This bi-level lounge has the most entertaining bathrooms in town; the high-tech doors of unoccupied stalls are transparent, and (ideally) turn opaque as you lock the door.

Just a hop away from South Street Seaport, this busy little restaurant flanking the Brooklyn Bridge is a world apart from that touristy district. The bar is one of the oldest in Manhattan, and though it's small, its inventory is huge: you can choose from a list of 80 domestic wines and about 50 single-malt scotches.

A classic hangout, this SoHo standard attracts artsy types from Manhattan on weekdays and from the other boroughs on weekends.

You can't miss the gigantic Lady Liberty crown out front, and the "Judy Jetson goes to art camp" decor at this former mob haunt. The margaritas (straight up, por favor) sit this enduring TriBeCa bar are phenomenal.

On Sunday, many carry the fat New York Times under their arms when they come to this casual SoHo neighborhood bar. The food's good, too.

Now that the supermodels party elsewhere, this ultra-cool SoHo bistro has quieted down. Young Euro types pose at the cozy back tables; DJs play funky tunes at crowded weekend parties.

One of TriBeCa's hottest lounges, this modern-looking space has a cool banquette running the length of its loftlike room, as well a couple of round chambers in the rear where the celebrities retire.

A chic European crowd and New Yorkers in the know come to this dark, rather nondescript bar for the wonderful martinis. Its street number is barely visible-look for the French doors, which stay open in summer.

Dazzlingly popular, this William Burroughs-inspired, earth-tone SoHo haunt is frequented by celebrities and other beautiful people.

This snug London-style pub is one of the only places at the South Street Seaport not completely overrun by tourists. Have an Imperial (20-ounce) pint of Guinness, but skip the greasy, expensive bar food.

Martinis are the rule at this stylish, Russian-theme bar and lounge, where there are more than 70 brands of vodka and nearly as many types of martinis.

One of the first trendy spots in SoHo, this smoky French restaurant has yet to lose its touch. Expect a chic bar scene filled with model-pretty men and women.

A small, dark lounge popular with the attractive locals who want some time off from the usual SoHo scene.

It can get rather cozy in this minimilist but comfortable spot where the great selection of wine and beer draws a friendly international crowd.

Getting past the velvet rope at this ultra-hot lounge is as difficult as driving a ground ball past New York Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter, who frequents this spot along with his friend David Cone, and other such celebrities as Serena Altschul.

First-precinct NYPD detectives, TriBeCa artists, Wall Street suits, and the odd celeb kick back at this cozy restaurant-bar.

Slim's, a cramped bar that gets patrons dancing on the counter to loud music, has amazingly good food.

This elegant bar and restaurant with French doors opening onto the street is an idyllic stop on a soft summer night.

This French restaurant is something of a neighborhood institution, and its cozy bar serves some of the best margaritas in the city. They use only fresh fruit juices here.

This old-fashioned Village tavern is located a block away from the site of the original, which was a popular haunt of the abstract expressionist crowd during the 1950s.

Use your nose to help find this unmarked west side hot spot: incense burns in the entry to its blonde-wood panelled quarters, where unexpectedly mature patrons try not to get caught admiring the celebrities (Dennis Leary, Mick Jagger) in their midst.

Long lines peer through Venetian blinds at the fabulous crowd within this trendy spot formerly known as the Bowery Bar. If the bouncer says there's a private party going on, more likely than not, it's his way of turning you away nicely.

Appealing to club kids and collegiate types, this East Village bar looks like a small-town old-fashioned pharmacy. But don't expect to have your prescription filled-unless it's in the form of a martini.

With one of Manhattan's largest and leafiest outdoor gardens, the Cloister is a perfect perch for lingering and elbow bending.

Tucked away in the popular Time Cafe, this Moroccan-theme Casbah offers nightly events, including drag and comedy shows, readings, and jazz and pop music (make reservations in advance for big-namebands).

One of Manhattan's more beautiful rooms, restored space inside Grand Central Terminal dates back to the 193 when it was the private office of an executive named John W. Can bell. He knew how to live, and you can enjoy his good taste, too.

This aged redbrick pub (it opened in 1868) is warmed by the glow of potbellied stoves on each of its three floors. The original mahogany bar and hand-pressed tin ceilings and walls give the tavern a 19th-century feel. The waiters insist it's haunted.

A big, hairless ape greets patrons at the door of this '90s creation, though neither it nor the jungle murals bring out much barbarism in the mannered banker-types who shoot back scotch here.

The name refers to the decor, not necessarily to the clientele: old pipes, bike wheels, and golf clubs line the walls and ceilings.

There's a modest dress code (no baseball hats, no sneakers) at this Upper East Side lounge with high ceilings and can delight, so the neighborhood crowd is a little better in appearance, and behavior, than usual.

A mix of yuppies fresh out of college and neighborhood lifers congregate around the 52-ft, 4-inch bay, one of the longest in Manhattan.

George Lang's restaurant, as well known for its glorious Art Nouveau murals as for its food, has a small, warm bar where interesting strangers tell their life stories and the house drink is pear champagne. It is one of the city's special hideaways.

This highly regarded Northern Italian restaurant has a cool, modern interior, a 3 5-ft curved mahogany bar, and a stupendous selection of grappas. Smoking is not permitted.

Big with the neighborhood's bon vivants, this is a good stop for cocktails.