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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).
Since the early 1800s, this watering hole (at one time also a bordello) has been a sturdy New York landmark in a rapidly changing downtown and it still draws a laidback crowd of locals for drinks and pretty good food, too. There's live music several times a week. Note that the location is pretty far west, closer to the Hudson River.
Linger over lunch or a beer at this well-worn neighborhood bar and restaurant, a down-to-earth SoHo landmark that's been serving drinks (and good burgers, sandwiches, and quiche) since 1847. The old-timey photos on the walls add to the vintage atmosphere, as do the no-nonsense bartenders.
On the 18th floor of the ModernHaus SoHo hotel, Jimmy is an all-season rooftop bar with stellar views and a cozy fireplace. Sit in a corner nook for Empire State Building vistas, or head toward the (seasonal) outdoor pool area (the pool is tiny) to survey the bridges over the East River. Cocktails are a highlight, albeit pricey, featuring seasonal ingredients.
The dimly lit sister property of a bar of the same name in Paris is the quintessential wine bar, with exposed-brick walls and shelves stocked with (predominantly French, though by-the-glass options are more varied) wine (the complete list is over 600 bottles). Cheese, charcuterie, and other small plates are the perfect accompaniment.
When the women behind hit NYC cocktail bars Clover Club and Leyenda took over the old Milady's dive bar, they kept its predecessor's name, but elevated its decor, drinks, and bar bites. Their inventive cocktail menu now offers “cheeky” mini pours and “full figured” libations, all listed with their ABV, so you can go strong or light.
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.
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