Randolph at Broome, New York

Randolph at Broome - Formerly Mbar, the owners of this West Indies speakeasy seek to improve upon its predecessor by striking a balance between seedy dive bar and pretentious velvet rope club. To wit, bottle service is available but not mandatory to sit at one of the six tables cushioned by mini-Persian rugs; there's a concealed area downstairs for private parties but it strikes more of a basement rec room than VIP lounge; and specialty cocktails such as the Pimm's Cup and Randolph's own blend of lemon concentrate, imported beer and vodka will run you $30--for an entire pitcher. The only wait you'll encounter at Randolph's imported mahogany door is on one of their popular theme nights: Tuesdays bring a funk dance party, Thursdays pay homage to the 80s and Sunday nights are a tribute to Prince. Other nights, new wave, classic 80s, indie and electro music blast from the intricate mosaic DJ booth created by Evan Sarki (son of poet M. Sarki) while friendly bartenders in checked shirts with yellow ties serve draft beer and mixed drinks under antique Edison light bulbs.