Amor y Amargo

This East Village bar is also a bitters tasting room, and all the cocktails on offer are made accordingly, with bitters. No bottles of Schweppes here. It's mostly standing room, with a few stools, but they've expanded since first opening around the corner in 2011—so you should be able to find a spot in the saloon-like space, where you can rest your $18 cocktail on a penny tile counter. Sip slowly while admiring one of the city's most impressive collections of bitters and amari, with countless bottles lining the shelves. Despite the ornamental tiles and multi-ingredient drinks, this is a relaxed bar to start your evening off with a spritz or an 8 Amaro Sazerac. And though it gets packed on weekends, the bartenders are always happy to chat about their latest seasonal creations.

photo credit: Eric Medsker