Above 14th Street
Tonic
727 Seventh Ave., nr. 49th St.; 212-382-1059
Meet some people outside of your department this season: You could invite your whole floor and have room to spare at this massive tri-level bar in Times Square.
BUtterfield 8
5 E. 38th St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-679-0646
This spacious den of nostalgia hearkens back to a bygone era, and even with plentiful drink specials, the cool, laid-back vibe means things won’t get too out of control while the boss is watching.
Turtle Bay
987 Second Ave., nr. 52nd St.; 212-223-4224
The cheap booze at this bi-level spot will help you forget about tomorrow’s meetings … or impending layoffs.
The Campbell Apartment
Grand Central Terminal, 15 Vanderbilt Ave., nr. 43rd St.; 212-953-0409
Where better to gather co-workers than a lounge that was once an actual office? But don’t expect cubicles here: It’s been restored to its original twenties grandeur.
Town
15 W. 56th St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-582-4445
Thanks to its acclaimed bartenders, this roomy mezzanine bar has a sophisticated mixed-drink menu. But cheap wines and bar food mean you won’t be alienating the interns.
Dos Caminos
825 Third Ave., at 50th St.; 212-336-5400
Upscale Mexican food and rounds of margaritas are a foolproof way to show some appreciation for subordinates, even if you can’t afford an all-out soirée.
Below 14th Street
Professor Thom’s
219 Second Ave., nr. 13th St.; 212-260-9480
Pit departments against each other in some friendly competition at this subterranean East Village mainstay’s Trivia Tuesdays and Bingo Wednesdays.
John Street
17 John St., nr. Nassau St.; 212-349-4659
This long-standing financial-district bar may not be as swanky as last year’s prerecession big-bank parties, but its convenient location and space for groups will have to do.
Sweet & Vicious
5 Spring St., nr. Bowery; 212-334-7915
Sweet & Vicious has enough room by its neon-lit bar area for large-scale schmoozing but also has benches for one-on-one conversations with cubicle buddies.
Village Pourhouse
64 Third Ave., at 11th St.; 212-979-2337
Junior staffers with just two criteria—loads of space and cheap beer—will find both here in spades.
Brooklyn
Floyd, NY
131 Atlantic Ave., nr. Henry St., Cobble Hill; 718-858-5810
If your colleagues are mostly Brooklynites, a night out here—where reservations for larger parties are accepted—will save on cab fare home. Added bonus: an indoor boccie-ball court.