The most surreal vacation I ever took was to Kyrgyzstan.

The New York City luxe dining world starts with textbook $20 cocktails and seems to never quite top out.

Starkly designed with naught but a plain wall and basic bar stools, this cocktail bar is a Bushwick mainstay that aspires to nothing but mixology excellence.

While steakhouses abound in the city of indulgence, TENDER manages to stand out with edgy decor that subs white tablecloths for glossy wood surfaces, and a contemporary lighting piece that resembles a collection of long, warped bulbs.

While no one knows for sure where the Detroit coney dog originated, what's clear is that Lafayette is one of two establishments serving the premier version.

This Corktown distillery -- the city's first -- churns out gin, vodka, and whiskey, and comes with a bar serving cocktails infused with the liquors.

Started by locally and nationally renown chef Susan Spicier, Lakeside's Mondo might seem standard -- unassuming facade and blank warm wood interior and all.

This Canal St destination for Italian fare and creole seafood is renowned for its pink building as much as it is for its turtle soup and fried trout.

Other than its bright apple-red chairs, this simply decorated Centennial burger spot is known for its above-average chargrilled beef patties, assembly cleanly into ten classic burger options.

With over 800 seats and waterfront placement, Amsterdam Brewhouse offers plenty of breezy and relaxed socializing opportunities for beer drinkers and their friends alike.

Directly above the Toronto branch of Momofuku Noodle Bar, Milk Bar serves all of Christina Tosi's infamous (and truly addicting) confections: crack pie, compost cookies, birthday cake truffles, and baking mixes in which sugar is guaranteed to be the first ingredient.

This quintessential Mexican dive attracts everyone from local regulars, to out-of-town travelers to its diner-like space for the most authentic versions of all the Mexico City classics, like chilaquiles, tongue tacos, and smothered chile relleno burritos.