When places like Milk & Honey, the shuttered White Star, and, our personal fave, Death + Company, first opened, it was an alcoholic revelation. Heritage, science, and showmanship blended together as mixologists educated us on the histories and methods of proper cocktail creation. Drinkers became foodies and a lot of foodies became drinkers. But it's a lesson we've all learned and, sometimes, when the darkness and exclusive attitude of Death & Co. isn't what we want to order up, we hit the The Wayland. The next generation of this trend, this hotspot is not a true mixology bar but a craft-cocktail spot. With small-batch bitters, oysters, live music, hearty food, and an easygoing, unpretentious attitude, the newly expanded hang is the perfect place to start the night (even if your feet eventually bring you back to Death + Co.'s late-night embrace).

Death + Company, 433 East 6th Street (between 1st Avenue and Avenue A); 212-388-0882
The Wayland, 700 East 9th Street (between Loisaida Avenue and Avenue D); 212-777-7022

Photos: Death + Company, Courtesy of Death + Company; The Wayland, Courtesy of The Wayland