Tropical 128

In its previous incarnation, Tropical 128 was known as 128 Billiards—a slightly questionable bar/pool hall on the outskirts of Chinatown with an odd tropical decor. Fast forward to today and things haven’t quite changed that much (except for the Miami-esque neon portico), yet the bar is getting recognized by those without an overt interest in billiards. The decor is chock full of tropical kitsch: fake greenery, man made boulders, trippy rainbow lights, artificial flowers and suspended plastic fruit amid wooden tables and boardwalks. Not to mention the men’s restroom, with a fish tank that doubles as a wall. The pool hall located in the back resembles any other generic billiards room, with the addition of a Snooker table.The Asian-themed, tropical-sounding cocktails are reasonably priced at $7, though better to stick with $5 Blue Moon, Red Stripe and Brooklyn Lager. When it comes to food, yakitori is the name of the game (19 types available, including some offbeat choices like chicken gizzards and octopus balls), yet the bar also serves more familiar snacks like edamame and fried shrimp shumai.

See more: Little Italy bars, Neighborhood bars, Pool hall bars