July’s Where to Drink Now: Woodland, The Rio Grande, Irving Cafe, Seven Grand and Gin Palace

Cocktails at Woodland. Photo: Luna Design

Woodland
When Vandaag shuddered last May, it left East Village imbibers wondering where beverage director Martim Smith-Mattsson would land next. Wasting no time, Smith-Mattsson joined the team at this recently opened Park Slope restaurant where he’s put together delicious offerings of hard-to-find beers, craft ciders, four different boilermakers and even a cocktail on tap. 242 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn, New York; 718-398-7701; woodlandnyc.com

The Rio Grande
San Francisco cocktail consulting duo Josh Harris and Scott Baird (aka the Bon Vivants) are at it again with this recently launched popup bar in the Renoir Hotel. Fusing an updated saloon vibe with some south of the border flair, it’s fitting that this bar specializes in tequila, whiskey and canned beer. 1108 Market St., San Francisco; facebook.com/savetherio

Irving Café
Hudson Valley-based coffee roaster Irving Farm just opened its first Upper West Side café complete with a Kalita brew bar and custom La Marzocco espresso machine for brewing single-origin beans and coffee blends, two draught lines pouring local microbrews and a full kitchen preparing tasty small bites. 224 W. 79th St., New York City; irvingfarm.com

Seven Grand
One of L.A.’s most beloved whiskey bars expands its empire of grainy goodness south to San Diego with the recent opening of this North Park neighborhood bar. Expect hunting lodge-esque decor (wood walls, leather booths and lots of taxidermy), a stellar selection of whiskies, ryes and Scotches from the U.S., Europe, Japan and even India, whiskey-fueled cocktails, and a lineup of San Diego-brewed beers. And for more on San Diego’s growing drinks scene, check out “One-Two Punch” in our July/August 2012 issue. 3054 University Ave., San Diego; 619-269-8820; sevengrandbars.com

Gin Palace
Cin cin to more gin! Classic, contemporary and flat-out avant-garde gin drinks are the name of the game at this dark and broody East Village drinking den. Added bonus (aside from the G&T with grapefruit bitters on tap, that is)? Most drinks cost less than $10. 95 Ave. A; New York City; 212-614-6818; ginpalaceny.com