Liberty is an oft-debated concept, but not in midtown, where newly opened, The Liberty tends to elicit more a unanimous response. Set out down 35th in pursuit of happiness and you'll find it it here, thanks to 18-foot ceilings, oysters, lamb rib, duck-fat fries and a DJ spinning late into the night. Try one of of borough-specific cocktails or finally get your office mates to kick back after work with $5 Narragansetts.
The décor is Art Deco and centers on a grand oval bar with tables around it on the main floor. Small plates of bar-style food (including a jar of pickles, duck-fat fries, shrimp toast, a hot dog, a burger and grilled lamb ribs) pair nicely with classic cocktails like the Bronx, the Manhattan, the Knickerbocker and new creations like the South Bronx Fizz, made with pisco. — Florence Fabricant
Contemporary American cuisine in the Herald Square area with a huge 36-foot island bar and a rustic atmosphere.
Australians infiltrate K-Town, bring a taste of old-school New York. Retro décor adorns sprawling two-floor establishment. High ceilings make for Cloud Club, Rock Center vibes. Huge central island bar pumps out drinks inspired by boroughs. SoBro represented with South Bronx Fizz: Pisco 100, lemon juice, mint, and bitters. Rock-shrimp toast and mac ‘n’ cheese carbonara cover your munchies.