If you ever have the pleasure of visiting Austin TX, a few things about the place will blow your New York mind: cheap drinks, polite service, ample personal space, etc. But the number one most shocking thing about Austin is that most of its bars are located on a single street — the notorious 6th Street. If you tried to do that in New York that street would go on till you hit China.

But New York’s own 6th Street does boast its own special concentration of bars thanks to the faux-speakeasies owned by mixology mogul Ravi DeRossi. All three bars lie between 2nd Avenue and Avenue A on East 6th Street and are home to some the most sought after cocktails in the country (Death + Company was deemed America’s best bar this year).

I’m recommending punches this week, because you’ll want to savor these bars for an entire evening (remember, the “ambience fee” is included in the price of your cocktail). Punch bowls are supposed to serve 4-6 people usually, so if you are going with just one other person make sure to sip your drinks slowly no matter how scrumptious.

Mayahuel – South East-side off 2nd Avenue
Specializing in Tequila, Mayahuel is undeservedly the least popular out of three, but at least that means you are more likely than not to get a table without a wait. Ask for seating upstairs where the lighting and decor is brighter if you go with friends, but definitely stay downstairs and enjoy the small, private booths if you go with a date. This punch has a spicey kick to it that’ll stop you from overzealously guzzling it.
Pilot Punch: Blanco Tequila, Jalapeño, Yellow Chartreuse and Lime, with a hint of Cucumber and Mint.

Death & Company – North-side between 1st and Avenue A
In my humble opinion, this bar has the best façade of any in New York City (pictured), and the interior is no disappointment either. This punch contains my beloved Suntory Yamazaki, which you may remember from this memorable scene in Lost in Translation.
Honshu Punch: Yamazaki 12yr Japanese Whisky, Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice, Fresh Squeezed Pineapple Juice, Petit Cane Syrup, Deragon’s Bitters, Whiskey Barrel-Aged Bitters, Topped with Club Soda.

Cienfuegos – North West-side off Avenue A
This place was virtually impossible to get into during the summer unless you arrived as they opened at 6pm. However, the specialty liquor here is Rum, which is less popular during the colder months. I really wish I could tell you more about this punch bowl, but I consumed half of it during Cienfuego’s opening week after I had (unwisely) already had a cocktail. I can, however, confirm it certainly gets you where you want to be. The diner area, which you walk through to get to the bar upstairs, serves excellent cuban sandwiches if you happen to be hungry pre or post-drinking.
Cayo Romano Punch: Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur, Mount Gay Extra Old Barbados Rum, fresh Lime and Clementine Juice, Angostura Bitters and St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram.

All three bars are open daily from 6pm till 2am. They are all seating-only, and run on a first come first serve basis. If there is a wait, the doorman will take down your number and call you when a table frees up. And if the first bar you try does have a wait, at least you know you have two wonderful alternatives nearby.