Four more Manhattan cocktail dens

Not long ago, we filled you in on five of New York's newest hotel bars. But the city has plenty of other spots serving ice-cold cocktails worth checking out. We like these four in particular: Simone Martini Bar and Cafe: A night at this cozy East Village hangout, just a short stroll from the Cooper Square Hotel, feels more like an evening in Paris than lower Manhattan. The eye catching décor is just as impressive as the martini menu. On Monday through Thursday, the self-proclaimed best martinis in town are only $7. 134 1st Ave.


Metropolitan Museum of Art Martini Bar: What's better than indulging in a few martinis? How about doing so high above New York, with views of the skyline and Central Park. Open from spring to late fall, weather permitting, locals and visitors alike enjoy such signature drinks as, naturally, the Metropolitan martini. 1000 Fifth Avenue. Stay nearby at the Franklin NYC.


M Bar: No need to worry about how you'll get home after downing a few too many at this chic Midtown lounge. Located in the Mansfield Hotel, M Bar serves up an eclectic selection of cocktails, including the signature Violet’s blueberry martini. This concoction consists of Stoli Vanil Vodka, French Parfait Amour, blueberry & pineapple juice, garnished with fresh blueberries. 12 West 44th St.


Double Down Saloon: Calling itself "a clubhouse for the lunatic fringe," this Lower East Side pub might not look like the typical place to pony up to the bar and ask for a martini. But the bartenders at Double Down do in fact serve up a twisted version of the drink: the bacon martini. Made popular at this saloon’s Vegas location, the "pig on the rocks," is made with bacon flavored vodka, strips of bacon, and, of course, an olive. 14 Avenue A. Stay nearby at Thompson LES.


--Andrew Hickey of The Brooklyn Nomad.