Sunny’s Red Hook
253 Conover St (Red Hook)
Go-to order: A chilled bottle of Pacifico, especially when back patio is open in the warmer months, or a Dark & Stormy
Sunny’s Bar has been a Red Hook institution since 1890. It’s a bar and social hub where dark wood, live music, and quirky, nautical knick-knacks set the home-y, low-key vibe. An anchor of its neighborhood, I’ve taken the ferry from almost everywhere you can, to end up here—whether it’s lively or not, there’s an old-school cool to it that is one-of-a-kind. In summer and the warmer months, sun shines down on tables abuzz out front and back; and on cold and cozy nights, the intimate space heats up to the sound of live music (local bands, often bluegrass and jazz, are booked in most nights). Just make sure to bring cash, or hit the ATM in the back. —Jessica Chapel, commerce writer
Jimmy’s Corner
140 W 44th St (Midtown)
Go-to order: Campari and soda (cheap but small), or any draft beer
Jimmy’s Corner provides a rare and valuable service to New Yorkers: Not only is it a great dive, but it sits within walking distance of Times Square so when, God knows why, you find yourself wading through those neon-lit crowds in what most locals consider to be the eighth circle of hell, you can at least go, I know a spot nearby. Salvation awaits in narrow little Jimmy’s, which has stood in this exact place since 1971, where the walls are covered with boxing memorabilia—the founder, Jimmy Glenn, was boxer-turned-trainer and friends with Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson—the drinks remain dirt cheap, and you’re just as likely to sit beside a table of tourists from Spain as you are an off-duty performer who works in Times Square. Currently, the owners of the building are trying to close the bar; luckily, Jimmy’s son is fighting the good fight and I really hope he wins. I’ve taken it upon myself to support their efforts through many, many beverage purchases, and you can too. —Megan Spurrell, senior features editor
Gowanus Yacht Club
323 Smith St (Carroll Gardens)
Go-to order: Hot dog and an ice cold Pacifico
You’ve heard the phrase, “find your beach” yes? Well, Gowanus Yacht Club is my Brooklyn beach. Don’t let the name fool you, this is a true dive bar: cash only, questionable bathrooms, cheap cans, and creaky picnic tables. This seasonal, outdoor dive bar brings beach shack vibes to residential Carroll Gardens. It’s a neighborhood mainstay open from late spring to early autumn, and you’ll find locals spilling out of its tiny concrete patio on any sweltering summer day. Grab a Pacifico and a hot dog and you’ve got yourself an absolutely perfect afternoon. In December, the space converts to a Christmas tree lot where you can pick your pine against the backdrop of a Miller High Life sign. What more could you want? —Mercedes Bleth, global social director
