Bar Cock

Knock on the unsigned door and the bouncer will look you over. If you pass muster (suit and tie are regular—though not required—attire for men; women wear anything from jeans and heels to minidresses), you’ll be granted entry into the massive 19th-century space with a carved ceiling, plaster walls, and deep wood booths. Be forewarned that the cigar smoke is heavy and the cocktails (think gin and tonics) are strong. The old-boys-club atmosphere is more or less tongue in cheek, and the clientele of arts- and media-industry types is friendly.