Today, our Contributor, Joey Zauzig talks about the sleepless New York City nightlife, the most exciting and exclusive places to go and their particularities! So, if you’re a night owl, you’ll definitely enjoy it!
“Nightlife, especially in New York City, can be like a merry-go-round: super exciting at first and then overly easy to get sick of.
Something to know about the nightlife in NYC is that it takes the perfect mix of lounges, clubs, bars and events. To keep things interesting, the right circuit as I like to call it.
Lets face it, who likes seeing the same ‘desperatos‘ waiting at the door to PHD at 3am, or the stragglers who think LeBain is still “exclusive”, you have to change it up.
The truth is, the clubs in New York City are like the Winter’s in New York. It’s cute for a month, then you’ve suddenly become completely sick of it. It doesn’t matter, whether old or new, the day of the week or time you go are major factors.
Some new places, such as The Blond, and even the elder, such as The Boom Boom Room are musts for the perfect circuit. They are great to ensure you’re not riding the merry go round.
Let’s start with the current, The Blond, located on the 2nd floor of the 11 Howard Hotel in SoHo, had it’s opening just this past weekend and was designed by Anda Andrei and SPACE Copenhagen. The owner is Aby Rosen and the nightlife veterans, part of Aby’s new lounge, Angelo Bianchi & Julio Montego had a spot called Beatrice Inn which was previously one of many and my favorite spots, on any given night.
The Blond gives a Rose Bar feel, but better. Full on glass walls, a spiral staircase, sick art and velvet details make it intimate. It just opened this past weekend. A few of the present guests were: Cuba Gooding Jr., Charlotte Sarkozy, Princess Olympia of Greece, Brian Atwood and Rory Tahari.
But, I see this being one of the new spots in many people’s circuits. It draws in an eclectic chill crowd that won’t be overwhelming to start or end the night. It opens to the public in April.
We have to talk about it, because a lot of people haven’t been, as it is members only – Soho House, located in Meat Packing. Yes, it’s exclusive and yes, it’s a restaurant/hotel, but recently they’ve added Vinyl Room.
Located on the 6th Floor in the old Library. Yes, it’s still members only, unless there is an event going on, then, you still have to be on a list.
This is my favorite if I’m in the mood to dance and throw back a few drinks. Meanwhile, I can also be surrounded by an interesting mix of people, at least until the roof opens in a few weeks!
Next we move on to ACME and, yes, maybe I’m writing about my circuit on certain nights… When it comes to the day of the week rule, ACME plays a big part. Every night of the week is different.
I.E Tuesdays is STRUT which is gay night. Wednesdays tend to be on the slower side. Thursdays which, in my opinion, is the best night for a more chill laid back feel, but always great music.
Then we have Top of the Standard, aka The Boom Boom Room. Most of the time, there is always something going on there, so you either know it or you don’t. Long story short, hard door.
Usually if you don’t know anyone, you’re not getting in. But, the place has an incredibly sick atmosphere and 99.9% of the time, a great crowd.
Now, if you are really looking for a late night and want to keep it going, try Never Never. Which is located right next to the club Up & Down – which is good, but needless to say – it is exclusive and as tiny as they get!
I love it there. The only downside really is 100% of the time you’ll smell like smoke for at least 3 days. But, I think it’s totally worth it. This should always be the last stop as things don’t get going here till around 1am. Very intimate, Benny at the door can be tough, but if you’re with or ARE the right people, you’re good.
So there’s a crash course for you in the New York City Nightlife scene. The places mentioned above all have pretty strict doors, but if you have the pluckiness, I highly recommend them all.”
But…
If you’re the type that enjoys a bit more laid back spots and crowd, you can try some of these place. Sister’s Brooklyn has great live music. For the rock’n’roll lovers try Saint Vitus Bar, in Greenpoint. We do have friend that enjoy Marie’s Crisis Cafe and pour their lung out singing Musical lyrics. Zinc Bar is a traditional Jazz Bar we absolutely love, in the Greenwich Village. Last, the Brooklyn Steel is one of the hottest spots in Brooklyn now for big live music performances.
The New York City Nightlife definitely has it all!
Locations:
The Blond – www.11howard.com – 11 Howard Street, SoHo
Vinyl Room – www.sohohouseny.com/house/vinyl-room – 29-35 Ninth Avenue, Meatpacking District
Acme – http://acmenyc.com – 9 Great Jones Street, NoHo
The Boom Boom Room – www.standardhotels.com – 848 Washington Street, Chelsea
Never Never and Up & Down – http://uadnyc.com – 244 West 14th Street, Greenwich Village
Photo Credits: Courtesy of the venues, BFA, Buzz Tonight, Faboulous100, Bookabottle and Misssakeusa
