Travel Reference
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bitters). Bring a date—and feel free to invite me along. Look for the
petroglyph-like lizards on the otherwise-unmarked facade. 332
Lafayette St. (just north of Houston St., on the west side of the street). & 212/925-
4242. Subway: 6 to Bleecker St.
MIDTOWN
Aspen My favorite part of a ski vacation was always sipping a
soothing cocktail in the warmth of the lodge while those silly skiers
took tumbles in the cold snow. Now I don't have to head to the
mountains to get that warming feeling, I can snow plow downtown
to Aspen where the drinks are hot, but the atmosphere—mounted
Lucite deer heads, a snow white dining room, Aspen birch and origi-
nal barn wood and a bar around a blazing fire—even hotter. While
nursing your toddy, you can munch on a variety of western-inspired
small plates. And who knows, maybe a dose of Aspen, along with a
cold drink, in the dog days of August will give you cool thoughts. 30
W. 22nd St. (btwn Fifth and Sixth Aves.). & 212/645-5040. www.aspen-nyc.com.
Subway: F, V to 23rd St.
The Ginger Man The big bait at this upscale beer bar is the 66
gleaming tap handles lining the wood-and-brass bar, dispensing
everything from Sierra Nevada and Hoegaarden to cask-conditioned
ales. The cavernous space has a clubby feel. The Cohiba fumes were
ripe here before the smoking ban but the new nonsmoking laws have
not stopped the crowds from coming to this popular Murray Hill
hangout. 11 E. 36th St. (btwn Fifth & Madison aves.). & 212/532-3740. Subway:
6 to 33rd St.
King Cole Bar The birthplace of the Bloody Mary, this theatrical
spot may just be New York's most historic hotel bar. The Maxfield
Parrish mural alone is worth the price of a classic cocktail (ask the
bartender to tell you about the “hidden” meaning of the painting).
The one drawback is the bar's small size; after-work hours and holi-
day times, the bar is jammed. At the St. Regis, 2 E. 55th St., at Fifth Ave.
& 212/744-4300. Subway: E, V to Fifth Ave.
Mickey Mantle's Before Mickey Mantle's opened years ago,
I was walking past the restaurant, peered into the window, and there
was my boyhood idol, the Mick, sitting at the bar by himself.
Through the window I waved—and he waved back. It made my day.
And though the food's not very good and the drinks are overpriced,
I still have a soft spot for Mickey Mantle's and always will. With
plenty of Yankee memorabilia on the walls and sports on all the TVs,
it's an ideal place to watch a game, but stick with the basics: beer and
Kids
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