Bobbique
(631) 447-7744, Patchogue
bobbique.com
Say no more: 25 constantly changing taps and an exceptional bottled beer selection. Bobbique draws crowds of barbecue, beer and spirit lovers alike with its lengthy tap handle-adorned bar and upbeat, roadhouse-flavored dining room. Flocks of people get a taste of St. Louis and Memphis, rolling up their sleeves to feast on some of the most delicious barbecue on the South Shore. Tables are grouped close together to accommodate families early on and groups of friends late at night. On Friday and Saturday nights, the bar stays open until the wee hours but the kitchen closes at 11pm. Bobbique is holding its own as a live music hotspot. Bands play electric music Wednesday through Saturday nights and there is a bonus acoustic happy hour set on Friday. Make like a regular and check out Synchrosanct, the house band that draws dedicated hippie followers every Thursday night.
Chi Lounge
(516) 385-3795, Westbury
chidininglounge.com
The sophisticated vibe takes center stage at this cool Westbury lounge, but the Asian-inspired cuisine proves an adept supporting player. The live DJ and drink specials give an early rise to late night, making for one of the best after-business happy hours in Nassau County. The bar’s creative drink list especially pleases the cosmo crowd. Every drink a martini lover could ask for is available, from the “Chi” Lime Pie to The Cupcake: A martini with Ketel One Citroen vodka, fresh lemon and lime juices and a floater of German sweet Riesling. The time to be there is during the famed happy hour, which runs until 7pm Monday through Friday. The bar is perfect for drinks and appetizers, but make a reservation early on and move to the white linen-adorned tables for a more quiet and memorable dinner or meeting. Try one of their most popular menu items, the Panko Tuna: Yellowfin tuna covered in panko breadcrumbs, wrapped in seaweed and avocado.
The Press Lounge
(212) 757-2224, NYC
thepresslounge.com
This Hell’s Kitchen lounge situated at the top of Ink48 Hotel sports beautiful and inviting indoor and outdoor seating and bars—with no cover charge. The outside rooftop space is set with couches and lounge-style seating areas where cocktail waitresses circulate regularly to provide guests an uninterrupted evening of soaking in unbelievable Hudson River and 11th Avenue views. During the early hours the outdoor area is full of couples imbibing pre-dinner cocktails and after-work drinks. Later, a smart-looking crowd takes over, laying claim outside along the edge of an illuminated pool. The indoor space is a perfect place to retreat if outdoor plans get rained out. Splurge on their signature cocktails, especially The Courtland Standard, a blend of White Pike Whiskey, apple nectar and triple sec served with a brandied cherry.