Pegu Club

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Mixologist Audrey Saunders, who made her chops creating the drink list for Bemelmans Bar, has teamed up with the owners of Flatiron Lounge and Zinc Bar to revive the art of the drink at this upstairs cocktail joint. The name pays tribute to a storied, late-19th century British officers club in Burma, and the out-of-context colonial style has a light, escapist feel—organic with palm plants, low wood tables that are both polished and rough-hewn, and East Asian-style dark wood grilles across the windows. It's a natural for the silkily dressed dates and groups who make themselves comfortable on the rich brown velvet couches, or fill the bar area to standing room only. The house cocktails, made with all fresh juices and ingredients, reflect a master of the craft at play, beginning with the Gin-Gin Mule, spiced with homemade ginger beer, all the way to The Old Cuban, a champagne mojito. The infused Earl Grey MarTEAni is a clean, Brit take on a Pisco Sour; the Tantris Sidecar has a subtle sweetness, multi-layered with cognac, Calvados and Chartreuse; and the minty Whiskey Smash (honoring Saunders' mentor, Dale DeGroff) tops any Kentucky julep. Smoked trout deviled eggs, coconut shrimp and other plates are on the menu, and cocktail condiments—droppers of lemon, lime, simple syrup and bitters—are set on each table. For something sexy, the Champagne Apricato is topped with a purple orchid. — Karen Hudes

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Best of New York Awards

• Best Martini (2007)

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• Where to Eat 2008 (1/7/08)