"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 relaxed alternative to the old-school clubs and formal performance spaces. The music is great, the vintage bar is gorgeous, and the friendly crowd is even better. It’s definitely music-centric, but no one will shush you if they can’t hear the bass line when you order a beer, and you can always hang by the pool table in the back. " - neha talreja, bryan kim, hannah albertine, matt tervooren, will hartman