Banshee Pub, The

Perched at the intersection of 2nd Avenue and 73rd Street on the Upper East Side, this spot takes the traditional sports bar concept and flips it on its head. The corner location catches plenty of foot traffic year-round, and winter evenings bring a cozy energy as locals duck inside from the cold for food, drinks, and all the action on the screens. Whether you're stopping by during a playoff run or catching up with friends on a snowy night, the atmosphere keeps things lively and engaging well beyond what you'd find at your standard neighborhood watering hole.

Hidden away, on a side street in the most unlikely of places, Brandy's is one of the Upper East Side's best-kept secrets. This intimate spot showcases live talent every night of the week and has been for over 30 years. This extremely friendly and warm bar invites its patrons to participate and sing along to show tunes and old classics performed by talented professionals. This is definitely a great spot to end an evening - especially with a date.