No bells or whistles…just booze. Craig Nelson, 2011

Some barrooms have ski ball or gigantic big screen TVs. Others might employ bearded bartenders whipping up (or even torching) super fancy cocktails. But some, like one of my all time favorites, the Brooklyn Inn, skip the flair and head straight for what counts — no-nonsense booze in an incredible old-world space with (almost) no attitude. It’s the perfect spot for drinking and conversations. Nothing else. It’s the way a great New York bar should be. Just make sure to bring a couple of twenties, because when you toss in perfect lighting and classy music (think jazz) on the sound system, there’s no way you can stay for just one beverage. It’s going to be a long, memorable evening.