The classic cocktail craze has enchanted the city for some time, and you would think by now that the trendier tippling dens would have gotten over themselves. While some speakeasy-esque bars are so small that they demand a tight door—like Death & Co.—others have an air of exclusivity that can seem downright snooty (ahem, Employees Only). Sure, it can be fun hanging with rich and pretty people, but when you just want an expertly-made cocktail minus the ‘tude, check out one of these no-rope watering holes:
Tailor
525 Broome St. (Sullivan & Thompson Sts.)
SoHo 212.334.5182
Sam Mason's ode to molecular gastronomy has a relaxed vibe, but head downstairs to the dark drinking lounge and you’ll suddenly catch on that anything goes, starting with the innovative cocktails. Star mixologist Eben Freeman’s cocktail menu soars with sweet and savory effects, like the Lovage Sour (gin, lemon, and lovage aquavit) or the Bazooka (vodka, bubble gum cordial, and house sour). Come here late enough, and you might find a crew of liquor industry types sampling Freeman’s pumpernickel-raisin scotch or smoked cola. Oh, and the free, zesty popcorn that gets handed out when you order a drink is more than suitable.
Allen & Delancey 115 Allen St. (@ Delancey St.)
Lower East Side 212.253.5400
This sexy, candelit spot is known more for its food, but that’s a-changin’ now that Death & Co. bartender Alex Day has revamped the cocktail menu. Standouts include Tinker’s Stand (bourbon, Amaro, lemon, and honeyed ginger syrup) and L’heure Verte (Old Tom gin, lemon, egg white, absinthe, bitter orange foam and seltzer). Be warned, this posh-yet-hipster-approved den can attract a stuffy after-work crowd, so saunter in later in the night for a more relaxed scene.
Angel's Share
8 Stuyvesant St. (3rd Ave. & 9th St.)
East Village 212.777.5415
Ok, so no parties of more than four, and no standing at the bar—but meet these requirements and you will enter one of the chillest cocktail dens in the city. One of the earlier speakeasy-type bars to open in the city, Angel’s Share—with its location up the back staircase of a Japanese restaurant, past an unmarked wooden door—has survived the initial hype and is actually cool again. Choose from a thick menu of libations or simply tell your server what kinds of spirits and flavors you like, and let the bartenders work their heavenly magic.
Brandy Library
25 N. Moore St. (Varick & Hudson Sts.) TriBeCa 212.226.5545
Walls of amber bottles certainly let you know this is a place for sipping, but the lengthy cocktail list here can be just as overwhelming. All $13 each, go for choices like The Librarian (cognac, ruby port and crème de framboise) or The Musket (muddled fig, Armagnac, honey and lemon juice). A cozy lounge that evokes a gentleman’s club—and likewise, this place is a man-magnet—the vibe here is surprisingly laid-back. Bring your own crew if an intellectual, older crowd isn’t your thing, or saddle up at the bar and you’ll likely ease into a convo with one of the friendly bartenders.
Tillman's Bar & Lounge 165 W. 26th St. (@ 6th Ave.)
Chelsea 212.627.8320
Mellow, soulful, an attractive crowd—this lounge feels more Harlem or Brooklyn than Manhattan, and that’s a good thing. The staff knows the bar is a gem, but they’re not too cool for school. Settle into a semicircle leather booth, sip on a Moscow Mule (vodka, lime juice, ginger wine and ginger ale) and let the jazz and R&B soundtrack ease your NYC stress away. No wonder owner Lesley Bernard has five new venues on the horizon.
Japonais 118 E. 18th St. (Irving Pl. & Park Ave.)
Gramercy 212.260.2020
You could write this place off as another scene-y, expensive Japanese restaurant, but despite being heavy on the wallet, Japonais is stunning without being pretentious. Dabble in appetizers at the bar and feel glamorous while you sip a St. Germain Limonata (vodka, St. Germain liquer and San Pellegrino Limonata) or a Cucumber Passion (kaffir lime-infused vodka, passionfruit juice, lime juice and cucumber water). No one will bat an eyelash when your check clocks in under $40.
115 Allen St. (@ Delancey St.) 
TriBeCa 212.226.5545
165 W. 26th St. (@ 6th Ave.) 
118 E. 18th St. (Irving Pl. & Park Ave.) 
