Top 10 NYC - Bars & Nightlife

Description:

New York nightlife can be many things to many people--whatever you're in the mood for, you can find it here. There are low-lit, relaxed wine bars (Turks & Frogs) and bars with old-fashioned and newfangled cocktails (Pegu Club). If you like your music live, check out Joe's Pub at the Public Theater, or the Bowery Ballroom, where all kinds of emerging (and already arrived) artists perform. If you prefer DJs, APT is a chic, relatively low-key spot for dancing and drinks in the sometimes overwhelming Meatpacking District. Cafe Noir, in Soho, is a small, dark bar & restaurant with a sophisticated but still relaxed vibe and tasty food and drinks. Or, venture out to Brooklyn for a different scene--two fun spots to try are Barcade (where you can play video games and choose from a wide selection of beers) or Union Hall, which boasts more great live music, plus two bocce ball courts.

Author: Sarah
Sarah is a writer, editor and translator who grew up in New Hampshire and has lived in New York City... view profile
  • Turks & Frogs

    Turks & Frogs - New York City
    • Contact:

    • 212 691 8875
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • 323 West 11th Street
    • Between Greenwich and Washington Streets
    • New York,NY10014
    • Map

    • user rating

    Description:

    Got a date fixed and planning on the venue? You have to consider this tranquil bar, which was a Turkish antique shop prior to its bar status. The decor is in green and red with a few old urns (Turkish of course) put up in nooks and corners. The bar can pour you about 60 kinds of wine. Avid eaters can go for the Lebni, which is almost yoghurt with a lot of cheese. Only don't stuff too much of it, as there is no Turkish bath to relax. One more Turks and Frogs is located at 458 Greenwich Street.

  • APT

    APT - New York City
    • Contact:

    • +1 212 414 4245
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • 419 West 13th Street
    • New York,NY10014
    • Map

    • user rating

    Description:

    Located in the Meatpacking District, APT has been featured as New York's Best Bar in the Zagat Guide. Walk in through heavy metal doors and find yourself a comfortable seat on one of the long tables in the warmly-lit basement. This is a very drinks-and-starters place, and ideal for a night out with close friends. Make sure to order a round of popular Pimm's Cup shots, it's the fastest way to get a buzz! Be warned, however - if you drink too much, be prepared to use the not-so-impressive restroom!

  • The Jade Bar and The Rose Bar

    The Jade Bar and The Rose Bar - New York City
    • Contact:

    • 212 920 3300
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • Gramercy Park Hotel
    • 2 Lexington Ave.
    • New York,NY10010
    • Map

    Description:

    The Jade Bar and the Rose Bar are two of New York's hottest night spots. The elegant and super plush decor of these sister bars in the Gramercy Park Hotel is highlighted by the paintings and furnishings of renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, and Julian Schnabel, and by the hot young celebrities who frequent them. If your willing to pay the steep prices you will be sure to enjoy many gawking opportunities, as well as a great cocktail. Reservations are required after 9p.

  • Public/Newman Theater (The)

    Public/Newman Theater (The) - New York City
    • Contact:

    • 212 539 8500
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • 425 Lafayette Street
    • Between East 4th Street and Astor Place
    • New York,NY10003
    • Map

    Description:

    Since opening in 1954, the Joseph Papp Public Theater has been considered one of the city's finest cultural institutions. Contemporary and classic stage productions performed here, such as A Chorus Line and The Tempest, have won a number of major awards (including the prestigious Tony). Mesmerizing cabaret performers such as Ute Lumper and Faith Prince are regularly booked at the theater's popular bar, Joe's Pub. Admission prices vary with the show. Call or visit the Web site for more information.

  • Bowery Ballroom

    Bowery Ballroom - New York City
    • Contact:

    • 212 533 2111 / 212 260 4700 (Box Office)
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • 6 Delancey Street
    • At Bowery
    • New York,NY10002
    • Map

    • user rating

    Description:

    Run by the same people behind the Mercury Lounge, the Bowery space is bigger, accommodating a crowd of 500 or so. And even better, the stage is big and raised to allow good sightlines from every corner. The sound couldn't be better, and Art Deco details give the place a sophistication that doesn't come easy to general-admission halls. The balcony has its own bar and seating alcoves. This place is a favorite with such alt-rockers as Vic Chesnutt, Travis, Steve Earle, Rinocerose, the Delgados, and Toshi Reagon, as well as more established acts (Neil Finn, Patti Smith, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts), who thrive in an intimate setting. Save on the service charge by buying advance tickets at Mercury's box office.

  • Cafe Noir

    • Contact:

    • 212 431 7910
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • 32 Grand Street
    • New York,NY10013
    • Map

    • user rating

    Description:

    This chic hybrid of a bar, tapas bar and bistro is located in the western part of Soho. It serves food (both full meals and tapas) until 4a. The menu draws from European, North African and Spanish influences. The tapas menu is extensive, but patrons may also choose from entrees like paella or grilled steak. The décor is very French, with banquettes and a black-and-white checkered floor. It is romantic and intimate, but can get crowded and smoky at peak times.

  • Pegu Club

    Pegu Club - New York City
    • Contact:

    • 212 473 7348
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • 77 W Houston St
    • 2nd Floor
    • New York,NY10012
    • Map

    • user rating

    Description:

    Mixologist and owner Audrey Saunders, formerly of Bemelman's Bar in the Carlyle Hotel, makes magic with cocktails. In 2005 she opened her own little downtown gathering spot where she can even better showcase her immense talents. The cocktails here change seasonally and will astound you with their creativity. It helps that the staff uses fresh squeezed juices, homemade ginger beer, and the largest assortment of bitters you will find anywhere. You know you are in serious cocktail heaven when your drinks are served with liquid condiments; if your Pisco Punch needs a bit more sugar, you can squeeze a dropperful in. Or if your Gin-Gin Mule just doesn't pack the citrus tang you would like, add a dash of lime. Be sure to explore the far-from-typical-bar-food menu.

  • Union Hall

    Union Hall - Brooklyn
    • Contact:

    • (718) 638-4400
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • 702 Union Street
    • at Fifth Avenue
    • Brooklyn,NY11215
    • Map

    • user rating

    Description:

    The walls are lined floor to ceiling with stuffed bookshelves, and a fireplace will warm your toes if you sit in one particularly intimate corner. Wait your turn at one of two bocce ball courts, or head downstairs for live music performances.

  • Barcade

    Barcade - Brooklyn
    • Contact:

    • 718 302 6464
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • 388 Union Avenue
    • Brooklyn,NY11230
    • Map

    Description:

    For those that crave a little IPA with their Donkey Kong, Barcade just might be the place. The lovingly designed space combines hand-crafted pub furnishings with several truckloads of classic arcade games. Draught craft brews are the specialty of the house (featuring East Coast heavy hitters like Dogfish Head and West Coast humdingers like Lagunitas), but there is also a full bar. So whether you like a shot of Beam before a round of Centipede, or a goblet of Belgian-style strong ale to accompany a rousing Mrs. Pac-Man tournament, Barcade can probably accomodate you. See website for frequently updated draught list, special event announcements, Happy Hour info and more.

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