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Bar Bites

Schiller's Liquor Bar (Photo by Christie Farriella)

It's beginning to be that time of year. Holiday party-givers always seem to feed you just enough to leave you feeling too full for dinner, and too hungry to ignore the fact. Here are ten swell places to assuage the post-party pangs.

MANHATTAN

Artisanal. Those little gougeres are addictive, but they just won't do it. Share a fondue with someone and you'll go home happy. (2 Park Avenue; 212-725-8585 )

Schiller's Liquor Bar. Maybe it's not as of the minute as it was, but the food is reliably good, and the bar still gets pretty busy as an evening wears on. The Cuban sandwich makes nice change from a burger, and the nachos are tasty. For that matter, so's the cheesesteak. If you don't know when to stop, the blood orange mimosa is awfully good. Best of all, they're open till 2 in the morning. (131 Rivington Street; 212-260-4555)

The Spotted Pig. They just got their Michelin star, but that hasn't changed the laid-back vibe. They still won't take a reservation, and they still serve at the bar. Smoked trout, sausages, good burgers. Don't look for cocktails, though. They only serve beer and wine. (314 West 11th Street; 620-0393)

Bar Jamon. It may be chilly outside, but at Mario Batali's Spanish-style wine bar, it still feels like summer. Go for the grilled sardines, or the grilled artichokes. For the small seafood plates. Or for the eponymous ham. (125 E. 17th Street; 212-253-2773)

Gotham Bar & Grill. Ever since it opened all those years ago, Alfred Portale's sleek Village hangout has drawn a sophisticated crowd. Since what's served in the dining room is also served at the bar, bar food simply doesn't get better. There's a daily selection of oysters, the duck and foie gras terrine comes with pickled onions and lentils, and if you want to go all out, there's always the caviar. (12 East 12th Street; 620-0181)

Spice Market. So, it's always crowded. But if ever a place was meant for an after-party party, this is it. Chow down on crispy, well-stuffed spring rolls. And order some of the black pepper shrimp. Samosas, egg rolls, wings that are hot enough to scorch. The house cocktails -- ginger margaritas and Saigon cosmos, with pineapple and lime -- aren't bad, either. (403 West 13th Street 212-675-2322)

N. Narrow, dark, and very cool. Soho's classic tapas bar. (33 Crosby Street; 212-219-8856; no credit cards).

BROOKLYN

Bar Minnow. Fried clams, oyster po'boys, burgers, lobster rolls. They serve till about midnight, and if you want to keep going, the bar stays open later. (444 9th Street; 718-832-5500)

Muggs. Simple as can be, with a great jukebox and pinball. In the back, there are booths and tables (although you can eat at the bar, too). The menu leans to well-composed salads, burgers, sandwiches, and, surprisingly, a really good vegetarian quesadilla. (125 Bedford Avenue, 718-486-8232)

Frankie's 457 Spuntino. Relaxed and easygoing, Frankie's serves up terrific down-home Italian food that transcends the usual bar snack. Good salads, mushroom and truffle oil crostini, cheese plates, and if you're really hungry, there's the meatball parmigiana sandwich made on Sullivan Street Bakery's bread. All that, and the price is right, too. No credit cards, though. (457 Court Street; 718-403-0033;)