Recharge your Batteries: Top NYC Bars

A funky and vibrant place in the 4th. It's a narrow and dark bar in the basement – packed with stylish, trendy and cheerful youngsters during weekends. Looks like everybody knows one another – welcoming a newcomer with hugs and cheers. You can truly feel at home, especially after second beer. Drinks and food are great, my advice – go for their krispie-fried chicken with rice and pickles or fish sandwich with oven-dried tomatoes.

The place is so Italian – more typical of Little Italy than Upper East Side. After spending a night in the Met Opera or Lincoln Plaza Cinema, a glass of wine in Barbico is a must. Location is great – just two blocks up Broadway.
But keep in mind, this a bar, so it's mainly about wine and appetizers.
The cozy second floor is perfect for a romantic date, but better come during the week - the place is trendy and busy.

Every Monday this place between 63d and Broadway is flooded with jazz and blues lovers. It's one of the best rooftop experiences with stunning panoramic views of night Broadway, Lincoln Center lights, Midtown skyline and sunset over the Hudson. Prices are surprisingly affordable – $6-9 for a beer and the entry is free.

Blue Note is iconic among jazz lovers. Its stage saw such legends as Roberta Flack, Carmen Cuesta and Lizzy Loeb. The price depends on the seating – $35 for a bar stool and $50 for a table. Better book tickets ahead on their website.

This cozy Broadway place is a great jazz experience. Dimmed light, perfect acoustics and a crowd of friendly jazz-lovers make for a nice atmosphere.
The shows feature both bands and solo performers, like SaRon Crenshaw. Ticket is $30 and if you are many, better book them in advance.

The venue is almost always packed. Leave your phone number and wait – the staff will call you back when something is free. The place is famous for its drop-dead cocktails. Some say you'll wake up a totally new person after the fourth.