The Royal Cuckoo is small and dark. But what it lacks in space and light, it makes up for with great cocktails, live (organ) music, and service. When you feel like having a chill night with friends or strangers who feel like friends — set to the sweet, sweet sounds of a Hammond organ — the Royal Cuckoo is a sure bet.

Now, while this dimly lit lair might seem slightly scattered in its presentation of old furniture and deer head, goose and armadillo taxidermy, it’s nothing a couple of stiff martinis can’t help make sense of.

With drink in hand — you’ll have your choice of classics, or riffs on classic cocktails, but we recommend the Moscow Mule made with cachaça instead of vodka, ginger beer and kumquats — head to the back of the long bar, where you can thumb through the card-cataloged collection of hundreds of vinyl records (unless the vintage Hammond organ is the night’s musical entertainment).