The Pony Bar

Hell’s Kitchen has long been a dead zone for civilized bars, but this sunny paean to American microbrews is an oasis. There are 20 beers on tap and two cask ales, artfully listed on signboards according to provenance and potency. The thoughtful selections include Dogfish Head’s peachy Festina Pêche Berliner Weisse and Victory’s Bags Packed Porter, a toasty treat rich with coffee and chocolate. The low prices (each14-ounce serving costs $5) and expert curation suggest that the ’hood’s notorious bar drought may finally be easing.