Bar Nine

Profile

This relaxed Hell's Kitchen hangout has the vibe of a downtown lounge. The copper-top front bar gleams under a wash of red light and flickering candles (as well as televisions large and small) lend an ambient glow to the brick-walled main room. Groups of friends settle into oversized velvet sofas or take over the narrow back room to toast a birthday with pints. The mixed crowd of post-collegiate professionals, sports fans and neighborhood regulars doesn't come here for swishy cocktails and uptown cuisine. Instead, they're fine with beer, wine and the usual mixed drinks alongside a comfort-food bar menu of burgers, chicken fingers, and quesadillas. — Eric Hunter