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New York Nightlife and Clubs

NYC.com's guide to New York nightlife features expert reviews and recommendations for the top hot spots, dance clubs, jazz and live music venues, not to mention information on all types of bars, from dives and local hangouts to nightclubs and lounges in Manhattan and beyond. Also check out our guides for comedy fans, bar-hoppers, music lovers, the under-21 crowd, plus our all-new Best of New York Nightlife, packed with great features!

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Cielo

Meatpacking District

From its state-of-the-art space in the Meatpacking District, Cielo provides a music program specializing in deeply soulful house music as well as various genres of electronic music. The space is built for sound and dancing, with luxurious banquettes surrounding a midsize sunken dance-floor that dominates the center of the room. Conceived in 2003, Cielo is the brainchild of co-owner Nicolas Matar. A DJ for the past 20 years, Nicolas was most notably known for his residency at the infamous Pacha Nightclub in Ibiza. Nicolas played in the funky room or “El Cielo” and credits those years as the inspiration for Cielo and his eventual return to New York. Since opening the focus at Cielo has been on maintaining a high level of service and an experience unlike any other. As demonstrated by the unprecedented number of awards and nominations the club currently boasts, Cielo has established itself as an international brand with an edict of outstanding electronic music. In addition to its accolades, Cielo has featured more top international DJs than any other club in North America since its opening. The intimate size and impressive sound system have made Cielo a favorite of the DJ set (Francois Kervokian, Frankie Knuckles, Louie Vega, Deepdish, Tedd Patterson, and Victor Calderone to name a few), and the club remains vibrant and music-driven. Of course, you do have to get by the door, which is one of New York's toughest...

Bookmarks Lounge at Library Hotel

Midtown

Roof access has its price in Manhattan, and certainly the Library Hotel's rooftop terrace adjacent to the penthouse atrium has phenomenal views of the neighborhood around Grand Central Station. While the happy hour crowd packs the place, the terrific selection of spirits, wine and beer make this most unlike a visit to the library.

Karaoke One 7

Chelsea

With new songs added every month, Karaoke One 7 has become one of the most popular sing-along joints in the city and the best Chelsea has to offer.

Ear Inn

SoHo

Since the liberation from Prohibition, the bar had no name. To the sailors and longshoremen, it was like a clubhouse and was known as “The Green Door.” Its motto from long ago was “Known from Coast to Coast.” There used to be a pool table, gambling, tall tales, and no music except the sea songs of the bar room buddies. No women were allowed. Then in 1977, new resident-owners christened the place the Ear Inn. The new name was chosen to avoid the Landmark Commission’s lengthy review of any new sign. The neon’ BAR sign was painted to read EAR, after the musical Ear Magazine published upstairs. Ol’ timers never noticed and still call the place the Green Door.

Joe's Pub

NoHo

Joe’s Pub at The Public is one of New York City’s most celebrated venues for emerging and established performance artists. Named for Public Theater founder Joe Papp, Joe’s Pub debuted in 1998 and plays a vital role in The Public’s mission of supporting young artists while providing established artists with an intimate space to perform and develop new work. Joe’s Pub presents talent from all over the world as part of The Public’s programming downtown at its Astor Place home, hosting approximately 800 shows and serving over 100,000 audience members annually. Its elegant neoclassical design, intimate atmosphere, and superior acoustics have consistently landed the venue on annual Best Of New York lists. Joe's offers a posh cabaret setting with comfortable couches that let you sink in and enjoy the show. In addition, Joe's serves a classic Italian menu as well as a wide variety of specialty cocktails. The dinner menu is available until midnight. The real focus here however is on the eclectic mix of performers Joe's brings in on a daily basis. Featuring everything from well known entertainers to talent you are likely only to hear about years from now. The diverse roster of programming includes top performers from Broadway, cabaret, dance, world, singer-songwriter, jazz, country and indie genres as well as New York Voices, its commissioning initiative, today’s rising stars and GRAMMY Award winners. Joe’s Pub also collaborates with other Public Theater programs to present events such as the Under the Radar Incoming series and the Public Forum lecture and debate series. Seating is limited and you are advised to get there early for all shows!

McSorley's Old Ale House

East Village

Superlatives abound when you are talking about one of New York's oldest continuously-operating bars. McSorley's is so old, in fact, that it it might as well have come with the colony when the British bought it. For over 150 years, McSorley's has been brewing its own, and just entering the place and noting all the antiques, memorabilia and sawdust on the floor, it hearkens back to an earlier time. Ordering your beers, you'll receive two smaller glasses rather than one pint, which is just part of the McSorley tradition. Although there is food here too, we stick to the alcohol. St. Patrick's Day here is a madhouse scene; don't miss it!

Max Fish

Lower East Side

Return of the Fish! Seemingly chased out of the LES by ever increasing rents, Max Fish returns in its new digs on 120 Orchard Street. The fish that spawned it all, Max Fish was one of the early Lower East Side revival bars, offering plenty of action, alcohol, excitement, nonsense, and more alcohol to lubricate the neighborhood and get the East Villagers to move south of Houston Street.

Union Pool

Williamsburg

Both a characterization and a caricature of the Williamsburg music scene, this well-designed music venue also serves as a bar and as a training ground for the hip-to-be. The quarters are a bit close, but it's a welcome trade-off for the comfortable booths. Besides, with a backyard for the smokers, Union Pool seems to keep the pint-glass swimmers from overcrowding. Portrayed erroneously as "Brooklyn Pool" in the movie Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist. Check website for band schedule.

Baby Grand

SoHo

Boutique (whatever that means) Karaoke bar that is popular with the hipper downtown set. Live band lets you be the front-person of your own rock band, or sing tunes off the karaoke play list. Private rooms are available as well. Cool L shaped bar that brings to mind a Baby Grand - which makes one think that may have something to do with the name. Or is the bar named for it? No one knows!

Boat

Boerum Hill

One of the originators of the now overflowing Smith Street drinking scene, Boat Bar remains a barnacle-encrusted local bar that rates just shy of dive.

Amsterdam Billiards & Bar

East Village

New York's original upscale billiard club was established in 1989 by comedian David Brenner and has been rated best in the country by Billiards Digest.

Phil Hughes Bar

Upper East Side

Cheap beer, domestic decor, and a slight hint of the set from 12 Angry Men.

Plunge Rooftop at Hotel Gansevoort

Meatpacking District

With an expansive event loft with soaring 20-foot ceilings and wall-to-wall windows as well as a richly-landscaped roof garden and lounge area with breathtaking 360-degree views, you will want to see and be seen here! Click HERE for more information about the Hotel Gansevoort.

Lucky Strike

Hell's Kitchen

Lucky Strike has aimed to recreate the fun and feel of classy bowling alleys—like Hollywood Star Lanes, most well-known for its cameo in The Big Lebowski—with 21 artfully crafted locations throughout the country.

Metropolitan Room

Flatiron District

Reviving the golden age of cabaret and jazz, and providing venue for up-and-coming as well as established stars the Metroplitan Room is one of New York's premiere venues for live jazz. Intimate and elegant space that has three nightly shows at 7pm, 9:30pm and 11:30pm. Small plates - cheese and antipasti as well as dessert menu offered. But really folks, it is about a fine cocktail, or wonderful wine, and relaxing to outstanding entertainment.

Eastside Billiards

Upper East Side

Now twenty years in the making, Eastside Billiards has been packing 15 regulation Brunswick Gold Crown III tables, covered in tournament-grade cloth and Brunswick Centennial pool balls.

The Sparrow Tavern

Ditmars Steinway

Rock 'n roll bar in Astoria.

Brass Monkey

Meatpacking District

Brass Monkey has a reputation for serving extremely good Irish bar food—with patrons raving about the Fish & Chips, the Steak Sandwich, the Shepherd's Pie, and the Guinness beer (all sold at reasonable prices), as well as the woodsy, dark ambience.

The Delancey

Lower East Side

This three-level venue near the Williamsburg bridge offers a variety of atmospheres for the Lower East Side crowd. During summer months, the rooftop is the main draw, given that it is one of Manhattan's most unique rooftop bars.

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