New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [122]
Otheroom.
Ever wish that the bar you’re drinking in had something more interesting on its walls than Budweiser signs? At this art gallery by day, upscale drinking spot by night, the walls are as visually arresting as you’d hope. The menu is pretty creative, too, with dozens of microbeers as well as American wines available by the glass. | 145 Perry St., between W. Greenwich and Washington Sts., West Village | 10014 | 212/645–9758 | www.theotheroom.com | Subway: 1 to Sheridan Sq.–Christopher St.
Rock Clubs
(Le) Poisson Rouge.
Underneath the site of the late, lamented Village Gate jazz emporium is this cutting-edge jewel of a place, whose name means “the Red Fish” and whose parentheses around Le remain a sacred mystery. Blending just the right mix of posh notes (the lush decor, the fine dining) and brave music programming (jazz, classical, electronic, cabaret, rock, folk—even, with the splendiferous Ralph’s World, children’s music), the Poisson is quite simply an essential N.Y.C. fixture. | 158 Bleecker St., at Thompson St., West Village | 10012 | 212/796–0741 | www.lepoissonrouge.com | Subway: A, B, C, D, E, F, M to W. 4th St.
THE MEATPACKING DISTRICT
Bars
675 Bar.
How can you not love a spot where the bouncer greets you with a grin instead of a scowl, board games abound, a giant black-lacquered horse stands guard next to the pool table, the drinks get amply poured, and each small room along the subterranean stone corridor is decorated in a different creative way? As an ideal spot for both dates (plenty of dark corners) and raucous merriment (bright, big central space), the 675 scores highest for having less attitude than the rest of this supremely haughty nightlife neighborhood. | 675 Hudson St., between Hudson St. and 9th Ave. (enter on 13th St.), Meatpacking District | 10014 | 212/699–2410 | www.675bar.com | Subway: A, C, E to 14th St.; L to 8th Ave.
Hogs & Heifers.
This raucous place is all about the saucy barkeeps using megaphones to berate male customers and bait the females to get up on the bar and dance (and add their bras to the collection on the wall). Celebrities of the Us Weekly variety still drop in from time to time to get their names in the gossip columns. | 859 Washington St., at W. 13th St., Meatpacking District | 10014 | 212/929–0655 | www.hogsandheifers.com | Subway: A, C, E to 14th St.; L to 8th Ave.
Plunge.
The Gansvoort Hotel’s slick rooftop bar would be worth visiting even without its mouthwatering views, though that helps. The adjectives sleek and glossy could easily be illustrated by Plunge, where the lighting is soft, the furnishings are cool and comfy (at least to a degree), the music isn’t too loud, servers of both sexes are sexy, and the ample space—indoor as well as outdoor—make it practically iconic. | 18 9th Ave., at W. 13th St., Meatpacking District | 10014 | 212/660–6766 | www.hotelgansevoort.com | Subway: A, C, E to 14th St.; L to 8th Ave.
Spice Market.
The posh come here to gorge on Asian street fare served with upscale twists and the equally exotic cocktails. Ginger margaritas, anyone? Or a kumquat mojito (when in season)? And if you’re looking for tranquillity, the multilevel open space has slowly rotating fans, intricately carved woodwork, and flowing curtains that create a palpable aura of calm. | 403 W. 13th St., at 9th Ave., Meatpacking District | 10014 | 212/675–2322 | spicemarketnewyork.com | Subway: A, C, E to 14th St.; L to 8th Ave.
The Standard Hotel Beer Garden, Grill, and Living Room.
Practically the official bar of the High Line park, the Standard is a lush diversion. The media was quick to pick up on the riotous behavior of hotel guests here who displayed themselves to High Line visitors, leaving their shades wide open during salacious activities. But the real story is in the sprawling and already riotous beer garden, grill bar, and very cool indoor Living Room lounge. As for the chic hot spot on the top floor, unofficially