Mayahuel

Former Death & Co. bartender Phil Ward's super-pretty bi-level cocktail den is dedicated to all things tequila (and mezcal). Although it's a cozy space, there's enough room for a handful of low-slung couches upstairs, and booths, benches and a black-tiled bar downstairs. Wrought iron, exposed brick and patterned wall tiles add a classy south-of-the-border twang, although the predominant vibe is golden, handsome and boozy. The drinks menu emphasizes tequila and mezcal cocktails—like the The Slight Detour, $13, made with jalapeño tequila, reposado and joven mezcal, agave nectar and Xocolati mole bitters—with a handful of beer cocktails, punches and sangrias.

A Mexican-inflected tapas menu—featuring cheese-and-chorizo fondue, tamales, ceviche and empanadas—offers a handful of options in addition to the tasty botanas (bar snacks), like palomitas (popped corn with lime, cotija cheese and ancho chile, $3), tortillas (guacamole, salsa verde, and smoked tomato, $5) and cochinita (braised pork belly with papaya mango mustard, $9).

See more: East Village bars, East Village restaurants, Neighborhood bars