New York

From three LES/EV bar vets (White Rabbit, 90s fave Torch), this cozy bistro's fronted by a homespun parlor (dark blue walls, chalkboard menus, curvy, white-marble bar) that leads to a rustic, wood-planked dining room sporting softly glowing lights on the banquette backrests, an antler chandelier, and sliding stable-like doors to an unfinished third room. Food's affordable American (slow-roasted duck breast, 10-hour pork shank, grilled trout), while drinks're $9 classic cocktails, four draughts (Victory Prima, Ommegang Witte...), and ten bottles, including Lionhead, Victory Golden Monkey, and PorkSlap -- available with Jamaican-style jerky as "Jerk and a Slap" (or, what you get when you ask for a rub and a tug).