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New Yorkers are fond of the "work hard, play hard" maxim, but the truth is, Gothamites don't need much of an excuse to hit the town. Any day of the week could easily be mistaken for a Friday or Saturday; the bottom line is that when the the mood strikes, there are always plenty of choices in this 24-hour city. Whether it's raisi
New Yorkers are fond of the "work hard, play hard" maxim, but the truth is, Gothamites don't need much of an excuse to hit the town. Any day of the week could easily be mistaken for a Friday or Saturday; the bottom line is that when the the mood strikes, there are alway
New Yorkers are fond of the "work hard, play hard" maxim, but the truth is, Gothamites don't need much of an excuse to h
New Yorkers are fond of the "work hard, play hard" maxim, but the truth is, Gothamites don't need much of an excuse to hit the town. Any day of the week could easily be mistaken for a Friday or Saturday; the bottom line is that when the the mood strikes, there are always plenty of choices in this 24-hour city. Whether it's raising a glass in a historic saloon, a dimly lit cocktail den, or a swanky rooftop lounge; checking out the latest band; or laughing it up at a comedy show, it isn't hard for visitors to get a piece of the action.
The nightlife scene still resides largely downtown—in the dives and speakeasies of the East Village and Lower East Side, the classic jazz joints and piano bars of the West Village, and the Meatpacking District's and Chelsea's "see-and-be-seen" clubs. Midtown, especially around Hell's Kitchen, has developed a vibrant scene, too, and plenty of upscale hangouts dot the Upper East and Upper West Sides. Brooklyn and Harlem are go-to destinations for in-the-know locals.
Keep in mind that when you go is just as important as where you go. A club that is packed at 11 pm might empty out by midnight, and a bar that raged last night may be completely empty tonight. Time Out New York magazine has a good list of roving parties (www.timeout.com/newyork), as does Urban Daddy (www.urbandaddy.com/new-york). Scour industry-centric websites, too, like Eater and Grub Street, which catalog the comings and goings of many a nightlife impresario. New York magazine and the New York Times have listings of cabaret and jazz shows, the latter mainly in its Friday and Sunday Arts sections. Bear in mind that a venue's life span is often measured in months, not years. Phone ahead or check online to make sure your target hasn't closed or turned into a polka hall (although, you never know—that could be fun, too).
Named for the address of a historic Black tavern in the Five Points neighborhood, 67 Orange Street has been a Harlem staple of the craft...
Named for the address of a historic Black tavern in the Five Points neighborhood, 67 Orange Street has been a Harlem staple of the craft cocktail movement for more than a decade. The cozy space is surrounded by exposed brick and wood-clad walls, with flickering candles lining the bar and a handful of tables. The Manhattan After Dark cocktail is a standout: bourbon, port, ginger liqueur, Benedictine, and Angostura bitters are combined and then poured through a cigar smoke–filled decanter. There's also a kitchen serving small bites like truffle fries, fried calamari, and chicken wings.
2082 Frederick Douglass Blvd., New York, New York, 10026, USA
A rotating selection of craft beers and numerous small-batch spirits, nightly live music (never a cover charge), a stellar jukebox, and an expansive year-round backyard...
A rotating selection of craft beers and numerous small-batch spirits, nightly live music (never a cover charge), a stellar jukebox, and an expansive year-round backyard (heated in winter) have made Bar Chord a favorite since it opened in 2013. Check out the collection of vintage guitars from the 1950s to the '70s for sale up front.
1008 Cortelyou Rd., Brooklyn, New York, 11218, USA
Don't be surprised if you see some snickering Italian tourists taking a selfie in front of this bar/cafe's sign on the facade. The name means...
Don't be surprised if you see some snickering Italian tourists taking a selfie in front of this bar/cafe's sign on the facade. The name means "small penis" in Italian. The interior is nothing to laugh at. Imagine if, by some divine miracle, a prettied-up antique bar in Milan or Rome suddenly materialized in the West Village. That's the vibe at Pisellino. The high-ceilinged, wood-and-marble-clad space is stunning. During the day, sip espresso; in the evening, stop by for a perfectly made Aperol spritz or a Negroni.
Outstanding regular performers, such as the Django Reinhardt–channeling Stephane Wrembel, as well as events like the all-women Latin collective La Manga or the Slavic Soul...
Outstanding regular performers, such as the Django Reinhardt–channeling Stephane Wrembel, as well as events like the all-women Latin collective La Manga or the Slavic Soul Party spin threads of folk and global into 21st-century music. Performances take place in the back room, while up front the somewhat musty, Parisian-like bar has a laid-back vibe and a full cocktail menu.
This original location of the Beauty Bar (which has become a mini chain across the United States) made a name for itself offering drinks and...
This original location of the Beauty Bar (which has become a mini chain across the United States) made a name for itself offering drinks and manicures in the made-over salon, and while the manicures haven't yet returned, post-COVID, it's still a fun place for drinks and dancing. The DJ spins everything from new wave to soul, and it's open until 4 am Wednesdays through Sundays.
Considered by many (not least its current owners) to be "the jazz capital of the world," the Blue Note was once the stomping ground for...
Considered by many (not least its current owners) to be "the jazz capital of the world," the Blue Note was once the stomping ground for such legends as Dizzy Gillespie and still hosts a variety of acts, from Chris Botti to jazz to Latin orchestras to Maceo Parker. Expect a steep cover charge except for late shows on weekends, when the music goes from less jazzy to more funky.
Homemade bitters, syrups, and ginger beer make every carefully made cocktail here all the more tasty. Try the house favorite Smoky Mary's, with chipotle tequila,...
Homemade bitters, syrups, and ginger beer make every carefully made cocktail here all the more tasty. Try the house favorite Smoky Mary's, with chipotle tequila, agave, and an alderwood smoked salt rim. The warm atmosphere is mid-century modern meets old Western hotel, and in summer you can sip your tiki-style drink on the back patio. An impressive menu of small dishes is served until 2 am. All breads and desserts are made in-house.
This legendary theater with art deco accents is probably the city's top midsize concert venue. Packing in the crowds here is a rite of passage...
This legendary theater with art deco accents is probably the city's top midsize concert venue. Packing in the crowds here is a rite of passage for musicians (some already big; some on the cusp of stardom). Grab one of the tables on the balcony (if you can), stand (and get sandwiched) on the main floor, or retreat to the comfortable bar in the basement, which fills up after each show.
One of Brooklyn's oldest and most unassuming bars, the Brooklyn Inn doesn't rely on gimmicks: it just serves reasonably priced beer and mainstay cocktails. The...
One of Brooklyn's oldest and most unassuming bars, the Brooklyn Inn doesn't rely on gimmicks: it just serves reasonably priced beer and mainstay cocktails. The formula must work, because the place dates back to the 19th century. With high ceilings and large windows in front—there's a pool table in back—this is the quintessential neighborhood spot.
It's easy to see why seemingly the whole neighborhood has embraced this latest incarnation of Casablanca—there's been a bar with that name on this spot...
It's easy to see why seemingly the whole neighborhood has embraced this latest incarnation of Casablanca—there's been a bar with that name on this spot since the 1940s. Quality bartenders, reasonably priced drinks, and cool DJs mean that weekend nights get crowded with dancing and good times.
300 Malcolm X Blvd., Brooklyn, New York, 11233, USA
Locals flock to this low-key neighborhood spot for great, affordable cocktails made by a bartender who trained in the Milk & Honey school, which was...
Locals flock to this low-key neighborhood spot for great, affordable cocktails made by a bartender who trained in the Milk & Honey school, which was developed by the late, legendary Sasha Petraske (the man responsible for New York's speakeasy craze). The sophisticated, art nouveau–inspired design, complete with embossed wallpaper and a beaded lamp, gives the place a warm, Prohibition-era vibe. Settle into one of the forest-green booths and sample tipples like the Frozen Painkiller or the Valparaiso Sour (made with pisco, Campari, lemon, and strawberry).
For a night of jazz with big names and talent in a posh setting, turn to Dizzy's, an intimate club with Manhattan-skyline and Central Park...
For a night of jazz with big names and talent in a posh setting, turn to Dizzy's, an intimate club with Manhattan-skyline and Central Park views and southern-inflected cuisine (gumbo, blackened fish dishes) and cocktails. Late-night sessions are ideal for an after-dinner nightcap; some of the drinks, such as the Dizzy Gillespie, are named after jazz legends.
10 Columbus Circle, New York, New York, 10019, USA
This cocktail bar bills itself as "an elegant space for dirty kids"—that is, just because you like nice things doesn't necessarily mean you want to...
This cocktail bar bills itself as "an elegant space for dirty kids"—that is, just because you like nice things doesn't necessarily mean you want to dress fancy. And Donna certainly is elegant, with a white vaulted ceiling, a long curved bar, reclaimed-wood benches and tables, and beautiful people drinking fabulous cocktails like the signature frozen Brancolada (a piña colada riff with Branca Menta). Tacos and other Latin fare provide the terrific, appropriately downscale nibbles. DJs spin most weekend nights.
Science and booze merge beautifully at this experimental cocktail bar with exposed brick walls and wooden tables. The cocktail-shaking wizards here are Don Lee and...
Science and booze merge beautifully at this experimental cocktail bar with exposed brick walls and wooden tables. The cocktail-shaking wizards here are Don Lee and Dave Arnold (from acclaimed spots PDT and Booker & Dax, respectively), who use methods like centrifuging and pressure cooking to concoct very drinkable—and fun—libations, such as a carbonated margarita with clarified strawberries and a waffle-infused bourbon drink spiked with maple syrup.
The cocktail list at this small spot is full of the hits you'd expect at a bar run by the experts behind the two Weather...
The cocktail list at this small spot is full of the hits you'd expect at a bar run by the experts behind the two Weather Up spaces in Manhattan and Prospect Heights. Part of the allure, though, is that bartenders will mix a cocktail to your precise specifications. Prime time here is late night. Finding the entrance is part of the fun: look for the painted feather and the three-story-tall mural of a boxer.
Comfy sofas, a relaxed scene, and large boccie courts have made this bar a neighborhood staple. And while the beer cheese dip is memorable, locals...
Comfy sofas, a relaxed scene, and large boccie courts have made this bar a neighborhood staple. And while the beer cheese dip is memorable, locals flock here for the solid selection of drafts and bourbons, plus weekday happy hours and other specials like the ever-popular bucket of assorted beer by the can. The same folks run Union Hall in Park Slope and the Bell House in Gowanus.
We could tell you this place has history—Freddy's has been in South Slope since 2011, but it occupied its previous home in Prospect Heights for...
We could tell you this place has history—Freddy's has been in South Slope since 2011, but it occupied its previous home in Prospect Heights for almost a century (relocating when the Barclays Center took over the area)—but what you really want to know is that Freddy's is a good time. There's pretty much always something going on, whether it's live music, comedy night, or live band karaoke. There's a full menu, too.
Housed in a former corner market, this easygoing neighborhood bar might not appear to take its craft cocktails and quality beer list seriously. But the...
Housed in a former corner market, this easygoing neighborhood bar might not appear to take its craft cocktails and quality beer list seriously. But the staff, led by master bartender and co-owner Damon Boelte, know precisely how to mix a classic libation or one from the sophisticated, themed menu that changes seasonally.
Located in historic Central Harlem, Harlem Nights is a cozy neighborhood bar set in a relaxed lounge atmosphere. With live entertainment ranging from open mic...
Located in historic Central Harlem, Harlem Nights is a cozy neighborhood bar set in a relaxed lounge atmosphere. With live entertainment ranging from open mic nights on Mondays to comedy shows on Saturdays and weekend DJs, there’s something for everyone. At their daily happy hour, you can enjoy craft cocktails that are updated every few months. And with an extensive food menu that embodies the heart and soul of Harlem, you'll want to repeat your experience at this rustic bar again and again.
2361 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd., New York, New York, 10030, USA
A barbecue-chicken joint was the previous tenant of this laid-back bar with a large patio on an industrial stretch of Atlantic Avenue—hence the name. Stake...
A barbecue-chicken joint was the previous tenant of this laid-back bar with a large patio on an industrial stretch of Atlantic Avenue—hence the name. Stake out a picnic table for a group of friends, or just hit it up as a casual date spot. There's a small menu of tacos to go with the drinks, which is good, because once you're here, you won't want to leave.
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