Dine Like a Parisian at This Nostalgic Spot Before a Bar with Crazy Cocktails and Horseradish Vodka

First, let’s keep things elegant and elevated, starting with Minetta Tavern. This French bistro is the epitome of fine dining, where upscale decor fits in perfectly with the vintage aesthetic that may as well have been pulled straight out of Midnight in Paris. With textbook sophistication on the menu, including French favorites like pasta za za and pâté de foie with huckleberries in port, this restaurant attracted classic creatives like Ernest Hemingway, Dylan Thomas, and E.E. Cummings, which makes that Midnight in Paris reference pretty spot on, actually.

Next, let’s keep things fun and fancy-free with Fat Black Pussycat. This dive-ish bar is all about quirky touches—from its bold neon facade to its wrought-iron chandeliers—and the atmosphere more than complements the decor. They’re also all about infused vodka, including pear, pineapple, and—hold the phone—horseradish (sounds intimidating, but you’d be surprised); said infused vodka naturally goes great with their massive craft martini list, including some fun names like Gay Marriage, Totally Sex, and Smurftini. If you’re into the infused vodka, they also offer a flavor of the week, so be sure to ask what it is. This bar is all about laid-back sensibilities with personality to spare.