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Last Exit strikes the perfect balance between being a cozy local bar and a hipster lounge. The first-rate music, ranging from cool jazz to hard techno, sounds like what it is—a personal collection, lovingly assembled by the beat-savvy owner. The happy hour can be a bit dense with swaggering young lawyers from the nearby courthouse, but the later crowd has a smartly sexy yet unpretentious vibe. A warren of dumpster-chic velvet sofas and vinyl loveseats in back accommodate both large groups and snogging couples, and in warm weather a small lantern-lit garden offers unspoiled views of brownstone backsides. — Andrew Yamato

1st and 3rd Mondays, 9pm–11pm; $5/person, winners gets 80% of the money, second place gets 20%, and third gets drink tickets.

DJs
Fri and Sat, 10pm–4am; check website for schedule

Bucket of Miller High Life
Daily, 6 bottles, $15

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Best of New York Awards

• Best Distraction From Your Drink (2004)