Sip & Guzzle is two destinations in one. The lower level of the bar, called Sip, is run by Shingo Gokan: Before opening eight bars across Japan and China, Gokan had been the bar director for a decade at the original Angel’s Share in Manhattan. The upper level, named Guzzle, is overseen by Employees Only alum Steve Schneider; he serves classics and more familiar cocktails, plus swanky izakaya fare and Japanese street food from Mike Bagale, former chef of three-Michelin-starred Alinea in Chicago. Don’t miss the special desserts in Sip.

The team behind the Lions knows what they’re doing: They’re behind cocktail bar and tavern, Goodnight Sonny; music venue the Wayland; and Madeline’s Martini, all in the East Village. The Lions has ambitions to be more than just a hangout for drinks, with a standout menu outfitted with magnificent mortadella sandwiches, burgers, triangular mozzarella sticks, and more. It’s a really solid after-work option.

This new wine bar from the team behind Le Dive is a hit for its people-watching at a storied address, once home to the Great Jones Cafe. For this venture, Golden Age Hospitality teamed up with Mister Paradise’s group to create a space that feels of the moment and that of a well-worn European wine bar.

Pearl Box is styled like a swanky 1970s living room, made all the more sexy by its black leather couches. This is a table-service set-up, a good date pick, upstairs of Heroes, the latest restaurant from Ariel Arce. The restaurateur has made a name for herself with a taste for luxury — needless to say, caviar is an option at Pearl Box. It’s no doubt going to be the next Jean’s — where the fashion world flocks (there is, after all, a red-carpeted stairway). Just note: a $2.50 per person booking fee is charged upon reserving for the bar, which essentially works as an entry fee.

The tasting menu restaurant Contra announced last fall that it would be closing. Owners Jeremiah Stone and Fabián von Hauske Valtierra, have turned it into Bar Contra, with Dave Arnold, known for experimental Existing Conditions, and Booker and Dax. In addition to expertly-crafted cocktails find snacks like scallops and stuffed chicken wings. A few seats are reservable, but it’s built to be a majority walk-in place.

From the team behind the Fly, Cervo’s, and Hart’s comes Eel Bar. While Cervo’s nods to Portugal, Eel Bar takes its cue from Basque influences, with boquerones and tinned fish from the group’s Minnow brand, along with dishes like rainbow trout with pil-pil, or meatballs with fries.

Fans of go-to date spot Sake Bar Decibel will love Sake Bar Asoko, a new bar from its alums. The small bar features various sakes plus shochu-based drinks with ingredients like togarashi, matcha, and Pocky. A brief food menu includes marinated quail eggs, daikon radish with cream cheese, chicken karaage, cold udon noodles, and more.

Hellbender comes from the owners of the restaurant Rolo’s nearby. When it first opened, it branded itself as a cocktail bar. It’s still slinging carajillos and margarita pitchers, but it has reconfigured the dining room layout some to double down on its dinner offerings. There are fried Oaxacan cheese sticks, aguachile, oyster mushroom quesabirria, pork ribs al pastor, and more.

This new Clinton Hill bar sits on a busy stretch of Fulton Street, but inside is a colorful oasis. Most drinks cost $16, using tropical ingredients like guava and cantaloupe, and a frozen Painkiller. In a slightly more premium section of the menu, there are drinks — like an espresso martini — offered at $20. Late at night, there’s enough room to dance a bit.