Top 10 Bars of 2008

197 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003 (map)

It hasn?t gotten much buzz, but Shoolbred?s is one of the best bars to open in the East Village in a long time. It?s old-world sexy, but in a relaxed, inexpensive kind of way. It also boasts a working fireplace and a jukebox, and, most importantly, the selection of Scotch and bourbon can't be beat.

158 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012 (map)

With a broad and artsy appeal, this Noho music venue and gallery space is booking great acts and attracting a cool crowd nightly. Concerts cost, but there's no cover at the side carriage bar, and the layout makes it ideal for all sorts of events, both private and public.

100 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013 (map)

Andrew W.K.'s long-awaited downtown club finally opened this year, and unlike most super-hyped spots, it actually delivered the goods. Top DJs, affordable cocktails, a sick sound system and an ever-elusive cabaret license are just some of the reasons we can't overlook Santos' Party House in our list of nightlife's best.

425 West St, New York, NY 10014 (map)

This sizzling maritime-themed boite may seem shabby-chic on the surface, but with the backing of tastemakers from Freemans and the Spotted Pig, it's no dive. The crowd keeps it classy, but it's the dirt-cheap beers and upscale edibles that landed the Rusty Knot a spot on this list.

55 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014 (map)

Although we try our best to avoid the Meatpacking District at all costs, sometimes there's just no way around it. In addition to a hidden entrance and de facto bottle service, this basement hot spot has the requisite stringent, even unbreakable, door policy. But if we had to do it, we'd do it here--and we'd be sure to bring a date who could afford to buy our $18 drinks for us.

82 Berry St, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (map)

One of a flurry of speakeasy-style Brooklyn cocktail dens to open in 2008, this unmarked Berry Street bar has won us over. From the vest-wearing bartenders to the low-slung chandelier, Hotel Delmano embodies hipster chic at its finest. Oh yeah, and the drinks are killer. If only it were an actual hotel.

251 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036 (map)

Yep, it's true: A midtown bar has landed on our Best Of list. Of the many outdoor rooftop bars to debut in the summer of 2008, this one seemed to breath new life into a 'hood we usually take great pains to avoid. Kudos, Highbar, for successfully giving us a reason to go to midtown other than for a doctor's appointment.

42 E 1st St, New York, NY 10003 (map)

This coffee shop by day transforms into a boisterous cocktail den and lounge by night--and we're happy it does. With a sprawling, swanky party space downstairs, DJs every night and an equal opportunity door policy, we're willing to overlook the problem of occasional overcrowding and give props to Arlo and Esme.