Brooklyn Heights Wine Bar
50 Henry St., at Cranberry St., Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn; 718-855-5595
The troubled 50 Henry has been reborn as Brooklyn Heights Wine Bar, a low-key, straightforward affair. Old-school New York cocktails like the Knickerbocker Royal and a small-plates menu featuring medjool dates filled with blue cheese and wrapped in speck complement the wine list nicely.
Cellar 58
58 Second Ave., nr. E. 4th St.; 212-420-1300
Another day, another East Village wine bar. Cellar 58 distinguishes itself, however, with pours from all corners of the world, and not just the now-familiar Chile and New Zealand—Greece, Uruguay, and Bulgaria all make appearances, as well. Bonus: Colorful murals of ample nude women look down from the walls.
Cyprus Avenue
52 Fifth Ave., at Bergen St., Park Slope, Brooklyn; 718-638-1066
Taking its name from a Van Morrison song (which in turn took its name from a street in Belfast), this no-frills neighborhood bar (from the same owners as the adjoining Black Sheep Pub) lacks the usual Irish-pub trappings but makes up for it with cheap drinks and a laid-back attitude. The cocktails are a bit weak, but reasonably priced craft brews like Smuttynose IPA and Six Point Sweet Action Ale compensate.
Littlefield
622 Degraw St., nr. Fourth Ave., Gowanus, Brooklyn; 718-855-3388
Located on an industrial block between Park Slope and Carroll Gardens, the space spans over 6,000 square feet and includes a landscaped courtyard, an industrial outer room lined with the works of local artists, and a fully equipped concert space to host local bands.
Palace Gate
New York Palace, 455 Madison Ave., nr. 51st St.; 212-891-8100
The Palace Hotel’s swanky outdoor courtyard, a staple of Gossip Girl exterior shots, has been made an official hangout. The drink list ranges from staples like the Tom Collins to modern twists like melon mimosas and spiked pineapple cream soda, and the food menu is provided by chef Justin Bogle and the double-Michelin-star team at GILT.