Let’s face it, the true tourists in Times Square these days are New Yorkers. We're the ones to point quizzically at all the weird-looking people running around, fascinated by the foreign scene (“Look, there’s a Red Lobster!”) At this point, the place should just sever its ties to New York lore all together and rename itself Little Midwest. But since you live in the five boroughs, you’re probably going to end up in Midtown at some point, and you'll likely be with someone who expects you to know where all the “real New Yorkers” are. A lot of the old outposts are gone now (R.I.P. McHale’s, Collins Bar, Siberia) but we can still recommend a few ways to feel local again, without getting back on the train. 

And don’t worry, we’ll keep you out of the hotels.

Forty Eight  There is no shortage of elegant (or faux-elegant) places in Midtown, but Forty Eight stands apart for actually being something almost unheard of in these parts: romantic. Housed in the McGraw-Hill Building (now there’s some old New York for you), the specialty cocktails at Forty Eight definitely have your number… especially  the “his and hers” martinis with coffe liquer shot accompaniment for $38. So, yeah, you’ll pay, but you’ve found a place with incredible cocktails, white couches and a friendly staff in the most unlikely of places. 1221 Sixth Ave.,@ 48th St., 212.554.4848

Jimmy’s Corner Not only is Jimmy’s Corner one of the best bars in the neighborhood, it’s one of the best bars in the city. And it’s not even on a corner…instead this narrow dive is tucked inconspicuously in the middle of 44th St., where the secret can remain relatively safe. Slip in and you’ll be greeted with vintage jazz and soul cooing from the juke box, walls adorned with vintage boxing photos and friendly bartenders dishing out ridiculously cheap drinks. Sit back, relax, and enjoy it, as you watch tourists blow right past en route to the Hard Rock.  140 W. 44th St., @ 6th Ave., 212.221.9510

East Side Social Club If you’re looking for a dose of downtown, or just like to be first one through the door at all the new places, come say hello to this soon-to-open social club. The brainchild of some of the folks behind semi-secret spots Macao Trading Co. and Employees Only (pictured), this upscale spot will reportedly feature '40s and '50s film-noir inspired decor and enough old-school charm to help replace some of the actual old school spots that have recently bit the dust. Opens Friday 11/16.  230 E. 51st St., between 2nd & 3rd Aves., 212.355.9442

Port 41 Calling this place shady doesn’t just refer to the shadow being cast across its doorstep by the hulking, concrete mass that is the Port Authority. But any "port" in a storm works for us, so if you're really having a tough time with the tourists, tipple with the transients  For those of you who found the old Bellevue too nice and the second Siberia bar too clean, you might find this place heaven, even as your out-of-town friends are walking out backwards.  355 W. 41st St., between 8th & 9th Aves., 212.947.5255