menu that features heat-wave beaters served in antique crystal, such as the Cliff Hanger (lime vodka, lime-mint sorbet and fresh lemon juice; $12). You can almost always find room on the bar area’s thronelike banquette, and the host is quick to introduce you to the moneyed Tribeca residents and foodies who are likely to be sipping next to you. 157 Duane St between West Broadway and Hudson St (212-732-5555, duaneparknyc.com)

—B.C. Malchstein