The Bar at Mandarin Oriental, New York

Once on the hotel's 35th floor, a host guides guests into a lounge with an unpretentious atmosphere. A live DJ plays, but the music is kept low enough to talk. Mixologists build drinks like the Bangkok and Istanbul using rare ingredients from stops along the trade route, served with complimentary table snacks. While the experience is on the pricier side, the service is exceptionally attentive. Access is restricted to guests 21 years or older.