Looking for cheap. Fat black p*ssy cat and damn near that whole area. A lil more class and cash, LES, moka lounge, SoCo and Harlem tavern.
Upscale, 60 Thompson, ink bar rooftop, ward III is diff look cuz u make ur own drinks.
That and the Columbia University bars are the spots uptown. Can't forget Lenox Lounge too for a bit of nostalgia(no broads though). If you walk north(uptown) from Lenox Lounge you will find a few great bars as well(and Sylvia's if you're looking to grab a bite).