I would like advice on good bars/pubs (not dance clubs) to go to in Manhattan. We're all in our early 30's, celebrating a bachlorette party. Anything relatively close to South Gate Hotel would be good (Garment District/Macy's area).
Thanks!

The Garment District/Macy's area is not that good for nightlife.

Two of my favorite drinking spots for "girls' nights" are Pravda (in Soho) and Grace (in Tribeca). Both have FANTASTIC cocktails. The crowds at both places are around your/my age. They are both a short subway ride from where you are staying.

Check out newyork.citysearch.com...it's great for bar reviews.

I agree with Suzanne, you should venture down the Island closer to Soho and the Village. Check out these recommendations that I've posted before:

Gonzalez y Gonzalez: 625 Broadway. Great Latin bands, hip crowd, and I think their claim to fame is that they have the world's longest bar. It's easy to spot with its big neon sombrero at the front.

Madame X: 94 W. Houston. Around the corner from Gonzalez y Gonzalez (and a few blocks down). This place has a cool vibe. It's all red and loungey. Drinks are a little pricey but hey, you're in New York!

Haven't been to Pravda but I did hear that women really like it.

You'd ecrtainly have more choices away from the area you're staying in, but if you're heart is set on something really close, try Seven, only about a block away from the hotel (7th ave around 30th
st) It's about a year or 2 old very sleek scene-y attitude-y restaurant w/bar. Review at
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/32895961/
phone number (212)967-1919

Heading down 7th Ave you will find the Mustang, a fun bar/restaurant and continue on down to the village where you will find all kinds of fun places. Around Washington Square Park are lots of restaurants/bars/shopping.

South of there is Soho and then Little Italy and Chinatown.

8th Ave turns into Hudson St below 14th St and there a few fun places there, like the White Horse Tavern, the best burgers there, and just south of there is the Cowgirl Hall of Fame.

IF you walk back up 8th Ave you will find more restaurants/bars/shopping so bring your credit cards and have FUN.

thanks for the great recommendations!!!

If you came all the way to NYC for the bachlorette party, then you'll want to explore the area beyond where your hotel is. I know you said no clubs, but a lot of people go to Culture Club in Tribeca for Bachlorette parties. They play only 80's music. Cheesy but fun. Also recommend Lucky Chang's in the East Village where you can do karaoke (the place also has a restaurant and the staff are all drag queens). For bars, if you want something swank and New York, try Serena at the Chelsea Hotel, Underbar at the W Union Square or the Bubble Lounge in Tribeca or Flute on Park Avenue South (both champagne bars). (Locations for all these places can be found on citysearch NY). I could recommend more if I heard more about what type of night you are going for and how big of a group.