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Furnished with brown leatherette banquettes and taupe cube seats then low-lit by a scattering of paper light columns dangling from the ceiling, the front room of this Flatiron loft by the owners of Vig Bar is a blank slate for drinks after work, a nightcap with a date, or a meeting place apart from the Murray Hill pub scene. The back room, aglow with a fireplace in winter, comes more into its own with a lighter palette but warmer ambience, pleasant for sharing a cheese or chocolate fondue. Cocktails like the balanced Blackberry Cosmo are served in ample glasses and, in a wallet-friendly riff on bottle service, as chilled liters for six to eight people. The DJ music can be an odd mix of Creedence, Blondie and smooth R&B, but its volume doesn't interfere with conversation among the largely business casual guests. — Karen Hudes

The kitchen is open until 2am, serving small plates of bruschetta, sliders, and dips. The bar is party-friendly, reserving space for get-togethers in the back room without a minimum charge.