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Published at 1:48pm
Published on 7/24/08
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1. The Randolph at Broome
The speakeasy motif at our first stop is best appreciated before the well-heeled throngs pile in. At 10pm, there’s still ample room on the leather banquettes. But by 11pm, the space is packed with revelers mingling and dancing to an ’80s-heavy mix. The banker types and creatives blend surprisingly well; the same could be said for the Michael Derry, the Randolph’s signature concoction of Stella, vodka and lemon concentrate. 349 Broome St between Bowery and Elizabeth St (212-274-0667). Drinks $3–$14.
2. Tropical 128
We plan to hit a few other Broome Street bars—keeping a safe distance from the B&T scene north on Rivington—but this neon-lit facade lures us in. The Caribbean-kitsch decor involves plenty of fake foliage and an exotic-fish tank that extends into the restroom. The back room features several billiards tables, but we opt to indulge in a round of beers and fruity cocktails and fuel up on pork buns ($3 for five). 128 Elizabeth St between Broome and Grand Sts (212-925-8219). Drinks $4–$45.
3. Happy Ending Lounge
Around midnight, we head to this former massage parlor, and briefly relax in one of the downstairs steam rooms. Though weeknight events such as a long-running Wednesday reading series draw an eclectic turnout, tonight’s group of fratty postcollege professionals gives off a less-sophisticated, pickup vibe. On to the next destination. 302 Broome St between Eldridge and Forsyth Sts (212-334-9676). Drinks $6–$12.
4. Lolita Bar
Despite the prepubescent image its name evokes, Lolita packs a selection of yuppieish twentysomething singles into its shabby-chic space. We sit at the bar and imbibe its namesake drink, a girly concoction of raspberry vodka, peach schnapps, OJ, cranberry juice, cherry and lime ($8). 266 Broome St between Allen and Orchard Sts (212-966-7223). Drinks $4–$11.
5. East Side Company Bar
Since multiculti margarita joint Barrio Chino (253 Broome St between Orchard and Ludlow Sts, 212-228-6710) is closing as we arrive, we traipse down Essex until we happen upon East Side, the speakeasy-style cocktail den co-owned by Carlos Santamaria and Milk & Honey founder Sasha Petraske. Well past 2am, we have no trouble scoring a seat in the back room, where a DJ spins house music; we sample expertly mixed drinks like the Honeysuckle and the Presbyterian ($10 each). 49 Essex St at Grand St (212-614-7408). Drinks $7–$14.
6. King Size Bar
Farther down Essex, we run into another serendipitous find. King Size may be a misnomer, but we invade the smallish space just long enough to dance to a DJ spinning hip-hop and admire the graffiti-inspired art on exposed-brick walls. 21 Essex St between Canal and Hester Sts (212-995-5464). Drinks $3–$12.
7. Clandestino
Around the corner, we stop in an unpretentious joint with an international wine list. While its unassuming decor and low lighting are as understated as its name suggests, it has evidently become well-known to artsy downtowners, who pack the place even after 3am. 35 Canal St between Essex and Ludlow Sts (212-475-5505). Drinks $4–$12.
8. Les Enfants Terribles
Too drunk to pronounce the names of libations at this French-African bar and bistro—such as the Gericuacuara (rum, ginger, honey and lemon juice: $9)—we begin to leave just as a dreadlocked employee announces that the bar is closing. As a consolation, he offers the address of an all-night party nearby, which I fail to catch. 37 Canal St at Ludlow St (212-777-7518). Drinks $5–$16.
FINISH Sweet Paradise Lounge
Our last stop, a cozy hangout from the owners of Welcome to the Johnsons, offers cheap booze (no drafts), a jukebox of classic rock and punk, and boxes of sugary pleasures— Red Vines, Milk Duds and Jujyfruits nod to the bar’s former life as a candy shop. It’s almost 4am, and the sight of a passed-out patron sprawled on one of the banquettes, his mischievous companions doodling on his face, indicates that it’s time to go home. 14 Orchard St between Canal and Hester Sts (212-226-3612). Drinks $3–$10.
