Fun, high quality listening bars?

Have a friend visiting from out of town next weekend who loves music, so I’m hoping to take him to a listening bar for a good time. Some criteria we’re looking for:

- His music taste is fairly expansive, but tends towards music with words (indie, pop, rock, R&B, or rap from any era!). Would love a DJ/listening experience that isn’t too electronic or metal forward.

- Needs to be a place that a group of 4 can have conversation (not too quiet or music-centric)

- None of us are audiophiles per se. We would prioritize good drinks and good music over a high quality soundsystem. In terms of drinks, my friend loves whiskey based cocktails and beer, but we’re open to anywhere with good execution on their drink selection.

- Location flexible, although Manhattan and Brooklyn preferred!

- Bonus points on a place that has a predominantly mid to late 20s crowd