The Magician takes the cake for being one of the more diverse bars in the Lower East Side. Taking a cue from what one would presume to be a "bag of tricks," this bar is an eclectic mix of birthday's, bachelorette parties, bar flies, and bohemians. Be sure to come on a weeknight as weekends get pretty busy. The bar is cash only, so make sure to come prepared. Cheers!

La Linea in East Village is a laidback lounge perfect for catching up with friends and unwinding. The bar has DJs playing through the most part of the night and also offers amazing happy hour deals. On some nights, it plays R&B and Hip Hop, encouraging guests to take to the dance floor and party.

This spacious and mellow gay bar also attracts a fair share of straight people. Some say it is past its prime, but others claim it has never been better. Like the neighborhood it is housed in, Boiler Room is an attitude-free alternative to Chelsea's fussiness. It has a great jukebox, a pool table and a pinball machine, and the price of alcohol is low by New York City standards. Although this place does not accept credit cards, an ATM is housed within the bar for your convenience.

Blind Tiger has been around since 1995, and a tight knit circle of loyal patrons still frequent this place, which has humbly remained a favorite drinking destination for locals and newbies. The reason Blind Tiger continues to stay on top is because of their carefully crafted beer selection coupled with some of the best pub grub you'll find in New York. With an idiosyncratic choice of 30 draft beers, plus more than 80 bottled varieties, beer snobs will be left spoiled for choice. The food menu is nothing fancy, but there's something for everyone - sliders, salads, sandwiches, burgers and wings. It doesn't hurt that happy hour runs all day, so you can definitely take advantage of the specials no matter your schedule.

Located in an old stable and carriage house built in 1897, the Barrow Street Alehouse is a no-frills bar and pub that serves as a good spot to catch a game. Inside, patrons can play typical games like darts and pool while they guzzle one of the many beers out of the fifteen bar taps. Two daily happy hours, including one starting at midnight makes it a great deal if you are up late, while food served until 3a makes it the ultimate after party spot.

Walk down the steps inside The Thirsty Scholar, and you can test your intellect with the regulars who can drop plenty of knowledge during happy hour. Free food is usually available and drinks are cheap. Later, the bar gets less cerebral and a little more hip with a younger crowd moving in to rock the bar until close. The stellar staff will take care of you. Have a meeting of the minds with friends. This bar truly quenches your parched throats.

Outstanding happy hour deals leave one most satisfied at CK14 - The Crooked Knife at 14th Street. A gastropub serving fine food and lots of alcohol, it is a well known destination for many. The food, basically American, consists of filling burgers and sandwiches. Still hungry, try their Shepherd's Pie or salmon and beat all those nasty hunger pangs. The alcohol flows freely in the bar in the form of various wines, beers and signature mixes. The quaint back garden heightens the fun with its fresh breeze and bright flowers blooming in the perimeter.

A timeless standout in New York's ever-changing nightlife scene, Maison Premiere enjoys a distinguished patronage for its New Orleans French Quarter-inspired elegance. Located in Williamsburg, this cocktail den and oyster house is one of the premiere places in New York for absinthe. Patrons can sit around the ornate marble counter with the centerpiece absinthe fountain or find a spot in the beautiful canopied garden area; the maitre d’ will happily help you get settled in. And if you're averse to trying the exquisite absinthe, then they also have a superior menu of selected beer, wine and classic cocktails that go very well with the oysters.

Perfect for casual drinking, Brooklyn Ice House is one of the best hangouts in Red Hook. Famous among locals, it serves decent brews, along with some delicious pulled pork. Their patio features wooden tables, iron chairs, and a small garden. Cheap food and cheaper drinks are what you will find here. The Brooklyn Ice House is for those who love to drink while listening to music and chatting with friends. Drop by to sip on some tasteful concoctions and unwind in the divey atmosphere of this place.

A cozy neighborhood wine bar, Brook Vin serves classic wine that can be savored at leisure. One can sit comfortably in the garden and savor the beverages with friends, or have a quiet meal alone. It has a fine list of red and white wine including specimens like the peachy Shooting Star Aligoté and the Château de Caladroy “Les Schistes.” While one can buy by the glass or bottle, the concept of buying a half bottle is also entertained at this venue. Thus, one has more freedom to experiment and explore the various wines on display, without too much trouble of finishing it. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful, often suggesting suitable wines. Food is also served here.

Established in 1878, the Landmark Tavern is a historic location in New York City. Since its existence, it has been operating at the Hudson waterside, serving generations of people with its exhausting list of whiskey, wine and scrumptious food. The decor is antique and old world with traditional mahogany carved panels, a wooden bar and ornamental mirrors. The wines are sourced from France, Italy, New Zealand, Australia and Chile. The Irish whiskey consists of names like Jameson, Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie and Laphroaig. There are live Irish bands entertaining the guests including the likes of Don Meade. Make sure to visit this landmark pub once, if only to catch a sighting of the resident Confederate veteran.