In 2009, this rakish, 1970s-vintage piano bar in the Edison Hotel looked destined to go the way of the 99¢ peep show. But the team behind Tribeca mixology den Ward III ushered in a second act, introducing some key upgrades (including serious cocktails) while maintaining the charmingly offbeat flavor of the place. Forget you're a stone's throw from Times Square while listening to nightly live jazz acts and sipping dark-spirit–heavy tipples, such as a funky old-fashioned riff that showcases the rich, tropical complexity of Banks 5 Island Rum. Those who suffer the cruel fate of being in Times Square on a weekend morning can console themselves with a range of six Bloody Marys (noon–5pm).
The vibe: More or less what you’d expect from a cocktail bar in midtown: red banquettes, lots of wood and mirrors, live jazz nightly.
The food: Snacks. Nuts, hot dogs, olives. Not a lot.
The drink: There’s beer, wine, and other spirits, but the thing here is (surprise!) rum cocktails of every different persuasion. Their Painkiller is incredible: a blend of rums with pineapple, coconut creme, and OJ. It’s so delicious, you’ll down it before you realize how boozy it actually is.
Time Out tip: If the only Daiquiri you've ever had was one of those plastic chalices of pre-diabetes on Bourbon Street, get a classic here. At least one. Seriously, it’ll change your life. It’s just a few simple ingredients and proper technique, but once you’ve had one you’ll A. realize that quality cocktailing is much more than the sum of parts, and B. wonder where this drink has been all your life. Think it’s a froo-froo drink? Think again; a Hemingway daiquiri was invented by the men’s man himself.