Rosa Verde Punch And Carteles Cubanitos At Cienfuegos Rum Bar In The East Village

In certain bar-going circles, the only spots worth visiting are those without a sign.

Although Cienfuegos–a new rum-driven bar from Ravi DeRossi (of Death & Co. and Mayahuel fame)–fits this criterion, its cheery vibe is a direct departure from the earnest, often somber environment of other "speakeasies."

After entering through sandwich shop Carteles and shimmying up an unadorned metal staircase, you'll be greeted by Latin music and a sunny room sponge-painted in pink and pistachio green. A tile-splashed bar, chunky chandeliers and open windows all suggest Havana in its heyday.

The cocktail menu continues the tone of sun-drenched levity, but rest assured, these drinks are no joke. There are classics like the Ernesto, a rum-maraschino-grapefruit mash-up, and the watermelon-tinted Rosa Verde shows its swagger by employing bartending trends like fancy bitters (celery) and house-made syrups (arugula).

All drinks are available in single servings or in various sizes of punch bowls. Communal imbibing is fun, but hungry drinkers should order solo when it comes to the Cubanitos. The finger-food versions of Carteles' Cubano sandwich are so rich with house-roasted pork and garlicky mustard that you won't want to part with them.

Cienfuegos, 95 Avenue A.; 212-614-6818 or cienfuegosny.com