It’d be easy to miss the entrance to Nitecap completely if it wasn’t for the bouncer standing outside, which is just how they want it. Dark, sleek and subterranean, this bar shelters its guests from the usual chaos of the Lower East Side, while serving some damn fine cocktails with service to match.

This should come as no surprise to those familiar with Nitecap’s owners Dave Kaplan and Alex Day of Death & Company fame. With previous bartenders that include the likes of Natasha David, who helmed the bars at Maison Premiere and Mayahuel, you can expect some serious cocktails being whipped up. The menus are released biannually and are as much fun to look through as they are to drink. When BarChick headed over you could grab frozen spiked slushies, 'Firewater' drinks for when you want a 'boozy sipper', and there was even a crossword to fill out. 

This joint’s a real industry favourite. Living up to its name, bartenders from all over downtown converge here to unwind after their shifts. While the space is small, there’s enough seating to go round and even at peak times it rarely feels crowded. In short, it’s our afterhours joint of choice.