Graffiti Bar

Who knew so much could happen in a secret alleyway bar. Graffiti Bar, tucked behind Sampan, is an all-seasons outdoor space with a daily happy hour. It has enough TVs to please sports fans, plus heat lamps and candles to set the mood when the sun goes down.

We can’t vouch for every alleyway or darkened corridor in Midtown Village, but if you follow the one near the Northwest corner of 13th and Chestnut, you’ll find something awesome at the end. Graffiti Bar, named for its street art-inspired decor, is the year-round, outdoor hideaway established by restaurateur Michael Schulson. Attached to Sampan (Schulson’s contemporary Asian restaurant concept), Graffiti bar offers Asian fare, a lively crowd, and an extremely cool setting for a birthday celebration, weeknight jaunt, or to catch the game. You’ve just got to find it first. The 30-seat, open-air bar is known to fill up early, likely due to its generous happy hour menu. Monday through Friday, 4 pm to 7 pm, head to Graffiti Bar for dumplings, bao buns, and spring rolls under $5, as well as specials on cocktails, wine, and beer.

How to get in: This one is hiding in plain sight: Look for the red neon “Graffiti Bar” sign next to Sampan, then make your way down the narrow alley and hang a right.