Sugar Monk

Behind an unmarked entrance, this Harlem cocktail bar feels intimate and self possessed without becoming theatrical. It draws on the neighborhood’s speakeasy past, but the real reason to come is the drink program, which is unusually original and precise. House made bitters, liqueurs, and other ingredients give the menu a distinctive point of view, and the bartenders are known for guiding guests with real care. The room is comfortable, low key, and a little mysterious, making it just as good for a quiet date as for a serious drink with friends. In a city full of polished cocktail bars, this one has genuine character.