Hookup bars

Joshua Tree
It's Murray Hill, and the loving is easy—especially for the prepsters at this neighborhood sports bar. No sooner did I enter at 10:30pm on a Saturday night than a twentysomething guy in a polo shirt approached. He stared at me for a second and made his overture: "You're hot. Wanna make out?" After I demurred, he consoled himself with one of the 23 beers on tap ($7). The hookup potential seemed greater for a pair in Giants jerseys, who'd begun massaging one another's backs at the front bar. I wandered farther, past barstools and a winding bathroom line, to find a bachelorette party twirling to pop tunes spun by DJ Steve. The dance floor, lined with 12 massive flatscreens, offered singles a great place to meet while thrusting pelvises to the refrain of "Sunglasses at Night." Judging by the bounty of attention I received in my modest, black button-down dress, ladies and gents can expect to get hit on whether they bring their A-game or not. By midnight, my would-be suitor had found a shinier, more willing companion, and when I left an hour later, I spotted them canoodling in a corner. 513 Third Ave between 34th and 35th Sts (212-689-0058, joshuatreebar.com)

More hookup bars

Tom & Jerry's
This old-fashioned, high-ceilinged bar is a stellar pickup spot for new-media devotees: It's filled with the digerati checking in on Foursquare and furiously updating their Facebook feeds while scanning the room for the subject of their next tweet. During the noon--7pm happy hour, $5 sangria fuels most inspiration, but if you want to stand out, offer to buy the object of your attention a pickleback shot ($8). 288 Elizabeth St between Bleecker and E Houston Sts (212-260-5045)

Plunge
Break out your trendiest outfit and hit the Gansevoort Hotel's rooftop to mingle with downtown scenesters. Once you ascend to the 15th floor, you'll be treated to panoramic views stunning enough to help you forget the cost of the cocktails (a vodka soda will set you back $15). If you don't want to push through the crowd to the bar, corral a few other singletons, spring for bottle service (starts at $275) and settle into one of the comfortable couches. You'll find yourself sneaking away to a room downstairs before you know it. 18 Ninth Ave between Gansevoort and W 13th Sts, 15th floor (212-660-6736, hotelgansevoort.com)

The Cock
Gay men who aren't looking to get married this very second will find like-minded patrons at this dive bar. There's a nightly cover charge ($5 Mon--Thu, $10 Fri, Sat) to enter the pitch-black haunt, but patrons get their money's worth. The signs noting that "by order of the New York Health Department, sex is not allowed" might not jibe with the Cock's raunchy reputation, but the bar hasn't discouraged risqu behavior entirely. You'll see go-go boys dancing on bar tops, and there's some impressively detailed graffiti: Look for giant images of orange male genitalia adorning the doors and above the entranceway. 29 Second Ave between 1st and 2nd Sts (thecockbar.com)

Dorrian's Red Hand
If your turn-ons are boat shoes and button-downs, this American tavern has you covered. Keep to the front of the venue for civilized interactions and music (Billy Joel is a favorite). If you prefer dry humping to Top 40 hits with postcollegiate Ivy Leaguers, venture into the small low-lit backroom. On any given night, especially weekends, you're almost guaranteed to find a group of finance guys tossing down Jger bombs and making out with girls in pearls. 1616 Second Ave between 83rd and 84th Sts (212-772-6660, dorrians.com)

Union Pool
Maybe it's the live bands with hot musicians or the fire pit outside, but something about this former pool-supply store gets bridge-and-tunnel pheromones flowing. Rustle up some liquid courage, courtesy of the $3 cans of PBR, and grab your object of lust for a quick make-out session in the photo booth. 484 Union Ave at Meeker Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-609-0484, union-pool.com)

See more in Sex & Dating