Al Bustan Restaurant & Lounge, New York

Bring a little bit of the exotic to your evening at A.B., a new lounge tucked beneath Lebanese restaurant Al Bustan. Descend Al Bustan’s dramatic stone staircase and slip into this subterranean hideaway that merges the ancient elegance of the Middle East with cosmopolitan tastes and sensibilities. Whether you settle into a plush banquette or grab a stool at the impressive full-service oak bar that seats 11, you will instantly be transported to a realm of relaxed sophistication. A.B.’s specialty cocktail menu features international classics with a Lebanese twist that reflects Beirut’s standing as “the Paris of the Middle East.” Highlights include Beirut at Night which blends vodka, elderflower liqueur, grapes and club soda; From Al Bustan’s Garden featuring Ketel One Citroen, basil leaves, club soda, sugar and a squeeze of lemon; and the fragrant Rose Mojito with lime rum, mint leaves, lime and rose essence. Straddling dessert and a pick-me-up, the Espresso Martini is a creamy blend of chilled espresso, vodka, Kahlua and crème de cacao.