Bar Tour of Lower East Side, New York City

Though first and foremost a restaurant, Stanton Social offers a scene that draws a lively crowd and celebrity A-listers. Head to the second floor lounge decorated with cherry blossom painted screens and mocha leather couches. Enjoy unique concoctions such as Grey Goose and fresh berries called Strawberry Fields or an innovative Blood Orange-Jalapeno Margarita. Manager Anthony states, “the scene is convivial” and as the night draws on, groups merge in camaraderie and cocktails. Small bites are popular in the lounge. While you’re here, try the warm donuts, goat cheese pierogies, and the French onion dumplings.

Food Network’s Bobby Flay came here for a Crepe Throwdown against owner Hava Spievak and she put him in his place, fast. A local favorite, the Creperie has fresh ingredients and a fun menu to satisfy that sweet or savory tooth. During the day, locals pop in for a quick snack, maybe a brie and basil crepe with fresh tomato or a prosciutto and mozzarella crepe. After dark, bar hoppers line up for a sweet treat nightcap. Popular choices include Nutella with bananas, the Smores crepe, and the “Famous Crepe” with strawberries, Nutella, ice cream and whipped cream. Hearty vegetarian options are available and delivery is free within 10 blocks. Check out lunch specials on weekdays.

A laidback gastropub obsessed with beer, Spitzer’s Corner used to be a dress shop but now serves up an eclectic menu of brews and burgers. Long tables under tin lamps create a carefree, communal feel. Wait staff is friendly and knowledgeable about their 40 bottles and long row of drafts. The choices focus on craft and seasonal beers such as winter lagers and watermelon beers. Connoisseurs will love it here and foodies will want to stay overnight. The chef keeps the menu dynamic with Kobe burgers and Truffles Mac ‘n’ Cheese. Brunch is also served.

Looking for single barrel or single malt? Want some Scotch or rye or Bourbon? Whiskey Wards got you covered. They feature over 100 labels of both international and domestic whiskeys. Bartenders are welcoming and knowledgeable about their wares, so ask away before you commit to a glass. Try some Blantons, Yamazaki, or Red Breast Pure Pot Still. For about $9, buy a whiskey flight and sample 3 one-ounce pours. The Whiskey Ward also offers Signatory Vintage, a company that buys unfiltered, unchilled barrels of whiskey from Scotch distilleries and bottles them independently. The result is a full-bodied, naturally colored single barrel whiskey. Each bottle is labeled with its source, age, and cask. No two bottles are the same so each is considered a vintage experience.