Dave Rabin's bar at the top of the James Hotel adds another much needed social spot to the south west edge of Soho. Designed by Thomas Schlesser with an indoor fireplace, an outdoor wading pool and views overlooking downtown, the drinks concocted by Johnny Swet such as Legal in Vermont, Chanel No 9, Night of the Iguana, Big Bad Wolf and Mexican Honey Bee are incredibly original ($16-18). They're really worth trying being a veritable liquid journey of creativity, but for those not inclined there is the usual wine, beer, and other options. Being that this spot is small, it has that rare living room feeling. A living room with A-list celebs and the best of New York, that is. But being small, expect that after 8.30/9, you really ought to book a table with an exact (or close to it) headcount. And for those who haven't been able to find it, it's not hard: in the hotel doors on Grand, up the stairs, elevator to the penthouse.

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