Bars in New York City are to New Yorkers what pubs in England are to the Brits. Manhattan bars have long been places to meet and greet old and new friends. Tasting the menu of New York s master chefs at the bar has a much shorter history however. But in recent years it has come of age. Belly Up to the Bar is a guide to eating at the bar in Manhattan s top 101 restaurants (as rated by Zagat 2008 and the Michelin Guide to New York City s Restaurants 2008). Written for New Yorkers their country cousins commuters out-of-towners international tourists and armchair diners it features only restaurants rated Zagat 23 or higher (out of a perfect 30-the highest score currently is a 28!).