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[title]The Rose Bar
Ian Schrager has created a classy rather than low-rent-celeb-infested environment—Paris Hilton is famously banned. Here, moneyed media types and beautiful Eurocrats lounge in plush velvet seats, and the walls are lousy with Andy Warhols, Keith Harings and Julian Schnabels (the latter designed the medieval-mansion-esque space). Bring your boss and boost your career; bring your date and boost your bangability (at the bar, the subtle red backlight will make you irresistible). Do not bring anyone who flinches at forking over $19 for a cocktail, albeit one delivered by modelicious evening-gowned waitstaff.
TIP: Swerve the strict reservations-only policy (after 9pm; by e-mail only, a minimum of 24 hours in advance) by arriving at 7pm. That’s when you might snag a throne near the fireplace. Average drink: $19. Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Ave at 21st St (212-920-3300).
Mamajuana Café
Given the bleak gas station across the street and its nosebleed-inducing uptown address, this Washington Heights lounge and restaurant—hidden behind gigantic old-world wooden doors—is surprisingly posh and regularly crammed with a young, dressed-up crowd. In order to speak to that hottie with the mojito, you might want to brush up on your Spanish, typically spoken by the predominantly Latin crowd. If your tongue gets tied, throw back a shot of the bar’s namesake liquor—a blend of rum, wine, honey and spices that is supposedly an aphrodisiac. And if all else fails, flamenco dancing on Tuesday nights lets you show your desire without words.
TIP: Come early (like 8pm) to snag one of the red couches in the chichi bar area. Average drink: $9. 247 Dyckman St between Payson and Seaman Aves (212-304-1217).
The Volstead
Named for the act that launched Prohibition, this midtown lounge with upscale aspirations serves generous cocktails in oversize glasses (the $13 high-octane Sweet Manhattan recalls the speakeasy era). Midweek, the subterranean space quickly fills up with a crowd of precurtain theatergoers and after-work suits who pile in and lay claim to the booths. Come 8pm, the DJ packs the dark-wood floors with swaying dancers—all of whom look like they could use the slider special (four tasty miniburgers for $11).
TIP: Saturday is very busy, but not until 11pm. Arrive before 10pm to bag a booth without booking. Average drink: $10. 125 E 54th St between Park and Lexington Aves (212-583-0411).
Death & Company
Those who like their parties undercover-cool will be happy with this throwback to a Prohibition bar (sensing a trend?). It thrives on its word-of-mouth reputation—on Saturday night the wait could be anywhere up to two hours. If you’re in the mood to feel important, this bar is worth your time. The bartenders operate in time-honored fashion—you tell them how you feel, they tell you what to drink—and the high-backed booths allow for just the right amount of anonymity, whether you’re talking about what you had for lunch…or what to do with the dead body in the trunk.
TIP: The wait is brutal: Go before 9pm, after 2am—or on a Monday. Average drink: $12. 433 E 6th St between First Ave and Ave A (212-388-0882).
The Monday Room
It’s anything but manic at the Monday Room, a tranquil oenophile’s paradise adjacent to Nolita favorite Public. Six nights a week, a downtown crowd populates this elegant, banquette-lined den with a living-roomy feel—if your living room came equipped with a sommelier to help pair 60 wines with exotic small plates. He put an end to our indecision with an expertly chosen riesling flight.
TIP: Be sure to make a reservation; Public devotees are catching on to the charms of this tiny space. Average drink: $12. 210 Elizabeth St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-343-7011).
B Flat
The jazz theme at this Japanese cocktail lounge gives its “bar chefs” plenty to riff on, in terms of both aural backdrop and cocktail menu. Gimmicky or not, the shtick strikes a chord with B Flat’s patrons, who down drinks named for tunes by the likes of Coltrane and Fitzgerald, such as Lady in Satin and Giant Steps: a vodka-sake concoction strong enough to leave us needing someone to watch over us.
TIP: Arrive around 8pm and fill up on grilled pork belly and other tasty plates, before the hordes hit. Average drink: $12. 277 Church St between Franklin and White Sts (212-219-2970).
Hell Gate Social
Tucked away in the decrepit, low-rise mishmash that characterizes west-of–21st Street Astoria (stunning views of the Triborough Bridge), this sleek and arty oasis is perfect for creative-type partying. Indie films projected onto the back wall establish a boho vibe, but on weekends DJs ramp up the party, spinning punk and hardcore (Friday), and ’80s and new wave (Saturday).
TIP: Sign up at the website to get in on the e-mail list for last-minute under-the-radar bashes (hellgatesocial.com). Average drink: $7. 12-21 Astoria Blvd between 12th and 14th Sts, Astoria, Queens (718-204-8313).
Bar 44
It’s a party for the totally loaded (as in cash, not booze) and mildly sedated (as in mood, not barbiturates) at this poshly redesigned lobby of the Royalton Hotel. We gawked at the gorgeous tiered chandelier, bulbous mod light fixtures, and quiet, business-slick crowd until we were ushered to a leather banquette—aside from at the sleek, five-seat bar, everything here is table service. “Unaccompanied” young ladies sipping mixed drinks in short dresses might find themselves feeling green—and, uh, slutty next to golden-maned, pearl-draped Anne Taylor wannabes. But if you’ve got a sugar daddy and go straight for the bubbly, you’re in.
TIP: Leave your minidress at home; the bouncers gave our above-the-knee outfits the hairy eyeball. Average drink: $15 44 W 44th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-944-8844).