9 Best Nightlife in New York City, New York

The hotel's discreetly sophisticated Café Carlyle hosts such top cabaret and jazz performers as Christine Ebersole, Judy Collins, John Pizzarelli, Steve Tyrell, and comedians Mario Cantone and Tony Danza. The less fancy-schmancy (though still pricey) Bemelmans Bar features a rotating cast of pianist-singers. Bemelmans is known also for its wall murals and lampshades painted by the author of the Madeline books, who traded the artwork for lodging. Both nightspots feature old-fashioned cocktails and trendy new-fashioned ones. Chic attire only (no active sportswear permitted in either one).

Clad with varnished wood and exposed brick that reinforce the cozy vibe, the Penrose fancies itself "the Upper East Local" and has something for everyone. In addition to a well-focused cocktail program (think cold-brew Negroni) that spills over into brunch, the bar offers a colossal fried chicken sandwich; a late-night menu served daily until 1 am; and even live jazz, blues, and folk music on Sunday nights at 7 (no cover charge).

"Drink craft beer" is the motto here, so grab a stool, saddle up to the bar or around one of the barrels fashioned into a table, and take your time poring over the video board displaying various lagers and ales, along with hard ciders and seltzers. There's a heavy focus on NYC and New York State brews. Take advantage of the daily happy hour from 4:20 to 6:20, when beer, wine, and well drinks are all $7. The kitchen stays open late, serving bar fare to soak up some of the suds.

Inside one of the city's most recognizable hotels from the big screen (the famous tango scene with Al Pacino from Scent of a Woman was filmed in The Pierre's Cotillion Ballroom) is Two E Bar & Lounge, a former gentleman's library turned chic lounge and intimate performance space. Thursday to Sunday evenings feature live jazz (no cover), but its best-kept secret is the recurring evening showcase, Broadway at the Pierre, a cabaret series that draws cast members from Broadway's best shows. Check the event calendar for details.

The cocktail bar companion to Café Boulud, also in the Surrey hotel, Bar Pleiades is a livelier alternative to the more staid atmosphere at the Carlyle's Bemelmans Bar. The design is classic to a fault, employing a black-and-white theme that's positively Audrey Hepburn–esque. Drinks rotate seasonally, and there are tasty nibbles from the café kitchen. Though it doesn't have the same drink menu, the rooftop bar is a cozy aerie good for people- and skyscraper-watching.

At this delightful and intimate uptown saloon and piano bar, the singing waitstaff warms up the mixed crowd, getting everyone in the mood to belt out their favorite tunes. In fact, the Brandy's scene is so cheerful that some patrons call it musical Prozac, capable of keeping depression at bay. Live music starts at 9:30 nightly; there's no cover charge, but the bar has a two-drink minimum per person. The daily happy hour is 4–8:30.

The atmosphere here is strictly “corner bar,” belying its storied history: Eddie Murphy is said to have discovered Chris Rock here, for example. The famous stage also helped launch the careers of funnymen Paul Reiser and Jerry Seinfeld, though these days you're more likely to see fresh faces still trying to find their humorous groove.

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.

The Victorian-style lounge brings a touch of downtown chic to the sometimes suburban-feeling UES with candlelit tables, high tin ceilings, and velvet couches. Rap and hip-hop fans should look elsewhere (and no baseball caps or real fur are allowed), as the only tunes coming out of this joint are usually alternative and rock. If you find yourself downtown on the Lower East Side, check out its sister bar, a speakeasy called The Back Room, once frequented by gangsters like Lucky Luciano and Meyer Lansky.