Amanda Gabriele's 5 Fave Local Bars (Fort Greene)

This awesome little Mexican inspired bar has a nice selection of agave spirits—I almost always go for the raicilla flight when I'm there. They have frozen Margaritas that aren't too sweet, and the chorizo and egg tacos from the truck (see photo) parked out back are killer.

You won't even feel like you're in NYC when you're chilling in this latest tropical paradise-themed bar from Sam Ross. Come with friends for the frozen drinks on the patio, but don’t leave without trying the Spicy Flamingo—a tequila and watermelon cocktail with a nice kick. Amazing.

It's plain to see why this unpretentious neighborhood haunt run by industry veterans Damon Boelte and Carissa Clay is so popular among industry and lay folk alike. Reasonable cocktails and killer seafood served by a cheerful staff is a welcome respite in this occasionally snooty part of BK.

Karasu is a Japanese-style speakeasy, or izakaya, which you’ll find through the back door of another one of my favorite neighborhood spots, Walter's. It is hands down my favorite hangout in my neighborhood, so don’t tell too many people about it. The drinks here are next level.

This is the kind of spot that reminds me of a typical bar in my hometown of Cleveland. It's dark and cozy, the bartender makes a killer Old Fashioned, and the owner's wife bakes a cake every day that's sold by the slice. What’s not to love?