Bars have always been a very integral facet of any urban lifestyle, and in New York, which bars you go to defines you as much as what restaurants you frequent. Over the last ten years there has been a shift in the design and purpose of bars, a movement towards better food, wine, beer, and spirits. This can be measured in several ways. Cocktails and speakeasies have returned to an art form. Beer selection, especially vintage and microbrews, is paramount, and spirits such as absinthe, mezcal and cachaca are all the rage.
Many of these bars merit reviews, not just for great alcohol and service, but for the "gastropub" food on the menu too. Winebars and beer gardens will be included as well, as well as sake and schochu dens.
