"Even if you’re someone who doesn’t “get” jazz or finds it pretentious, give the jazz nights at Mona’s a shot. This divey bar in Alphabet City is a homey alternative to the old-school clubs and formal performance spaces. You never have to wait for a drink, you can play some pool in the back, and the bartenders don’t bat an eye when you ask for more glasses of whiskey than the number of people in your group." - neha talreja, kenny yang, nikko duren, molly fitzpatrick