d.b.a.

A drinker's paradise, d.b.a. is an East Village institution known for its excellent selection of spirits, all listed on a huge chalkboard: draft and bottled beers from around the world, hard-to-find scotches, whiskeys and bourbons plus a ridiculous number of fine tequilas. There's a lovely backyard in which to sample and sip, and the hopping scene is welcoming, though it can be hard to nab a seat during busy weekend nights. Extra bonus: if you ever travel to New Orleans, there's a branch of the bar down there too, for that little bit of NYC in the Big Easy.