206 Best Nightlife in New York, USA

Named for the address of a historic Black tavern in the Five Points neighborhood, 67 Orange Street has been a Harlem staple of the craft cocktail movement for more than a decade. The cozy space is surrounded by exposed brick and wood-clad walls, with flickering candles lining the bar and a handful of tables. The Manhattan After Dark cocktail is a standout: bourbon, port, ginger liqueur, Benedictine, and Angostura bitters are combined and then poured through a cigar smoke–filled decanter. There's also a kitchen serving small bites like truffle fries, fried calamari, and chicken wings.

Don't be surprised if you see some snickering Italian tourists taking a selfie in front of this bar/cafe's sign on the facade. The name means "small penis" in Italian. The interior is nothing to laugh at. Imagine if, by some divine miracle, a prettied-up antique bar in Milan or Rome suddenly materialized in the West Village. That's the vibe at Pisellino. The high-ceilinged, wood-and-marble-clad space is stunning. During the day, sip espresso; in the evening, stop by for a perfectly made Aperol spritz or a Negroni.

This original location of the Beauty Bar (which has become a minichain across the United States) made a name for itself offering drinks and manicures in the made-over salon starting at 5 pm on weekdays and 3 pm on weekends. The DJ spins everything from new wave to soul, and it's open until 4 am Wednesday through Sunday.

From the sultry red interior with jewel-toned furnishings and quirky chandeliers to the Asian fusion menu, every detail within this new cocktail bar on Restaurant Row was designed by award-winning executive chef Serena Bass (the woman behind the Chelsea Hotel's once-star-studded Serena lounge). The sexy setting serves as a playful backdrop for the well-curated drink selection, including the Rosa Peligrosa made with mezcal and Thai chili, and tasty bar food, like the braised short rib fried wontons and katsu (breaded chicken) sliders. Cozy up with a date on the plush, custom-made aqua-marine couches and terracotta chairs or peep the adorable heated patio in the back.

Considered by many (not least its current owners) to be "the jazz capital of the world," the Blue Note was once the stomping ground for such legends as Dizzy Gillespie and still hosts a variety of acts, from Chris Botti to jazz to Latin orchestras to Maceo Parker. Expect a steep cover charge except for late shows on weekends, when the music goes from less jazzy to more funky.

This legendary theater with art deco accents is probably the city's top midsize concert venue. Packing in the crowds here is a rite of passage for musicians (some already big; some on the cusp of stardom). Grab one of the tables on the balcony (if you can), stand (and get sandwiched) on the main floor, or retreat to the comfortable bar in the basement, which fills up after each show.

Inventive cocktails, decadent bar bites, and a sultry, upscale atmosphere attract those with a thirst for finely crafted drinks at not completely outrageous prices. You can order classic cocktails but this is the kind of place where you can try something new and inventive and know that the flavor profiles are spot on. All patrons are seated, so there can be a wait to get in, but the host outside will log your name and text when something opens up.

Located in historic Central Harlem, Harlem Nights is a cozy neighborhood bar set in a relaxed lounge atmosphere. With live entertainment ranging from open mike nights on Monday to comedy shows on Saturdays and weekend DJs, there’s something for everyone. At their daily happy hour, you can enjoy craft cocktails that are updated every few months. And with an extensive food menu that embodies the heart and soul of Harlem, you'll want to repeat your experience at this rustic bar again and again.

The Standard's sizable underground room draws top names in the business, and as part of Danny Meyer's southern-food restaurant Blue Smoke, it's one of the few spots where you can get dry-rubbed ribs to go with your bebop. There are welcoming Jazz for Kids concerts most Sunday afternoons.

A low-key mainstay of the downtown literary scene, the second-floor KGB Bar and third-floor Red Room together keep a busy calendar of music, readings, and other events. The name and the Soviet kitsch are a nod to the spot's history as a speakeasy for leftist Ukrainians. Some events have a cover charge and/or drink minimum.

Housed behind an unremarkable door in the stairwell of the subway station at the southeast corner of 7th Avenue and West 28th Street, this 600-square-foot speakeasy-like cocktail bar has enough room for 30 lucky people. The dimly lit space pops with blue and purple hues, as a DJ plays funk and electronica. The experience will quickly make you forget you're drinking a nicely made (but somewhat pricey) cocktail in a subway station.

A multitime World's Best Bars honoree, this 8th Street cocktail bar is in its third home in a handful of years and hopefully it will stay put here for a while. French mixologist Nico de Soto is the man behind the bar (both figuratively and literally), crafting inspired libations using unorthodox ingredients in a sleekly designed, dimly lit atmosphere. Things like dates, black sesame, pine nuts, corn puree, and something called "Champagne acid" are all likely to find their way into your glass. And it will taste fantastic.

From the same father-son team who made Jacob's Pickle a neighborhood fave, this pleasant restaurant is deservedly famous for its French-dip sandwiches, melts, and other filling dishes. But its "old-school but progressive" cocktails, wine, and beer menus keep both of its separate bars busy. This is the sort of place where one visit will make you a regular.

High up on Floor 64 of the historic 70 Pine tower is this suave cocktail lounge, where guests come as much for the spectacular views and polished service as they do for the high-end, deliciously creative libations. Pass through the fine dining room that is Saga on your way up a flight of stairs, into oval-shape Overstory, which occupies the former A.I.G. board room and whose art deco design befits this 1930s-era skyscraper. The wraparound balcony has seating, though lofty winds may limit outdoor time to just long enough for a few marvelous skyline photos. Reservations are highly recommended.

One of the first of the retro speakeasy bars in NYC, PDT ("Please Don't Tell") made a name for itself with top-line cocktails and it's "secret" entrance, and although it's not much of a secret anymore it's still a great spot for excellent drinks with a touch of cloak-and-dagger. Make a reservation online, then head to the unassuming Crif Dogs hot dog restaurant, where you'll be escorted through the phone booth's false back. The upscale cocktails are perfectly complemented by the hot dog specials from the neighboring shop that are also served here.

This polished, spacious, second-floor cocktail bar is named after the way a drink forms iridescent liquid ribbons when it's expertly poured. The menu lists options with a sliding scale that tells you how "spiritous," "refreshing," "comforting," and "adventurous" each one is, and you order accordingly. There are a few food items, too, like cheese and charcuterie, which are a good idea, because you'll be tempted to stay for another round of drinks.

There's no phone number or big sign for this speakeasy; just ring the bell to enter. Wood-burning fireplaces, deep banquettes, and curtains for privacy all contribute to the intimate vibe—perfect for a date or small group gathering. The little candlelit garden out back is lovely and put to use: herbs grown here are used in the carefully crafted cocktails. You can make reservations through the website but walk-ins are welcome.

With multiple performers at each of the three intimate venues, there's so much to hear here. Expect music of all types, often from bands or soloists just passing through the city. The lineup usually starts around 6 or 7 pm and runs 'til around midnight—meaning you can get your live music fix and catch up on sleep, too. There's typically one stage with no cover charge, making Rockwood a great spot to just drop in.

Take a break from 5th Avenue shopping at this glass-lined penthouse bar on the 23rd floor of the ritzy Peninsula Hotel, where the sumptuous decor is inspired by the historic tale of Shanghai socialite Madame Ning. Drinks are pricey and well made, plus the rooftop terrace views and posh atmosphere are worth the premium.

It doesn't look like much from the outside, but this bar and small performance venue hosts multiple events each night, with live music ranging from blues, jazz, Latin, Afrobeat, indie, and more, as well as DJs, spoken word, and dance. African masks, vinyl records, and album covers adorn the walls and ceilings, and there’s ample seating with plenty of space to dance, too.These days, there's usually a crush of out-of-towners during showtimes, but the music remains stellar, and the establishment itself is the stuff of legend.

A sensation when it opened in 2007, Simon Hammerstein's Roaring '20s–style cabaret–cum–burlesque show–cum–performance art emporium remains one of the biggest players in any nightlife category. The triumvirate of gorgeousness—design, customers, and performers—explains why the experience doesn't come cheap. Check the website to make reservations and prepare for a late night.

Classy tipplers and well-dressed commuters pack into this Grand Central Terminal bar (especially during the evening rush), but you can still have a romantic time in one of Manhattan's more beautiful rooms. The restored space dates from the 1920s, when it was the private office of an executive named John W. Campbell, who entertained friends and colleagues here. Sample the good life as you sip cocktails from club chairs and banquettes. The proprietor also offers the smaller Campbell Palm Court and enclosed, outdoor Campbell Terrace; the latter is just outside in the former taxi driveway.

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).

For exquisite cocktails in a quintessentially old–New York locale, venture to the tip of Manhattan for a night of Irish hospitality in a 19th-century-inspired saloon. The ground-floor taproom serves craft beers and whiskeys of the world, while a warren of upstairs parlor spaces shakes and stirs craft cocktails, many putting Irish whiskey to excellent use. If the drink menu isn't doing the trick, challenge one of the ace bartenders to mix up something special for your palate. The Dead Rabbit is always lively and unpretentious, and isn't hung up on dress codes or door policies typical of some New York cocktail dens—though it's still a good idea to reserve a table. There's also a solid food menu built on Irish faves, and occasional live music.