This uptown landmark embodies all that is great about New York City: the variety, diversity and a range of options - but with personality to spare. Coogan's, an Irish bar-restaurant in Washington Heights, is a melting pot for everyone in the neighborhood and visitors as well: you'll see local politicians, doctors from nearby Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, construction workers, neighborhood artists, young and old, Irish, Dominican and everything else you could think of. You can come to Coogan's for a nice sit-down brunch (steak and eggs and tablecloths, oh my!) and for dinner with a group or date (there's tasty and reasonably priced calamari, quesadillas, chicken dishes, pastelitos and phenomenal garlic bread, and the "Smallest Sundae in the World" is actually the perfect size for sharing). But Coogan's is also an ideal spot for getting the crew out for a few drinks to watch the game or laugh with the enthusiastic karaoke performers: share a Coogan's Sampler platter of bar style appetizers with great wings and zucchini wheels while knocking back a Corona or the special watermelon margarita. It really does feel like your table. The community atmosphere of Coogan's is reflected by its neighborhood involvement, including sponsorship of the annual "Salsa, Blues and Shamrocks" run. The spirit of Coogan's? That name says it all.

Coogan's, 4015 Broadway at 169th Street.