Public
215 Chrystie Street
Unless you live under a rock, you’ve definitely scrolled past late-night Instagram posts of Public Hotel‘s neon-lit escalators. The spot, realized by Studio 54’s Ian Schrager, plays host to numerous scene-y parties on its roof and basement club attended by fashion insiders, musicians, Real Housewives of New York and the next generation of club kids.
Paul’s Cocktail Lounge
Roxy Hotel, 2 6th Avenue
The latest from nightlife impresario Paul Sevigny, Paul’s Cocktail Lounge (formerly known as Paul’s Baby Grand) is a must-visit for those who consider themselves in-the-know. The intimate lounge, decorated with vintage furniture, floral wallpaper and tropical paintings—decor meant to ward of groups of guys, Sevigny told The New York Times—is frequented by socialites and stylish downtowners. The spot also boasts a door tighter than its packed dance floor.
The Blond
11 Howard Street
Located at Aby Rosen’s 11 Howard hotel, The Blond is a sumptuously-decorated cocktail lounge peppered with artwork by Dan Attoe, Nobuyoshi Araki, Charming Baker, and Jacco Olivier. W Magazine described the venue as, “New York scions’ favorite new playground,” The Blond is frequented by city slickers including the Brant brothers, Calvin Klein and RJ King. Dress to impress in order to make it past infamously tough gatekeepers Angelo Bianchi and Julio Montero—and be prepared to throw down $18 per drink.
China Chalet
47 Broadway
A Chinese restaurant that moonlights as a nightclub on choice nights, China Chalet is a multi-room space that has hosted bashes for the likes of Pat McGrath, Opening Ceremony and The Journal. More recently, it serves as the venue for DJ Ty Sunderland’s Heaven on Earth, a series of parties honoring a different iconic musical artist each month (in November, it was Madonna and Britney Spears and December, Mariah Carey). Without a strong social media presence, China Chalet is open only to those who know where to look.
Kinfolk
90 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn
A self-described “multi-use creative space,” Kinfolk hosts numerous up-and-coming DJs and packed dance parties. On an average night, you’ll find the spot well-attended by stylish Williamsburg hipsters and young Manhattanites who braved the cross-borough trek. To escape dance floors dominated by Top 40 hits and house music, head to Kinfolk for the best of old and new hip-hop.
Mailroom
110 Wall Street
Who knew the Financial District could be so fun? The brainchild of WeWork CEO Adam Neumann and The Surf Lodge owner Jayma Cardoso, Mailroom is home to a score of programming every night of the week. Head there on Monday for stand-up comedy, Tuesday for game night, and the rest of the week for musical performances by the likes of DJ Mark Ronson and rapper Gucci Mane. The space is easy on the eyes, too—inspired by the 50s and 60s, its architecture utilizes rich woods and brass detailing that will leave you feeling like Don Draper.
Socialista
376 West Broadway
Located above Cipriani Downtown, Socialista brings old world Cuban flair to lower Manhattan. A go-to spot for the Jenners and their favorite rappers (Travis Scott celebrated his birthday here), you’ll have a hard time getting past the door. But if you can swing it, the spot’s Instagram-able decor and strong drinks await.
Up&Down
244 West 14th Street
Now a nightlife mainstay, Up&Down took over the space that formerly housed Nell’s and The Darby and continues their tradition of opulent reveling. Packed with rappers, actors and models, Up&Down is the spot to be spotted with a bottle and table—and who knows, you may even run into regular Rihanna.
