VIBE

Named after a storied officers club in Rangoon, Pegu certainly looks the part: exotic potted plants, low hanging lanterns, and bamboo blinds shading oriental grated windows. And just as the exotic Far East seduced British colonialists in the 19th century, so does this spacious upstairs lounge woo those looking for exotic tastes with a menu of delicious elixirs that wows even the most critical of cocktail connoisseurs: mixologist Audrey Saunders (of Bemelmans Bar fame) has revived pre-Prohibition recipes that elevate cocktails to an art form. With a laidback yet refined feel, drinkers feel just as at ease sitting solo at the bar as they do with gatherings of friends or a date.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

The mood is romantic yet sophisticated. We’d pair a flatteringly cut, timeless dress with heels, choice accessories, and a designer clutch.

GO HERE WITH

A date; a friend or two; cocktail connoisseurs; yourself

CROWD

Those who appreciate a well-made drink are present at all hours. Early evenings bring in the cocktail aficionados while later on Manhattan’s young and beautiful flit in.

WHY WE LIKE IT

The art of creating the perfect cocktail is taken very seriously here, and we (as well as the rest of this city, apparently) simply love it. Juices are freshly squeezed daily, spirits and syrups infused in-house, and ice cubes carefully selected to ensure that these cocktails are of the highest caliber. No one minds that drinks can take 10 minutes to prepare here–it’s worth the wait.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Absolutely nothing.

GOOD TO KNOW

It can be hard to spot: look for a discreet door at the top of a narrow flight of stairs with the Pegu Club logo etched in the glass. Apart from being named after that Burmese British club, the bar is also inspired by a famous gin-based drink of the same name (it’s one of the signature drinks here).

CLOSEST COMPS

Death + Company (New York); Macao Trading Co. (New York)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.