"When your favorite bar in all of New York City, if not the world, is a block from your apartment, you're guaranteed to be a regular. The glow of the vintage pink-and-green neon sign serves as a beacon, and the house cocktails include The Long Island Gimlet, a White Negroni Sbagliato, and 'A Martini,' made with sake and a bergamot-pomelo tincture. My move is the Boulevardier, but I'm just as happy with a cold Kolsch. Owner Toby Cecchni hails from Wisconsin, so don't skip the fried cheese curds."

"The white brick walls, vibrant artwork, plant-filled nooks, and wood-burning fireplace make it feel like you're hanging out at your coolest friend's Brooklyn pad. Their eclectic themed cocktail menus have been built around topics like Scandinavian black metal albums, Gilmore Girls, and Nicolas Cage (they even dedicated their recent Cats menu in honor of my late feline friend, Louis). Don't leave without knocking back a Hard Start (equal parts Fernet-Branca and Brancamenta)."

"This neighborhood Italian restaurant by way of the American South (think Pappardelle with Ham Hocks, Collards, and Shishitos and chef Chris McDade's Hot Chicken Milanese) is also a hangout for off-duty chefs and sommeliers due to the cellar list curated by James O'Brien. After a few Sbagliatos in the courtyard (complete with bocce court) you might think you're in an Italian piazza rather than the Brooklyn waterfront. Wrap up with a mix-and-match amari flight and a slice of Chocolate Chess Pie."

"This don't-call-it-a-wine-bar restaurant is, admittedly, known for its deep and diverse selection of natural wine, but also chef Nick Curtola's always-changing menu of small plates of charcuterie, cheese, raw and cured seafood, savory fritters, and pasta. LCD Soundsystem founder James Murphy is an owner, so the music is on point, and his aesthetic can be felt in the minimalist vibe of the snug room. It's my favorite place to splurge on a nightcap, dipping into their selection of vintage amaro."

"The TGI-Friday's-meets-red-sauce-joint-meets-fern-bar vibe is strong at Bernie's. From the neon signs, Tiffany lamps, and red-checkered tablecloths to the Knicks game on TV and the popped-collar polos worn by the bartenders. I always have a hard time deciding what not to order. Mozz Sticks? Baked Clams? Cheeseburger Deluxe? Vinegar Chicken? Yes to all. But I always know what I'm drinking: a crisp Martini that segues to Budweisers served in icy glasses, finishing with a chilled pour of Fernet."

"Getting to Rolo's, just on the edge of Brooklyn in Ridgewood, Queens, can be a bit of a schlep, but once I post up courtside at the bar, nothing else matters. I start with an order of wood-fired polenta bread with calabrian chili butter, then ask my guy Tony Milici to go omakase-style on the drinks. Whether it's a grapefruit-spiked IPA Americano, a Negroni Sour, Martini Italian (surprise ingredient: Aperol), or a Strawberry Campari Fizz, it's nothing but bangers."

"When I'm craving a dose of Italian-inspired la dolce vita, I grab a seat at this historical Greenwich Village bar dedicated to the art of aperitivo. I love to start with their signature Garibaldi (Campari and "fluffy" orange juice) then leisurely order one of many Negroni variations on offer and a Campari Shakerato over plates of spuntini like salumi, marinated olives, and Marcona almonds. Espresso Martinis fly out by the tray full, but don't sleep on their Grasshopper spiked with Brancamenta."

"Masa Urushido is the ringmaster of revelry, yet that element of the unexpected never undercuts the seriousness of the cocktails and snacks like Nori Fries with Japanese Curry and Sticky Soy Garlic Wings. I love the wicker lamps adorned with international currency, the Japanese-edition movie posters, and the '80s soundtrack of my youth. The Amaretto Sour and the custom highballs are delicious, but I'm usually drinking a few too many Kirins in a frozen stein with a shot of sake or Toki whisky."

"One of my favorite ways to play hooky on a Friday afternoon is a long lunch at the John Lennon Table at McSorley's, NYC's oldest Irish saloon. The 'if these walls could talk' mood is strong here, especially when the sun comes through the windows and hits the sawdust-covered floor just right. Their house ale (light or dark) is the only thing offered and, by tradition, is served two per order in 8.5-ounce glass mugs—the perfect accompaniment to a liverwurst sandwich, chili, or a cheese plate."

"Since 1999, brothers Mark and Billy Penza have been running their namesake corner bar, one of a handful of genuine NYC dives, on an unassuming corner in Chelsea. I always drink bottles of Miller Lite in honor of my late father's favorite beer and slide some bills into the jukebox. The room is covered with photos of The Beatles, random movie posters, boxing gloves, and framed records, and you can count on a cast of regulars with nicknames like Mumbles, Peaches, and D-Train holding court."