New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [113]
Warren 77.
Exposed brick walls, Dr. John on the jukebox, framed sports portraits on the wall, a dark setting that seems to glow, and the biggest, chunkiest banquettes in the whole wide world (or at least south of Canal Street) distinguish this new TriBeCa beatnik boite, co-owned by hockey god Sean Avery. | 77 Warren St., between West Broadway and Greenwich St., TriBeCa | 10013 | 212/227–8994 | Subway: 1 to Chambers St.
Dance Clubs and DJ Venues
Santos Party House.
“Now this is what I call a dance club,” says Arthur Baker, the legendary DJ (and legendary record producer), about this glorious downtown dance club, where the velvet ropes part for everyone. Co-owned by the rocker Andrew W. K., the bi-level Santos ain’t fancy, but that’s the point, and the customers are as eclectic (everybody from punks to Upper East Siders) as the DJs, including Mr. Baker, who flies in regularly from London. Hence the musical vibe—underground dance, mostly—is simply kaleidoscopic. | 96 Lafayette St., between White and Walker Sts., TriBeCa | 10013 | 212/584–5892 | www.santospartyhouse.com | Subway: J, M, Z, N, Q, R, 6 to Canal St.
SOHO
Bars
Broome Street Bar.
A local hangout since 1972, the casual yet essential Broome still feels like the old SoHo, before trendy boutiques replaced artists’ lofts. There’s an impressive selection of draft beers and a full menu of hefty burgers and other sturdy pub fare. | 363 West Broadway, at Broome St., SoHo | 10013 | 212/925–2086 | broomestreetbar.ypguides.net | Subway: C, E to Spring St.
City Winery.
Is it the city’s most creative new wine bar? Or its most impressive new concert space? Both, actually. Pairing killer music (Nick Lowe, Shawn Colvin, War, Los Lobos) with unique events (Klezmer Breakfast, Cheese Brunch, tours of its in-house winery, special “Vinofile” memberships, and a Twitter-wine-tasting party called Spit and Twit), the City Winery has ample room for customers with “good taste” in every sense of the term. Book in advance, though—this elegant spot is hot and only getting hotter. | 155 Varick St., at Vandam St., SoHo | 10013 | 212/608–05555 | www.citywinery.com | Subway: 1 to Houston St.
Don Hill’s.
An attempt by nightlife impresarios Paul Sevigny and Nur Khan (Beatrice Inn) to bring a punk ethos to downtown nightlife, the reborn Don Hill’s is downtown’s hottest spot (for now). Near the river in the sleepy area of Hudson Square, the nondescript building hides a raunchy interior stuffed with graffiti, explicit photographs, and oodles of boldface names, from Iggy Pop to the Olsen twins. Skip the cocktails in favor of a visit to the Jaegermeister machine. | 511 Greenwich St., at Spring St., SoHo | 10013 | 212/219–2850 | www.donhills.com | Subway: C, E to Spring St.
Ear Inn.
Since the early 1800s this sturdy old New York classic (at one time also a bordello) has been packing in, and amiably spooking, customers. According to legend, the place is haunted by a randy ghost, so beware—that hand you feel in your lap might not be your lover’s. That hardly scares away patrons. In fact, it may be a selling point, as the staff encourages you to report all sightings. (No doubt “sightings” increase after a few drinks.) | 326 Spring St., between Greenwich and Washington Sts., SoHo | 10013 | 212/226–9060 | www.earinn.com | Subway: 1 to Houston St., C, E to Spring St.
Fanelli’s.
Linger over the New York Times at this terrific neighborhood bar and restaurant, which is pretty down-to-earth for a SoHo landmark that’s been serving drinks (and amazing cuisine—dig those burgers!) since 1847. Check out the hilarious old-timey photos on the walls, too. | 94 Prince St., at Mercer St., SoHo | 10012 | 212/226–9412 | Subway: R to Prince St.
Jimmy.
Way up on the top floor of the new James Hotel, Jimmy is the second project from the team behind the West Village’s Hotel Griffou. Here their take on the rooftop hotel bar is better than it has to be, given the stellar views; sit in a corner nook to gaze at the Empire