Minetta Tavern
113 Macdougal St., at Minetta Ln.; 212-475-3850
Despite all the brouhaha over Keith McNally’s redo of the sturdy Minetta, the tavern portion of the restaurant has actually been overlooked. The room is dominated by a long oak bar and overseen by Greg Seider (formerly of Norwood and The Box) and has a menu of ten house and six classic cocktails that are at least as compelling as the La Frieda’s beef burger served in the back. The Murray Sour alone, made with twelve-year Yamazaki whiskey, cardamom-infused agave nectar, and fresh lemon and orange juices, is worth enduring the surly doormen and challenge of getting a table at a reasonable hour.