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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 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).
Even though it's just off the bustling amalgam of humanity that is Union Square, the diminutive Park Bar feels like a small bastion of "real" New York City, with cocktails that are exceedingly well-crafted but that haven't fallen into the trendy realm of mixology.
One of the forerunners of New York City's mixologist scene in the early 2000s, the Pegu Club has maintained its charm and dedication to serving excellent cocktails made with top-notch spirits. Modeled on the concept of a 19th-century officers' club in Southeast Asia, the bar manages to feel expansive and calm even when packed. It's open until the wee hours, making it the perfect spot to cap off a night out, and happy hour from 5 pm to 7 pm makes it a good stop early in the evening.
A historic landmark (where O. Henry was a loyal customer), this is one of the bars that claims—with its 1864 date—to be the oldest continuously operating watering hole in the city. Pete's has charm to spare, with its long wooden bar and cozy booths, where locals crowd in for a beer or a fantastic burger. When the weather warms up, sidewalk tables with red-and-white-checkered tablecloths on scenic Irving Place are a neighborhood favorite.
With two venues for live music and DJs—the Showroom downstairs and the Upstairs Lounge—as well as a full bar that serves food downstairs, there's something for everyone at this neighborhood staple. Weekends and late nights are especially happening.
At this southern-inflected bar you can have your cocktails and eat your fried oysters and smoked cheddar biscuits, too. Located in far West Chelsea (a short walk from the 7 line's 34th St.–Hudson Yards subway station), this relaxed watering hole from New York restaurateur and hospitality king Danny Meyer is an intimate space to quaff and nibble the night away. The bar also offers a nice happy hour with discounted signature cocktails from 3 to 7 pm on opening days.
Among Hell's Kitchen's gay lounges, Posh offers an array of special party nights and drag shows, ample room for flirting and dancing, plenty of neon decor (plus artwork by local artists), and long hours to suit any schedule, from 2 pm to 4 am. Daily happy "hour" from 2 to 9 pm draws a steady clientele.
Forget the bitcoin theme at this quasi-subterranean bar near Washington Square Park that began life as a speakeasy in the early 1930s. Perch yourself at the bar in the long narrow front room, order a cocktail (which are more affordable here than many other bars in the neighborhood) and peruse the menu of better-than-average pub grub from a chef who logged time in the kitchen at lauded Eleven Madison Park.
The vibe can be boisterous at this sprawling beer hall, where plenty of communal tables foster a convivial atmosphere. The Central European beers on tap pair well with hearty foods like schnitzel, goulash, and giant pretzels from the kitchen, or brats and currywurst from the grill. There's free live music for the brunch crowd on weekends.
At this effervescent Hell's Kitchen gay hot spot, crowds put on the ritz every night for bargain happy hours (4 pm–9 pm) and late-night dancing on two floors 'til 4 am. Expect extra-packed weekend fun, with crowds flocking here for drag-queen DJs, women's nights, male go-go dancers, all-night drink specials, and weeknight variety shows.
Classic tiki drinks are served with Hawaiian-inspired bar bites at this fun hideaway under the A train. Think zombie cocktails, poke bowls, and kitschy island decor, plus a chill vibe (perhaps because it's a bit far from the beach).
If you're feeling inspired by the music and musicals of Broadway, don't miss a visit to Manhattan's most eclectic karaoke bar. The subterranean space has a lively bar that serves friendly songbirds, plus 17 private rooms, each decorated individually by theme and with an array of vintage items and posters. Karaoke fans will especially love that many of the huge selection of songs show lyrics over the original music videos. At ground level, pop into RPM Vinyl to browse the wild assortment of old- and new-school records, with a few weirder ones for sale in the bargain bins out front.
This block of 52nd Street knows some serious vodka drinking. The Vodka Room features a casual front room with live piano and jazz music, a more sumptuous back room, a 4 pm–7 pm daily "attitude-adjustment" hour (happy hour), and an impressive variety of infused vodkas. A vodka tasting menu is also available, as are culinary standards like caviar and borscht. For those ready to compare flavors, Russian Samovar ( www.russiansamovar.com) across the street has similar style, including nightly live music and bold, house-infused vodkas from cherry to ginger to horseradish.
A welcoming bar with slick cocktails and a clever take on comfort food, the Rye House beckons just steps from the chain-store overload of Union Square. Whether you're in the mood for some white-truffle popcorn or want a burger to go with a well-crafted cocktail, this place is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle.
Red paper lanterns dimly illuminate couples sipping sake and snacking on Japanese bar food at this underground (in geography and attitude) Japanese spot. Knowledgeable servers can help navigate the extensive menu, which includes Japanese sake, shochu, and interesting food. The entrance is easy to miss: look for the "On Air" sign above a sidewalk staircase, then descend the stairs.
Head to this Broadway institution to drink in vintage Midtown Manhattan at the compact bar, surrounded by caricatures of theater, film, music, and TV stars past and present.
Young-ish patrons and live music (ranging from jazz to blues to funk) set this sizable restaurant and bar apart from others in the neighborhood. If the youth and tunes aren't sufficient, then the eclectic assortment of tequilas and beers on tap probably will be.
Attractive downtown Manhattanites frolic at this tiny gem of a gin mill, where debonair mixologists dispense elixirs (and oysters) from a bar hung with pots and pans. There are cozy table nooks for couples, and although the small bites are worth a visit, many locals come here late when a craft-cocktail craving hits.
The initials stand for "Sounds of Brazil" (no, not what you—and everybody else—might think), and this is the place for reggae, African, and Latin music, with some jazz gigs sprinkled into the mix. Tito Puente Jr. sometimes holds court here, as does calypso's Mighty Sparrow when he's up north. Don't miss the Haitian dance parties, the after-work Latin-groove happy hour, or the Bollywood-themed bashes. There's usually about a $25 cover charge, and while there is a food menu, it's better to just come for the music.
This family-owned art-gallery-turned-wine-bar is a neighborhood gem with wine sourced from all over the world, and the homemade recipes and handmade pizzas create an authentic Italian vibe. Now in its second generation of ownership, Sofia occupies a space full of exposed brick, chandeliers, and unique art, a nod to its past life. Global wine lovers and locals alike appreciate the vast selection of wines (by the glass or bottle) that can be paired with made-from-scratch small plates.
This local dive bar has occupied the same corner, in various guises, since 1920, making it a true stalwart among the neighborhood's glam boutiques. Staff pour cheap well drinks and beer at all hours. It lives up to its motto—"Life is short. Drink early."—by opening at 8 am six days a week.
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