Places I've Been: Pier 66

Pier 66 is a bar on a boat docked on the Hudson River, around 26th Street. When I went last night, there was a pretty good DJ, but rumor has it the DJing won't last much longer. There's also food if you go early enough.

Downsides: It closes at 1 a.m., and it's a pretty good hike from the nearest train stop (the C,E at 23 st and 8th ave, although there's a crosstown bus too). But for the experience — and the view — it's definitely worth going out of your way.

Also, if you're sick of dropping $7 for a bottle of beer, there's Rudy's Bar & Grill on 9th Avenue at 45th Street (in Hells Kitchen), where you can get a $9 pitcher. And free (nasty) hot dogs.