-
Spuyten Duyvil
Painted-red tin ceilings, vintage maps and ashtray displays look over wooden floors, with armchairs set by library racks of old paperbacks no one would want to lift. In good weather, the au-naturale back courtyard is open. There's cheese, pickles and cured meats for snacking.
-
St Anna's Warehouse
This avant-garde performance company took over an old spice mill and turned it into an exciting venue for the arts. Now the cavernous space regularly hosts innovative theater, and features some big names like Philip Seymour Hoffman and Meryl Streep.
-
St Nick's Pub
Started in 1940 by Duke Ellington's piano player, St Nick's launched the careers of Billie Holiday, Sonny Rollins and many other American greats. In keeping with its tradition of encouraging collaboration, Monday and Wednesday nights are open mic, under the careful direction of the house manager. You can hear amazing jam sessions in a no-fuss atmosphere, sitting at one of the city's most comfortable bars.
-
Starlight Bar & Lounge
A funky mix of Chelsea boys and East Village artistes cross paths in this pleasantly overcrowded bar, with room to relax in the back lounge. The all-female bartender crew work the crowd and Sunday night ('Starlette') is widely considered one of the best lesbian events in the city. Wednesday is queer comedy night, hosted by funny man Keith Price.
-
Stoned Crow
A divey but fun jukebox joint located in a basement, Stoned Crow's semi-claustrophobic vibe seems to appeal to students hiding from homework and midterm exams. Its big pitchers of beer and regulation pools tables add to the allure as well.
-
Subtonic Lounge
Hidden in the basement of the more famous Tonic lounge, the Subtonic is a hedonistic rave-like dance party that proudly features the best German techno coming out of Berlin - and sometimes the best guest DJs, too. Friday night's 'Bunker Party' raises the roof as spinmeisters whip the packed dance floor into a frenzy.
-
Subway Inn
This is a classic old-geezer watering hole with cheap drinks and loads of authenticity, right down to the barmen's white shirts and thin black ties. It should truly be landmarked, as the entire scene - from the vintage neon sign outside to the well-worn red booths and old geezers huddled inside - is truly reminiscent of bygone days.
-
Sullivan Room
This unmarked, basement-level hideaway attracts throngs of good-looking, black-clad creatures of the night for DJ's house parties, stiff cocktails and extensive foreign beer offerings. You'd never know it from the outside as there's no sign of the place (and the other block's offerings are pretty dismal). However, this is a very happening affair.
-
Superfine
Superfine isn't only a good place to eat and play pool - it's a cool bar too. Late nights on weekends keep it open well past .
-
Symphony Space
Founded and supported by community contributions, Symphony Space is renowned for its three-day series dedicated to one musician. The first one was given over to Bach, but they've also included Joni Mitchell, Stephen Sondheim, Burt Bacharach and others. It's got an affinity for world music - Gypsy Kings, Salif Keita, Cesaria Evora, and many more.
-
Advertisement
-
The Delancey
Three levels of spacious fun, the main draw being the top-floor roof that's actually got a splashing fountain (of sorts) and the odd shrub or two providing some greenery. Downstairs there's a DJ playing rock (indie and classic) with some new wave, and experimental punk/electronica reign in the basement.
-
The Den
This is a very sexy place, visited by some very sexy people who like to laugh, drink and eat, as well as share the stage on open mic night (Wed). Part art gallery (local painters are shown on the walls), part gin joint (sip your Uncle Tom Collins with your tongue in cheek) and part soul restaurant (with pulled park and sushi on the menu), the Den is also gorgeous to look at.
-
The Duplex
Pictures of Joan Rivers, apparently the patron saint of The Duplex, adorn the campy walls of this West Village townhouse. It offers up great cabaret in the small back room, as well as open mic opportunities after in the front room. If you don't like warbling, you can dance to jukebox tunes upstairs.
-
The Living Room
There's never a cover at this intimate space, where Norah Jones once played to sold out crowds before winning every Grammy in sight. Most acts are acoustic, but the occasional amplifier will slip in. Look for bands like Mudfunk, Happy Chichester and Julia Darling. If the live music doesn't thrill you, the upstairs lounge features a DJ.
-
The Oak Room
Let these excellent martinis loosen your tongue and channel all the wicked Dorothy Parker energy palpably careening around The Oak Room. Soon though your barbs and bon mots will be hushed by the tinkle of the Baby Grand piano - expect talent along the lines of Barbara Carroll and Andrea Marcovicci (who has an annual holiday show through New Year's), with a Harry Connick Jr sighting always possible.
-
The Whiskey Ward
Once upon a time, city officials divided Manhattan into wards - the Lower East Side was the 'Whiskey Ward,' courtesy of its many drinking establishments. Modern owners of The Whiskey Ward apparently appreciate history as much as they adore single malts, rye whiskey, blended Scotch, Irish whiskey and Bourbon. And their patrons, a sleek and sexy mix of all ages, enjoy the single-mindedness of this brick-walled bar.
-
Town Hall
Town Hall was designed with democratic principles in mind in the early 1900s - box seats and those with partially obstructed views were eliminated (not a bad seat in the house) and the acoustics stunned everyone when first heard. Tours on its history and famous performances are given daily and are well worth the time. Performances range from jazz to blues to classic singers and everything else in between.
-
Tribeca Film Center
It's not a working movie theater, but this labor of love from movie legend Robert DeNiro encourages the public to attend special screenings held throughout the year. It's also the de facto headquarters of the Tribeca Film Festival, another DeNiro production.
-
Tribeca Performing Arts Center
A grassroots artists' collective, TribecaPAC likes to put on performances from local residents on diverse topics related to city life. Works are multidisciplinary and unexpected, like Lost Jazz Shrines , celebrating New York jazz clubs no longer in existence.
-
Ulysses
Old-school financial types have been flocking to this Hanover Sq newcomer, which succeeds in blending traditional Irish pub style with the modern lounge vibe. You'll find an impressive list of beers, tequilas, whiskeys and cordials, friendly, fresh-faced staff, and an encouraging stance when it comes to tying one on.
-
Advertisement
-
Village Vanguard
Possibly the city's most prestigious jazz club, the Vanguard has hosted literally every major star of the past 50 years. It started as a home to spoken word performances and occasionally harkens to its roots, but most of the time it's just smooth, sweet jazz all night long. Mind your step on the steep stairs, and close your eyes to the signs of wear and tear - acoustically, you're in one of the greatest venues in the world.
-
Waterfront Ale House
Solid pub grub, like burgers, fries, smoky meats in big paninis and hearty salads, combined with a neighborhood vibe, a wide beer selection and live blues and jazz makes this place a winner night after night.
-
West Side Tavern
Talk about normal! This beer-scented tavern has an old-fashioned vibe, loud classic rock and a popular pool table, along with decent pub fare and roomy tables alongside its lengthy bar. The crowd is filled with groups of regular Joes and the occasional girlfriend, and on alternating Fridays the high straight-boy content (for Chelsea) is especially obvious.
-
Winnie's
Performing drunken, embarrassing karaoke at this Chinatown dive is a rite of passage for New Yorkers. The place is tiny and always packed, the disgusting cocktails (such as the Abortion, a mixture of Sambuca and Baileys) are potent, and the weird karaoke videos, flashed behind you on a movie screen, are shockingly stuck in the '80s.
-
Xicala
There's a Cuban trio on Wednesday nights that adds to the already festive atmosphere at this quaint, tiny tapas and wine bar. The strawberry sangria is the house signature drink, but the Rioja's and Jerez sherries are just as delicious.
