"While it can get crowded on weekend nights, The Summit almost always delivers a sense of relative peace amid the East Village that’s worth the schlep out to Avenue C. Its cocktails, including the delightfully tangy Ground to Glass made with tequila and red bell pepper puree, can be consumed in the covered back patio. Get there between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. for the daily happy hour, which in addition to drink discounts features raw East Coast oysters at $15 for a dozen and pulled pork sliders for $7." - Paul Schrodt