New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [114]
Lani Kai.
Julie Reiner, the brains behind the beloved Flatiron Lounge and Clover Club, has expanded her portfolio with a tiki bar. It sounds out of place in SoHo, but it works—and it’s authentic, or as authentic as a tiki bar gets, thanks to Reiner’s upbringing in Hawaii. Tropical plants, shells, and even a “fire pit” make it feel like a luau. Many of the cocktails are rum based, and the punches seem to include everything but the kitchen sink. Pupu, it’s not. | 525 Broome St., between Sullivan and Thompson Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 646/596–8778 | www.lanikainy.com | Subway: 1, 2 to Canal St.
Lucky Strike.
The supermodels party elsewhere, and Madonna no longer works the door, but this enjoyable bistro remains the realm of hipsters who pose at the cozy back tables while DJs play reggae, R&B, and hip-hop, especially on crowded weekends. | 59 Grand St., between West Broadway and Wooster St., SoHo | 10013 | 212/941–0772 | www.luckystrikeny.com | Subway: A, C, E, 1 to Canal St.
MercBar.
This neighborhood staple keeps packing in the crowds. Eleven different martinis, 9 bourbons, and 13 single-malt scotches are just the beginning of the extensive drink menu. | 151 Mercer St., between Prince and W. Houston Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/966–2727.
Pegu Club.
Modeled after an officers’ club in what’s now Myanmar, the Pegu manages to feel expansive and calm even when packed. The well dressed and flirtatious come here partly for the exotically lovely surroundings, but primarily for the cocktails, which are innovative, prepared with superlative ingredients, and predictably pricey. | 77 W. Houston St.,2nd fl., between West Broadway and Wooster St., SoHo | 10012 | 212/473–7348 | www.peguclub.com | Subway: B, D, F, M to Broadway–Lafayette St.; 6 to Bleecker St.
Pravda.
This Russian retreat has more than 70 brands of vodka, including 10 house-infused flavored vodkas, which means your choice of martinis is nearly endless. And teetotalers need not feel left out, because just about anywhere will serve New York’s favorite nonalcoholic cocktail, the Lippy, which is simply a mix of every fruit juice that the bartender has on hand. Trust us—it’s every bit as delicious as the harder stuff. | 281 Lafayette St., between Prince and W. Houston Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/226–4944
Raoul’s.
One of the first trendy spots in SoHo, this arty French restaurant has yet to lose its touch. Expect a chic bar scene filled with polished PYTs, amazing photos everywhere, an intriguing tarot card reader awaiting you upstairs, plus an even lovelier back room that you reach by invading the kitchen. (Give our compliments to the chef.) | 180 Prince St., between Sullivan and Thompson Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/966–3518 | www.raouls.com | Subway: C, E to Spring St.
World Music Venues
S.O.B.’s.
The initials stand for “Sounds Of Brazil” (no, not what you—and everybody else—might think), and this is the place for reggae, African, and Latin music, with some jazz gigs like Marcus Miller sprinkled in. The late, great Cuban sensation Cachao used to hold court here, as does calypso’s Mighty Sparrow when he’s up north. Don’t miss the monthly Southeast Asian party Basement Bhangra, the Haitian dance parties, or the bossa nova brunches. Dinner is served as well. | 204 Varick St., at W. Houston St., SoHo | 10014 | 212/243–4940 | www.sobs.com | Subway: 1 to Houston St.
EAST VILLAGE
Bars
Beauty Bar.
Grab a seat in a barber chair or under a dryer at this made-over hair salon where, during happy hour, the manicurist will do your nails for a fee that includes a drink. (How’s that for multitasking?) The DJ spins everything from Britpop to rock—a great soundtrack for primping. | 231 E. 14th St., between 2nd and 3rd Aves., East Village | 10003 | 212/539–1389 | www.thebeautybar.com