The Oak Bar at The Plaza

Impressionist murals by Everett Shinn depict New York City scenes on the walls, but the classic cocktails and oak panels stand out at this classic drinking establishment. Featured in the opening scenes of North by Northwest, the Oak Bar has been an important meeting place since it opened in 1907.

• Address: 768 Fifth Avenue at the Plaza Hotel
• Phone: 212-549-0550
• Dress Code: business casual, no shorts, sneakers or sandals after 5 p.m.

Bemelmans Bar

Named after Ludwig Bemelmans, who created the Madeline books and painted the bar’s famous murals, Bemelmans Bar is one of New York City’s classic piano bars. The gold-leaf-covered ceiling and black granite bar combine to create an elegant environment for sampling classic cocktails. Live entertainment takes place every night.

• Address: Carlyle Hotel, 35 E. 76th St. (at Madison)
• Telephone: 212-744-1600
• Hours: 12 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Sunday and Monday, 12 p.m.-1 a.m. Tuesday to Thursday, and 12 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday
• Dress Code: business casual

King Cole Bar

Located in the St. Regis Hotel, the King Cole Bar is popular with guests and non-guests alike. The Red Snapper (better known as a Bloody Mary) was invented here, amidst the Maxfield Parrish mural depicting Old King Cole.

• Address: 2 East 55th Street at the St. Regis Hotel
• Phone: 212-753-4500
• Dress Code: business casual, no sneakers after 5 p.m.

Old Town Bar & Grill

First opened in 1892, Old Town Bar & Grill retains its classic charm with pressed tin ceilings and the oldest operating dumbwaiter in New York City. Featured in many TV shows and movies, Old Town Bar is a casual place to enjoy beers and burgers. Men should be sure to check out the first-floor bathroom, for with its impressive fixtures.

• Address: 45 East 18th Street
• Phone: 212-529-6732
• Dress Code: casual

Pete’s Tavern

The longest continually operating bar in New York City, Pete’s Tavern opened in 1864 and remained open throughout Prohibition, disguised as a flower shop. In 1904, O. Henry wrote much of Gift of the Magi in one of his favorite booths by the front doors. This classic bar serves a full menu at reasonable prices, including nightly specials.

• Address: 129 East 18th Street
• Phone: 212-473-7676
• Dress Code: casual

White Horse Tavern

One of the few wood-framed buildings remaining in New York City, the White Horse Tavern opened in 1880. Famous patrons include Dylan Thomas, who is rumored to have drunk himself to death here in 1953, Jack Kerouac, and Bob Dylan.

• Address: 567 Hudson Street
• Phone: 212-989-3956
• Dress Code: casual