New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [123]
Comedy Clubs
Comix.
With big-name comics in its main room and up-and-comers in the smaller Ochi’s Lounge, Comix brings comedy to the Meatpacking District (whose pretensions can be pretty comical in themselves). Another plus: it looks a whole lot better than most local lairs of laughter. | 353 W. 14th St., between 8th and 9th Aves., Meatpacking District | 10014 | 212/524–2500 | www.comixny.com | Subway: A, C, E to 14th St.
Dance Clubs and DJ Venues
Cielo.
Relatively mature dance club goers (if the word mature can ever be applied to such a crowd) gravitate to this small but sturdy Meatpacking District “music-head” mecca to toss back cocktails, dig the high-quality sound system, groove to top-flight DJs spinning soulful Latin beats and techno, boogie on the sunken dance floor, and smoke in the no-frills garden outside. On Monday nights are the award-winning Deep Space parties, where resident DJ François K. (as well as guest spinmeisters like Dmitri from Paris) rev up the faithful with everything from dubstep to Stravinsky. | 18 Little W. 12th St., between 9th Ave. and Washington St., Meatpacking District | 10014 | 212/645–5700 | www.cieloclub.com | Subway: A, C, E to 14th St.; L to 8th Ave.
Kiss And Fly.
One of New York’s most discerning nightlife experts, the dance-music artist Sir Ivan, swears by Kiss And Fly, and it’s obvious why: this modest-size dance club has sensational music (pumped as loud as can be, of course), a beautiful interior design (dig all the butterfly motifs), and creative lighting that actually lets you see who you’re dancing/speaking/kissing/sipping with. It’s pricey, tough to get into, and a bit snooty, but now that you’ve been duly warned, have a ball. | 409 W. 13th St., between 9th Ave. and Washington St., Meatpacking District | 10014 | 212/255–1933 | www.kissandflyclub.com | Subway: A, C, E to 14th St.; L to 8th Ave.
CHELSEA
Bars
Half King.
Writer Sebastian Junger (The Perfect Storm) is one of the owners of this would-be literary mecca. We say “would-be” because the ambience can be more pub-like than writerly—but that’s fine, since the King draws such a friendly crowd (media types, mostly). We like it best for its frequent readings, gallery exhibits, and Irish-American menu. | 505 W. 23rd St., between 10th and 11th Aves., Chelsea | 10011 | 212/462–4300 | www.thehalfking.com | Subway: C, E to 23rd St.
La Bottega.
Vintage Italian posters, international magazines for browsing, and a huge Italian oven set the stage at the Maritime Hotel’s European-style restaurant and bar. In summer, grab a spot outside, and in winter bring your drink to the lobby and nestle with it at the fireplace. | 88 9th Ave., at W. 16th St., Chelsea | 10011 | 212/242–4300 | www.themaritimehotel.com | Subway: A, C, E to 14th St.; L to 8th Ave.
Tillman’s.
Nothing in Chelsea is quite like this glorious “Old Harlem” lounge, resplendent as it is with fireplace, banquettes, good eats, even better cocktails, inventive decor, jazz and blues sounds on the soundtrack, and tastefully uniformed servers complete with a cigarette girl. | 165 W. 26th St., between 6th and 7th Aves., Chelsea | 10001 | 212/627–8320 | www.tillmansnyc.com | Subway: F, M, 1 to 28th St.
Velour.
Gallery goers winding down the day and nightclubbers just revving up the night both stop by this West Chelsea watering hole (formerly known as Brite Bar) for its signature drinks, especially those made with energy-drink-infused vodka. The welcoming vibe, with red drapes and a candlelighted lounge, is casual compared with the more sceney places nearby. | 297 10th Ave., at W. 27th St., Chelsea | 10001 | 212/279–9706 | www.velournyc.com | Subway: 1 to 28th St.
Comedy Clubs
Gotham Comedy Club.
This 10,000-square-foot club—complete with