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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Gaslamp Quarter

Cool cocktail spots

A drink tastes better when the environment feels genuinely cool.

Based on 727 Opinions
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01
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Hookah lounge combines modern design with traditional Russian aesthetics in a quiet, cozy atmosphere. Comfortable seating and board games encourage relaxed, intimate conversations. Hookah service includes flavorful, smooth options with a swap-after-an-hour feature.

Bartenders craft spectacular cocktails like the Sex USSR and Pushkin. Drinks come across as fancy and delicious, pairing well with food and hookah.

Chill vibe fills the space with cool people hanging out. The quiet atmosphere pairs well with a cool hookah setup.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are spectacular and delicious."

"The hookah here is great and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 5-7pm on weekdays.

2

The lounge hosts comedy nights every Thursday at 8pm with no cover charge.

3

Expect a 15% service charge added to all bills, including food and drinks.

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Spacious lounge with stylish decor and plush seating offers a chill vibe enhanced by live DJs and a mix of rap and R&B music. Multiple TVs show sports and music videos, creating an energetic yet comfortable atmosphere. Hookah features top-quality options alongside standout dishes like lamb chops and fried chicken tenders.

Unique cocktails stand out with a creative menu and expert mixing. The drinks pair well with the hookah and lively atmosphere.

Cool vibes fill the space with friendly staff who keep the coals fresh without needing reminders. The crowd includes interesting people and the food matches the laid-back atmosphere.

People are saying

"Their unique cocktails really stood out."

"It's got a chill vibe and good energy."

Good to know

1

The kitchen stays open until 1:15am for late-night snacks.

2

UFC fights are shown live on select nights.

3

Sundays after the game are especially fun at the lounge.

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Restaurant offers authentic Cuban charm with live music and vibrant atmosphere. Decor includes folk art and vintage details creating a cozy, immersive vibe. Guests enjoy energetic evenings with Cuban sounds and themed seating.

Cocktails come out gorgeous and flavorful, with options like the Havana 1920 Daiquiri and El Nacional standing out. Drinks are well made and not watered down, showing clear attention to quality.

Tables with a view in Gaslamp create a cool vibe. The spot offers friendly staff and great service that add to the atmosphere.

People are saying

"The cocktails were gorgeous and tasted even better than they looked."

"The food here is packed with flavor and totally cool."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily with great prices on drinks and appetizers.

2

On Tuesdays, enjoy 2-for-1 empanadas during happy hour.

3

Thursday specials include half-off sandwiches at 2:30 PM.

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Underground speakeasy with an Alice in Wonderland theme and whimsical decor creates a cozy, classy atmosphere. Live music and DJ sets fuel a lively vibe with dancing and performances. Seating is plentiful, supporting both energetic and relaxed visits.

Creative and well prepared cocktails stand out here. Bartenders are attentive and explain the cocktail menu thoroughly, making it a good spot for a drink before or after dinner.

Hidden entrance adds a cool gimmick to the speakeasy vibe. Inside, the atmosphere feels like Alice in Wonderland with a great look and chill energy.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the creative and delicious cocktails here."

"It's a cool spot with an Alice in Wonderland vibe."

Good to know

1

The venue has a hidden entrance; look for the door near The Melting Pot.

2

Drinks typically cost between $18-20 each, so budget accordingly.

3

No sports jerseys allowed; dress code is enforced on game days.

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Comedy club with an intimate basement vibe and brick walls creates a prohibition-era atmosphere. The room features low ceilings and great acoustics, fostering a fun and friendly energy. Shows attract a mix of performers and an attentive crowd, with seating arranged for optimal viewing.

Cocktails come with great prices especially on open mic night. The Strawberry Fields and Pretty in Pink cocktails stand out, with the latter offering a balanced citrus tequila flavor. Service is fast and friendly, with servers like Kelly and Rachel attentive and quick.

Brick walls and underground stairwells give a prohibition vibe. The atmosphere feels friendly and the people are super cool.

People are saying

"This underground spot has a really cool, intimate vibe."

"Kelly served the drinks with her amazing energy and personality."

Good to know

1

Doors open at 7:15pm for the 8pm show.

2

The open mic night has free admission.

3

A two-drink minimum is required during shows.

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Hotel showcases an eclectic design with luxurious touches and a quirky lobby bar offering welcome cocktails. Atmosphere feels intimate and elegant, with ambient lighting and unique decor details. Common areas on each floor provide complimentary snacks and coffee, creating a relaxed, welcoming vibe.

Handcrafted welcome cocktails and complimentary champagne mark the start of visits. Daryusโ€™s old-fashioned shows technical skill and genuine care, while Kenya adds a human touch that raises the bar.

Cabinets in the hallways with coffee machines, tea, and sweets on every floor add a unique touch. The free cocktail at check-in and breakfast buffet complement the cool theme and decor throughout.

People are saying

"It's so clean here, I felt really comfortable."

"I enjoyed one of the best old-fashioned cocktails I've had in years."

Good to know

1

The hotel is located in the Gaslamp District, close to restaurants and nightlife.

2

Parking is not available on-site; a nearby lot is used instead.

3

You need to pick up a parking card at the hotel before parking.

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Upscale Mexican restaurant transforms into a nightclub with a vibrant atmosphere and rooftop dancing. Elegant interior features a 1970s-style light show and expertly mixed craft cocktails. The space fills with lively crowds, especially during girls' night events.

Craft cocktails here are expertly mixed and refreshing. The mezcal cocktail stands out and pairs well with flavorful food, keeping the party going.

A cool offer on OpenTable includes a Birthday Menu with a cocktail pairing add-on. The restaurant has a cool ambience that stands out.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are flavorful and worth celebrating."

"The food and drinks here are bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers exceptional drinks and food from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

The venue transforms into a nightclub on weekends, starting at 9pm.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere with live music on Saturday nights.

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Interior features Asian-inspired decor with stylish, romantic design and photo-friendly artwork. Atmosphere balances warm, welcoming vibes with lively music and dancing, creating a fun environment for groups. Cocktails and sushi stand out as notable highlights.

Cocktails come balanced and refreshing, perfectly paired with meals. Happy hour features incredible deals on craft cocktails, wines, and appetizers that go beyond typical bar fare.

Super cool atmosphere with DJ music sets a laid back and well designed vibe. Servers add to the overall cool feel.

People are saying

"You have to try Tommy's lychee martini; it's unforgettable."

"The atmosphere here is super cool and laid back."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

The restaurant turns into a nightclub on weekends after dinner.

3

Reservations are recommended for large groups, especially on weekends.

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Basement speakeasy with dim lighting and vintage dรฉcor creates an intimate atmosphere for enjoying live jazz music. Small space encourages close conversation and a relaxed vibe. Craft cocktails complement the authentic lounge experience.

Well-crafted cocktails blend with a prohibition era vibe featuring dim lighting and vintage dรฉcor. The menu includes gin cocktails and inlay scotches, often recommended by knowledgeable bartenders.

Dark, hidden speakeasy vibes create a cool, secretive atmosphere. Live blues music and an authentic lounge scene add to the relaxing, unique bar experience.

People are saying

"The craft cocktails here are amazing and set the mood perfectly."

"The live blues music here is really cool."

Good to know

1

There is a $10 cash-only cover charge for live music events.

2

Live music starts at 9pm every night.

3

Open mic night occurs on Thursdays with a $10 cover charge.

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Dark, stylish space balances cozy and special vibes with multiple seating areas offering different atmospheres. Loud music energizes the room, creating a fun and lively environment. Specialty cocktails stand out as a distinctive feature amid the overall experience.

Specialty cocktails come with pretty aesthetics and include options like the dragon fruit cocktail. Some drinks taste delicious, but others fall short in flavor.

Inside features a really cool design that stands out. Bathrooms serve as a hidden gem for photo ops. Drinks come with a cool vibe.

People are saying

"Their specialty cocktails are delicious and pretty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials are available, offering discounts for veterans.

2

The prices at Toxica Cantina are very affordable and provide good value.

3

Toxica Cantina has a casual dining experience, functioning more as a bar.

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Three levels of bar scenes offer vintage decor and wood-paneled charm with live music and a small dance floor upstairs. The basement turns into a hot, humid club setting featuring top DJs with expansive music libraries. Activities include pool tables, giant Connect Four, and sports on TVs, creating a lively, multi-faceted atmosphere.

Craft cocktails come with themed decor across three floors, including spooky themed cocktails. Drinks cost around $8, with a solid mix of cocktails and beers, plus happy hour specials.

Live music and a DJ spinning 00s throwbacks create a lively scene. The pool room upstairs adds a unique touch, while bartenders and the main bar keep the vibe relaxed and cool.

People are saying

"It's a cool spot with a fun atmosphere and live music."

"I enjoyed the craft cocktails here."

Good to know

1

There is a $5 cover charge on weekends, which is reasonable.

2

The venue has a dress code; shorts and hats are not allowed.

3

Live music starts at 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

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Mexican restaurant with vibrant atmosphere and a large dancefloor with bar inside. Music ranges from live Mariachi bands to DJ sets playing Mexican and Spanish tunes, creating a lively, dancing vibe at night. Decor includes comic-themed staff shirts and cartoon wall art, adding a unique, playful touch.

Bad a$$ cocktails stand out with their strong flavors and creative mixes. Happy hour offers decent options paired with lovely music for a relaxed vibe.

Super cool atmosphere with amazing dรฉcor and cool art. The vibe includes fun Mexican music and friendly, cool staff.

People are saying

"The atmosphere here is super cool and totally a vibe."

"The cocktails here are unique and delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers half-price tacos all day.

2

Happy hour includes discounted margaritas and appetizers.

3

Expect long wait times during weekends, especially after 8pm.

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Live music venue with dueling pianos and high-energy entertainment creates a loud, festive atmosphere. Space includes a large bar area with seating and room to stand, attracting lively crowds. Performances blend music and comedy, making it a unique spot for fun and engagement.

Great cocktails pair well with bar food. Drinks complement the music and comedy shows, creating a lively atmosphere.

Great music and good vibes create a cool atmosphere here. The spot stands out for its lively and engaging environment.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are so entertaining and lively."

"It's a cool spot with great music and vibes."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger parties to secure a table.

2

There is a cover charge to enter the venue, so plan accordingly.

3

Happy hour offers $3 off starters, making it a great time to visit.

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Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego

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