A dark (and decidedly hip) bar on the LES, the only light at Beverly’s comes from the glow of its neon signage. The walls of this watering hole are lined with artwork by local artists, but only those whose art has previously been exhibited in galleries. The drinks are cheap and the music is good, and the vibes are perfect for hanging out, chatting, and maybe even getting drunk enough to start a dance party.

I came alone and walked up an unassuming flight of stairs to the second floor that opened onto a narrow hallway with a reception desk. Before arriving at the Room, I could already sense the rich smell of damp earth that permeated the space.

It’s photographer Jay Maisel’s studio building on the Bowery. The fact that he hasn’t sold out to the manic gentrification of everything in New York is even cooler. Makes me happy that the whole place is covered in piss stains and graffiti when everything around it is all polished and shiny and expensive. It’s like a giant middle finger raised to those disgusting, bloodthirsty, city-raping real-estate developers. Awesome.

My favorite coffee ever in NYC ! The first place I went when I lived in Brooklyn. The music is perfect, food is excellent. Definitely the perfect spot to read a book on sunday morning and a good work place for freelancers.

An unchanged 1940s lounge known for its masterpiece Martinis and whimsical murals painted by the author of “Madeline,” Ludwig Bemelmans.