Best nightlife in Little Italy and Nolita

This dark, Deco-inspired Nolita enclave has no pretensions, just decent prices, a friendly staff and a mellow clientele. The cocktail menu is split equally between classics and creative offerings, like the sweet French 06, an effervescent pear-and-prosecco tipple. Go early with a date to claim a spot on the blue-leather banquettes, or head over later in the evenings, when a DJ spinning pop music brings out the singles set.

Yes, the racy name of this downtown bar refers to that kind of happy ending—the two-story space was once home to a massage parlor that went all the way. Traces of that sordid past remain (see the shower knobs poking out from the walls), but these days the only lubricants on the premises are cocktails—try the spicy, frothy Mr. Ginger, made with ginger ale and house-infused ginger vodka.