September 28, 2009

The Standard Hotel New York

The hotel above the High Line is stunning, chic, sceney, and as clubby as rooms for the night can get. Pretty much what you’d expect from hotelier Andre Balazs. What it lacks in service it makes up for in river views.

  Downtown, Travel, Hot Date, Hotel Bar

September 28, 2009

The Jane Hotel New York

In 1908, it was built as a hotel for sailors. In 2008, it was restored as a hotel for hipsters and the fashion gypset. Take your inner rock star (or groupie) and grab a perch in the louche lounge or the (already notorious) Ballroom.

  Downtown, Food & Drink, Hipster, Hotel Bar

September 8, 2009

Pastis New York

Keith McNally’s overcrowded version of gay Paris. Scene always trumps substance with weekend brunch-fueled frenzies and serious standing lines. Learn to love your neighbor.

  Downtown, Food & Drink, Breakfast, Brunch

September 8, 2009

La Esquina New York

Saddle up to the corner taqueria or reserve a table at the tequila-friendly speakeasy below the street (enter through the kitchen). Beware of overly styled patrons swarming the sidewalk.

  Downtown, Food & Drink, Birthday Parties, Celebrity Sightings

September 8, 2009

Mixed Greens New York

Art for the people in the form of illustrations, paintings, and mixed media from a roving list of indie creative types. You can even purchase works right from the website.

  Chelsea, Culture, Emerging Artists, Scenesters

September 8, 2009

Pegu Club New York

A new-school sanctuary for old-school cocktailing. Mixologist Audrey Saunders sets a new standard for drinking and swilling at this cool, upstairs, vaguely colonial bar and lounge. The emphasis is on historic, researched, meticulously crafted drinks and snacks that lessen their devilish impact.

  Downtown, Food & Drink, Classic Cocktails, Late Night

September 8, 2009

Bowery Ballroom New York

Besides the unbeatable indie lineup, unobstructed views, great acoustics, and a spacious standing-room setup make this divey music venue a citywide favorite. A downstairs bar means you can drink to your heart’s content while waiting for your preferred musical act to take the stage.

  Bowery, Culture, Divey, Hipster

September 8, 2009

Seven New York New York

A white-walled gallery, the flagship store is designed for you to walk through on a clockwise or counterclockwise path (depending on gender) to view the progressive clothing collections.

  Downtown, Fashion, Artsy, Avant-Garde

September 8, 2009

Schiller's Liquor Bar New York

Keith McNally drops his usual bistro fare for German- and Cuban-inspired comfort food, drawing the look-at-me masses. Tip: If you need to catch up on work, go midday for free Wi-Fi.

  Downtown, Food & Drink, Brunch, Good for Groups