The Copper Still.

The Copper Still might be the most surprising place I’ve found to drink scotch in NYC. From the outside, the bar is rather unassuming, resembling any number of eclectic bars in the East Village.

And while the vibes trend toward dive, the menu does not. Catch a glimpse of the whisky selection behind the bar and you know you’ve stumbled upon somewhat of one of those places you only hear about from locals.

I was thrilled to find both Red Spot & Blue Spot, my favorite Irish whiskies. Beyond the variety of Irish whiskies on offer, I caught sight of a dusty ancient-looking bottle of Cadenheads on the top shelf. Unpriced, the bartender gave the manager a quick call for a price check and within minutes, I was sipping 30 year gold for under $30.

Warm and inviting, the Copper Still dishes out some of the best happy hour in Chelsea. Grab a few $10 cocktails or. There’s also a handful of small bites available like fries, sliders, and popcorn all for under $6.