Seamstress

You’ve heard this one before: Aclassy cocktail bar opens on theUpper East Side, an oasis in fratland(indeed, you’ve heard it at thisvery address before—the space wasformerly home to the “cocktailhaven” JBird). But as much asSeamstress distinguishes itself inlocation, it stands out for its masteryof American classics; themenu offers 50 of them, from the Aviation to the Zombie, plus newcreations. The textbook-stylemenu (learn about classic drinksthrough history while gettingtipsy) makes sense when you considerhead bartender Pam Wiznitzerwas a master’s candidate infood studies at NYU while bartendingat the Dead Rabbit. Thespace has a sultry feel—tabletopcandles, red leather banquettes—that’s great for dates if you’d preferthat to cocktail history.