Lillie's - 13 E. 17th St., b/tw Bway & 5th Ave

Don't know about you folks, but I like to sweat when I'm working out, not when I'm having drinks with friends. Although much fun was had, I spent much of last night's happy hour at Lillie's staring longingly at the massive air pipe and multiple vents lining the ceiling that, for some strange reason (maybe the place is so new they don't know where the A/C switch is?) were not pumping cool air. Anyway, discomfort aside, Lillie's proved to be a good happy hour spot: large space, all bar with a few tables in the back for food. Supposedly decorated like an 1870s Belfast pub-- but, really, how would we know? -- it reminded me of Gingerman in midtown or, really, any other upscale-ish, NY Irish pub. Didn't get to sample the food, but it looked like pretty typical bar food. And, while there is no cocktail list or mixologists in this shop, the cabernet was pretty good and there is an interesting, but small, beer selection on tap. Check it out for midday work lunch or happy hour drinks.