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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. 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 and fountains. 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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