New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [131]
Comic Strip Live.
The atmosphere here is strictly corner bar, belying its storied history: Eddie Murphy is said to have discovered Chris Rock here, for example. The famous stage also helped launch the careers of funnymen Paul Reiser and Jerry Seinfeld. | 1568 2nd Ave., between E. 81st and 82nd Sts., Upper East Side | 10028 | 212/861–9386 | www.comicstriplive.com | Subway: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St.
Dangerfield’s.
Since 1969 this has been an important showcase for prime comic talent like Jay Leno and Jim Carrey. The decor is standard, but prices are reasonable ($15 during the week and $20 on weekends, with no drink minimum). | 1118 1st Ave., between E. 61st and E. 62nd Sts., Upper East Side | 10065 | 212/593–1650 | www.dangerfields.com | Subway: 4, 5, 6, N, R to 59th St.–Lexington Ave.
Feinstein’s at the Regency.
That the world-touring Michael Feinstein performs a residency here only once a year (usually in winter) and still gets the venue named after him speaks volumes about the charismatic cabaret star. This tastefully appointed space in Loews Regency Hotel presents Broadway babe and 30 Rock regular Jane Krakowski and other top names in the business—plus, when we’re lucky, Tony Danza. | 540 Park Ave., at E. 61st St., Upper East Side | 10065 | 212/339–4095 | feinsteinsattheregency.com | Subway: 4, 5, 6, N, R to 59th St.–Lexington Ave.
Gay Nightlife
Brandy’s Piano Bar.
A singing waitstaff warms up the mixed crowd at this delightful and intimate Upper East Side lounge, getting everyone in the mood to belt out their favorite tunes. In fact, the Brandy’s scene is so cheerful that some patrons have used this as a musical Prozac, keeping depression at bay. | 235 E. 84th St., between 2nd and 3rd Aves., Upper East Side | 10028 | 212/744–4949 | www.brandysnyc.com | Subway: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St.
UPPER WEST SIDE
Bars
Ding Dong Lounge.
“Gabba gabba hey,” kids—the CBGB’s punk ethos is most alive and well not downtown but way up near Columbia University, at this out-and-out rock-and-roll bar. All manner of music posters (along with punk chanteuse Patti Smith’s actual birth certificate) adorn the walls; the bathrooms are wallpapered entirely with do-it-yourself concert fliers. An exuberant young student crowd swills the many beers on tap, and candles at every table do little to dispel the near-total darkness. Just wear night-vision goggles—and maybe a crash helmet, given how often the DJs really shake up the joint. | 929 Columbus Ave., between W. 105th and W. 106th Sts., Upper West Side | 10025 | 212/663–2600 | www.dingdonglounge.com | Subway: B, C to 103rd St.
Emerald Inn.
Hailed by Upper West Siders as well as, well, everybody else as the Platonic ideal of a neighborhood bar, this welcoming Irish pub offers a mostly friendly staff, a riotous crowd, and a better-than-average range of what Irish pubs are known for. | 205 Columbus Ave., between W. 69th and W. 70th Sts., Upper West Side | 10023 | 212/874–8840 | Subway: 1 to 66th St.
The Empire Hotel Rooftop Bar.
The only thing better than hanging out in Lincoln Center on a lovely night is hanging out a dozen stories above Lincoln Center. Thanks to the radically refurbished Empire Hotel’s sprawling new rooftop bar, you can enjoy that pleasure even on nights that are less than lovely. We’re talking thousands of square feet here, most of it outdoor and heated, with three terraces’ worth of elegant furnishings, lighting, cabanas, and chaise longues. We’re talking an attractive crowd, the single-friendliest hostess in New York City, plus fabulous Friday night parties overseen by the great promoter Adam Sands. And we’re talking cameras, because you’ll want to bring yours and snap the great vistas and the towering red-neon “EMPIRE HOTEL” right above your head. | 44 W. 63rd St., between Broadway and Columbus Ave., Upper West Side | 10023 | 212/956–3313 | Subway: 1 to 66th St./Lincoln Center.
Hi-Life.
The padded black walls,