☞ DRINK: Camaradas

This East Harlem bar is the toast of the neighborhood for its updated, dare-we-say downtown feel -- but with a Puerto Rican mix of El Barrio thrown in. Dark wood interior space with exposed Edison light bulbs gives a nod to the authentic 19th century feel that many of the establishments downtown and Brooklyn have been purveying. Throw in some salsa dancing, live music, Sangria happy hours and a diverse crowd of long-time locals and twenty-something newcomers, and you get the idea of a typical night at this surprisingly small space. 2241 1st Avenue between 115th Street & 116th Street. Tel.(212) 348-2703. Take the 6 train to 116th Street.