Mercury Bar, New York

During warmer months, an open front bar lets sun-steeped zephyrs roam across Mercury Bar East's 15 plasma televisions and plates laden with American fare. In the glow of multihued lights, patrons perch on stools at one of two bars, nibbling on pizzas, burgers, and wraps. Tabletop beer dispensers and 20 varieties of bottled and draft brews from Samuel Adams, Magic Hat, and others busy left hands prone to interfering in games of rock, paper, scissors.