Little Branch

From the owners of Milk and Honey, Little Branch is one of the better kept secrets in New York. A simple door on a corner, it is easy to walk by several times searching for the address.

Once you get in the door, go downstairs, and part the leather curtains, and don't be afraid. As the rules in the bathrooms state, leave your pretensions at the door. Anyone with $12 and great taste (and a valid ID) can enjoy Little Branch. While at any time you may be rubbing elbows with C-list celebrities, men with highly questionable facial hair, and old men on dates with 22-year-old, big breasted hipsters, be cool and stay focused on getting a drink.

The best drink there is the "Bartender's Choice." Ask for something with milk and rum and wind up with a magical drink you've never heard of. My current favorite is a drink called the Dominican: coffee liquor, spiced rum, with cream magically floating on the top (I've tried it at home and it doesn't work!)

If you have time, ask for a table or hang out next to the piano. Most nights have live music of every variety. In a city where an expensive, watered-down drink comes with screaming frat boys, silly gimmicks, and a headache, Little Branch is a relaxing oasis.

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