Bistro Tabaq

It’s all about the view at Tabaq: the one from the glass-enclosed rooftop atop this brick rowhouse.  Climb up three million stairs to a panorama that's oh so Lower East Side, except that it's U Street and the bartenders are Argentine. The strict dress code for men—no jeans, shorts or sneakers (unless they’re particularly fly)—ensures that the crowd is as good looking as the space, kindasorta. Share mezze with your girls as the sun goes down over the city or do brunch with the boys. Downstairs Red Room Bar and subterranean hookah lounge are scenes unto themselves, but frankly, those who care seem to be scarce.