Yunkers Pub & Lounge

Spending years "playing the game" can make you sick of every aspect of club-centric nightlife, especially stupid phrases like "playing the game". Go from playing the game to playing games, at a bar doing the same: Yunkers Pub & Lounge.

After five years as a dark, sensuously thumping scene, Tonic on Main shut down last week, then completely revamped its vaulted ceiling'd second floor as a red-draped, exposed-masonry romper room where patrons can shoot pool, throw electronic darts, play wall pong, and question the Cresson Inn's claim to be "the place where real 'Yunkers drink". Beyond the staples-pouring six taps, specialty cocktails are the deal, with an evolving, 16-strong list including the Johnnie Red-fueled "Angus Collins", the Cuervo Gold/Red Bull "Electric Screwdriver", the "Crown Royal Flush", and the purposefully unimaginative vodka/club soda/lemon&lime wedge "Skinny Bitch" -- less a cocktail than a lifestyle. For sustenance, Yunkers struck a deal with nearby Machismo Burritos: place an order for pork, chicken, or steak wrapped in a range of flavored tortillas, and the bartender will relay the details to their crew; bet burritos on darts to briskly convert "triple 15" into "freshman 15".

Because Yunkers lacks its own kitchen, you can smoke at the downstairs bar, perfect if you've always been a fan of Operation.