Destination Bar
211 Ave. A, at 13th St.; 212-388-9844
Destination Bar, opened by former child actor Mason Reese, is a casual travel-themed space (maps of Tokyo, weathered postcards) that has already attracted the new-media crowd. Also on hand: whiskey-infused Rice Krispie treats and Jell-O shots with gummy tequila worms.
Jane Ballroom
Jane Hotel, 113 Jane St., at West St.; 212-924-6700
Updated by Waverly Inn vet Sean MacPherson along with his partner Eric Goode, Jane Ballroom is impressively outfitted with antique area rugs, a sea of wing chairs, a grand fireplace, a bevy of stuffed critters, a decaying disco ball, and enormous velvet-draped windows. On the drinks menu, specialty cocktails like the Hedwig and the Punjab sit side by side with good ol’ Budweiser.
High Dive
243 Fifth Ave., nr. Carroll St., Park Slope, Brooklyn; no phone number
The first of two new bars on the list affiliated with Park Slope’s beloved Commonwealth (this one shares owners), High Dive boasts a spacious interior, a craft-heavy beer roster, and walls decked in late-nineties rock posters. There’s also a modest enclosed back patio.
Sharlene’s
353 Flatbush Ave., nr. Calrton Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn; 347-350-8225
Located in the former Mooney’s space is Sharlene’s, from Commonwealth’s ex-manager Sharlene Frank. The newly minted owner hasn’t shaken things up much, either from her previous place of employment or Mooney’s—the TV-less, no-frills space is a hard-nosed, regulars-heavy throwback.
Vikingo’s Dungeon
35-55 33rd St., nr. 36th Ave., Queens; 718-383-3000
Seemingly conjured up during a mid-afternoon daydream from a stoned teenager in a Mastodon T-shirt, Vikingo’s Dungeon is just about as ridiculous as it sounds. Subtly pushing the medieval theme is a cheesy faux-castle façade, white hides strewn on bar stools, and knight helmets lining the walls; there’s also a selection of beers, wines, and fruity margaritas. And quesadillas. Knights love quesadillas.