McSorley's Old Ale House
This historic downtown bar opened in 1854. Its longtime motto was "Good Ale, Raw Onions, and No Ladies," but that was tactfully amended to "Good Ale and Raw Onions" when the ownership decided it was time to allow customers with two X chromosomes -- in 1970. They still brew their own light and dark ales, and both are recommended. Daily from about noon. 15 E. 7th St. (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-473-9148.

Morgans Bar
The bar experience in this boutique hotel is like going to a party in someone's basement -- comfy furniture, lots of candles, exposed pipes and brick. Black-clad models and other young scenesters mingle around a long marble table in the center. Monday-Saturday from 5 pm, Sunday from 6 pm. Call ahead to reserve a table. 237 Madison Ave. (in the Morgans Hotel, between 37th and 38th Streets), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-726-7600. Fax 212-779-8352.

P. J. Clarke's
A wonderfully decorated traditional saloon with vast mirrors, tiled floors and plenty of polished wood. The patrons are primarily businessmen and wheeler-dealer-types, though you'll find a few younger patrons, too. Daily from 11 am. 915 3rd Ave. (between 54th and 55th Streets), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-759-1650.

Pete's Tavern
Another watering hole that's chock-full of city history (in addition to being a pleasant place to quaff a pint). Open since 1864, Pete's became a popular hangout for politicians from Mayor "Boss" Tweed's Tammany Hall political machine. It was also a favorite writing environment for O. Henry, who lived down the street. He penned his most famous short story, "The Gift of the Magi," at Pete's in 1905. Daily from 11 am. 129 E. 18th St. (at Irving Place), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-473-7676.

Remedy Restaurant and Lounge
This Asian-inspired, wellness-themed Gramercy bar is described as a "sake-therapy lounge," and the place purports to have you feeling more healthy when you leave than when you walked in. Their menu of interesting French-Asian nibbles will at least help you handle an extra round of drinks. Monday-Saturday from 5 pm. 36 E. 20th St. (between Broadway and Park Avenue), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-674-1111.

Spread
Apple martinis, beautiful people and dimly lit alcoves are the hallmarks of this hotel lounge. It's sexy and swanky, so don't even think about heading there if you're not looking your best. Nightly from 5 pm. 323 3rd Ave. (in the Marcel Hotel, at 24th Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-683-8880.

Subway Inn
Dark. Old. Cheap. A serious boozery. The place is becoming increasingly popular among people in their 20s and 30s looking to escape trend-driven, flavor-of-the-moment places with no enduring character. We almost don't want to spoil the secret. Daily from 8 am. 143 E. 60th St. (at Lexington Avenue), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-233-8929.

Temple Bar
The vaguely mysterious atmosphere gives the feeling of a members-only club. Just play along and see how many celebs you spot, but be discreet or you'll give yourself away. Drink slowly -- they mix 'em strong there. Monday-Thursday from 5 pm, Friday-Sunday from 7 pm. 332 Lafayette St. (at Bleecker Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-925-4242.

White Horse Tavern
An 1880 structure that is one of the few remaining wood-frame buildings in Manhattan. Though it was a sailor's hangout for the first half-century of its existence, the White Horse became a favorite spot for downtown writers during the 1940s and 1950s. One such patron was the Welsh poet and playwright Dylan Thomas, who died shortly after downing 19 shots of whiskey there in 1953. (Many pictures of Thomas now adorn the walls of the bar, almost as if he were looking down on you to say, "Take it from me, don't have another one.") Good crowd and good food. Daily from 11 am. No credit cards. 567 Hudson St. (at 11th Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-243-9260.