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The Delancey is that rare breed—a shockingly nice rock club without the velvet-rope hassle of spots like Eleven and Plaid. And this three-level playground provides a variety of spaces for disparate Lower East Side elements to mix it up. During summer months, the rooftop is the main draw—while a bouncer guards the staircase leading up to the roof, he's there to guard against overcrowding, not to grade your outfit. It's worth the wait: Unlike lots of bars that hype their tar roofs as "al fresco," this rooftop actually has it going on in a palm-fronded, South Beach sort of way, with benches, fountains, even a BBQ. The main floor, meanwhile, has a cool grotto vibe and a décor that's equal parts exposed brick and sleek wooden slats. Here, a DJ holds court on most nights, playing a mix of rock and disco, while a competent bartender hands $6 bottles of Stella Artois to downtowners with overwrought hairstyles. And then there's the basement performance space: Reminiscent of the old Coney Island High, it's populated by punk-rock revivalists in all-black clothing. But unlike that decrepit club, this music venue is actually nice, equipped with a cool sound system and even cooler AC. — Carla Spartos

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