I'm in from out of town and trying to find a decent bar for the late 20 to early 40 professional crowd. I am looking for a fun bar that is not too young and hip-hoppy. I would prefer a bar that plays a variety of music, live or dj. I don’t want to spend $20 a drink and I really don’t want to wait in a line to enter this bar with a velvet rope. Being from out of town, I don't want to feel too unwelcome. I would prefer it be around midtown for easy cab home access but am open to any suggestions.

Empire Hotel, Pacha, Hudson Terrace, Island, Tenjune, Marquee, and Level V were all recommended, but I need some local input. From what I've seen, these may be trendier than I would like.

Most of the places you named will charge at least $20 per drink and many are difficult to get into - as in on the - or used to be - Paris Hilton list (and turn up in the gossip columns regularly). Marquee has been around for some years and can be easier to get into - but it depends on the night and the time. All will be dead before 10 pm and really get started more about 12 - although it can be easier to get in earlier. Fri and Sat night are bridge and tunnel and Sun and Thurs are better for the group you're looking for.

But - I really think you should have a look at Time Out New York for places that are much less trendy - esp for your price range. Although, not sure how"professional" they will be. (Those listed above are more for the trendy than the professional - unless you mean Ivanka Trump.)

I love the Campbell Apartment at Grand Central.

@ny: thanks for the advice. I'm not familiar with "bridge and tunnel"

@ksucat: Kansas State? I'm in town from KC. We're a KU crowd. What is Capbell Apartment like? Have you found any decent places to watch games?

"Bridge and tunnel" refers to suburbanites who travel to Manhattan on weekends (via bridges and tunnels since Manhattan is an island) to have a night out.

There are few decent bars in "midtown". Any reason you can't go downtown? I would highly recommend the Lower East Side as well as a few places on Bowery and in Nolita.

The East Side Social Club just opened up last week on E. 51st between 2nd and 3rd Avenues (in the Pod Hotel). Haven't been yet but it looks cool.

there is no reason i couldn't go somewhere else. i'm open to any suggestions

There's a great little wine bar on the LES that I absolutely love - it's called Jadis. Here's the link: www.jadisnyc.com. Also Double Crown on Bowery is rather nice: www.doublecrown-nyc.com.