Behind phone booths, bodega doors and tarot shops, these hidden bars prove that in New York City, the best nights start with a little secrecy.

New Yorkers expect a wet weekend with rain starting tonight and sunny days to follow; temperatures vary slightly in each borough.

“I like the way the branches move in the wind — it creates interesting geometry with the railroad tracks,” said Jason, 17, who lives nearby and occasionally walks the abandoned tracks. “It feels like ...