MartiniFinding new, exciting bars in NYC can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. Yes, there are an endless amount of spots in the city. And yes, most of them are better (or at least on par with) anything you’ll find elsewhere. But after a period of time, many of these places start to feel exactly the same, so I’ve put together my quick list of very unique and inconspicuous spots that I fall back on to mix things up. If you’re looking for places where you can become a regular, or pick up members of the opposite sex, look elsewhere — but if you’re trying take your friends (or date) some place interesting that’s under the radar, check these spots out!

Love (179 MacDougal St., New York, NY 10011)

Let me first say that Love is actually more of a nightclub, but not the type of nightclub that plays David Guetta tracks while sweaty dudes with half unbuttoned shirts grind on anything that moves. No, Love is a pretty well hidden spot on MacDougal and 8th that has an underground cave-like theme and a huge dance floor that’s usually vibrating from bass-heavy rasta music. Sound ridiculous? It is… in a good way. It’s roomy, has some quieter areas for conversation, and, in keeping with the rasta theme, is often speckled with random people wearing hoodies and smoking weed — which I think takes away from the pretentiousness. Oh, it’s also very late night, so don’t have any fear about rolling into this place at 2am. The only downside is that you may pay up to a $20 cover… rough, i know, but possibly worth it if you’re looking to chill somewhere for a couple drinks.

Backroom (102 Norfolk St., New York, NY 10002)

I was actully just introduced to this place recently. It’s a classy bar in the lower east side that’s in the backroom of a building, literally. When (or perhaps I should say, If) you get by the bouncer, you walk about 30 yards through an alley, up and down staircases, to get to this place… but I think that adds to the cool factor. When you get inside it has a very prohibition-esce feel to it. Beers are served covered with brown paper bags; cocktails come in teacups. Prices are high, but by high, I mean pretty much the same thing you’d expect at any other nice bar in NYC. It may take you a few tries to get in. I think they limit the crowd to keep up the atmosphere, but definitely give it a shot.

PDT (113 St. Marks Pl. , New York, NY 10009)

PDT (short for "Please Don’t Tell") is another prohibition themed bar, but this place takes it to another level! There’s no street entrance, and no bouncer. Instead you walk into a very average looking hot dog place named "Crif Dog." Go down the stairs into the restaurant (which is 100% functional, by the way) and you’ll see an old phone booth. Pick up the phone and press the call button. The wall of the phone booth will swing open and the hostess on the other side will attend to you. If you go early with just a few people you may be able to get in on the spot, otherwise you can call ahead for reservations, which I would recommend if you really want to go with a group of friends (Note: this isn’t the type of place you go to bombed with a big crowd at 1am). Inside you’ll find a very classy, intimate bar that has a menu of really unique (and delicious) cocktails. You can also order from a small food menu, which is a nice touch. Again, a little pricey, but totally worth the experience.