Blue Note

131 West 3rd St, between MacDougal St & 6th Ave, New York, NY 10012-1208 212-475-8592

Description: WEST VILLAGE. This is the first name in big-name jazz; a place where all of the greats have graced the stage at some point ­ from B.B. King and Roberta Flack to Manhattan Transfer and Spyro Gyra. A trip to the Blue Note guarantees good jazz in a hip, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Expect to pay steep prices to see top-name performers at this Greenwich Village landmark. Dinner is served nightly before the show, making this an impressive place to take a client or a date. TRAIN: A, B, C, D, F to W 4th St-Washington Sq
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BondSt

6 Bond St, between Broadway & Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012 212-777-2500

Description: NOHO. This celebrity hot-spot offers an attractive setting, chic diners and an excellent menu to delight even the most fussy of palates. The creative kitchen comes up with delectable offerings such as oba-leaf sorbet and sushi topped with gold leaf. Order one of Bond Street's many sakes, sit back, grab a cell phone and bask in the excitement and frantic activity that is New York. TRAIN: 6 to Bleecker St
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Boxcar Lounge

168 Ave B, between 10th & 11th Sts, New York, NY 10009 212-473-2830

Description: EAST VILLAGE. Jazz and funk, cocktails and low-level lighting: a good mix if you are looking for a place to unwind with a special someone. In fact, you might want to amble through the narrow, boxcar-like space toward the outdoor garden. There, you can down a few creative cocktails made from the likes of champagne and sake. The after-work crowd here tends toward the professional side. Happy hour lasts until 10pm during the week and until 8pm on weekends. TRAIN: L to 1st Ave; 6 to Astor Pl
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Brandy Library

25 N Moore St, New York, NY 10013 212-226-5545

Description: TRIBECA. Set in the heart of TriBeCa's legendary restaurant and entertainment scene, the upscale, erudite lounge known as Brandy Library is a great place to catch your breath (and look good doing it!) at the close of the day. Booze, not books, line the floor-to-ceiling shelves behind the candle-lit bar, and the skilled waitstaff has a veritable cornucopia of top-flight bottles on hand, from aged single malt scotches to a 1945 Darroze armagnac. If a bite or two is in order, their menu doesn't disappoint thanks to high-brow offerings like tuna tartare, croque-monsieur and Valhrona chocolate cake. TRAIN: A, C, E to Canal St
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Bubble Lounge

228 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013 212-431-3433

Description: TRIBECA. This upscale TriBeCa bar lays proud claim to one of the most impressive selections of sparkling wine and champagne you can imagine ­ the staff claims it's the largest such list in the world, with over 300 on offer. A classy appetizer menu includes such delicacies as strawberries with chocolate fondue, pates, caviar, artisan cheese platters, and sushi. The ideal site to celebrate a special occasion or big event, the place has a chic, lounge-like feel that appeals to the well-to-do and fashion conscious patrons. For that added "Big Apple Touch," the Bubble frequently features live jazz. TRAIN: 1, 9 to Franklin St
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Circa Tabac

32 Watts St, New York, NY 10013 212-941-1781

Description: SOHO. Leave it to a neighborhood as fashion conscious as SoHo to boast a kicky joint like Circa Tabac, between Thompson and 6th Avenue. One of only a handful of bars in NYC to still allow smoking, this place has quite a bit of character, with an Art Deco-inspired interior reminiscent of the roaring '20s. Popular opinion has it that Circa Tabac offers one of the best wine lists around, and their imported beer list is somewhat legendary. Great place to go if you want to drink a martini and smoke a stogie in relative peace. TRAIN: A, C, E, 1, 9 to Canal St
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Dark Room

165 Ludlow St, between Houston & Stanton, New York, NY 10002 212-353-0536

Description: LOWER EAST SIDE. Located below street level, this hip lounge occupies the space that was once that versatile watering hole known as the Ludlow Bar. These days, the scene has mellowed somewhat, and the Dark Room has become a favorite post-party destination for bands who have performed in nearby neighborhood venues (acts like the Killers and Libertines). Indeed, the long, narrow interior features deep leather banquettes and dim lighting, perfect for a late night breather. TRAIN: F to 2nd Ave
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Dylan Prime

62 Laight St, New York, NY 10013 212-334-4783

Description: TRIBECA. Don't be confused by the pub-like interior of this TriBeCa star ­ the dark green walls, mahogany accents and dim lighting. Upscale Dylan Prime is anything but a beer joint, as you'll find out once you've seen the cocktail list, which features $11 cocktails with names like TriBeCa Town Car and Makers Mark Manhattan. And yet, this is far more than a trendy place to tip a glass ­ superb numbers like the Colorado rack of lamb, 32-oz. porterhouse, and succulent filet mignon most assuredly see to that. TRAIN: 1, 9 to Canal St
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Fat Cat Billiards

75 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014 212-675-6056

Description: WEST VILLAGE. Live music and games: What more could be better? This basement-level dive, associated with jazzy Smalls on West 10th, is as classic as they come. There are no frills, no fancy themes, no cleverly-named cocktails. What attracts the West Village crowd to Fat Cat is its simplicity ­ it's a great place to relax with friends and catch a terrific jazz act, and it's an even better place to play backgammon, ping-pong, pool, or (gulp!) chess. TRAIN: 1, 9 to Christopher St
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Laugh Lounge

151 Essex St, New York, NY 10002 212-614-2500

Description: LOWER EAST SIDE. Thanks to this lounge, funny's found a new home on the Lower East Side. Past headliners have included Colin Quinn, Tracy Morgan and Damon Wayans. TRAIN: F to Delancey St; J, M, Z to Essex St
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Little Branch

20 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014 212-929-4360

Description: WEST VILLAGE. Milk & Honey's mellow younger sibling features mix-master Sasha Petraske's legendary concoctions and the same hip crowd. TRAIN: 1, 2, 3 to 14th St; L to 8th Ave
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Living Room

154 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002 212-533-7235

Description: LOWER EAST SIDE. For terrific folk and acoustic sets, few places hold a candle to the Living Room, an understated little space in the LES that hosts up-and-coming acts (Norah Jones played here before her big break). Hanging on the wall behind the bar is an impressive collection of beer-related tchochkes, and there's counter seating as well as a few comfy pieces of furniture. Head on down the hall, through the brown curtains, and you'll find the main performance area, which features a small stage and handful of cafe-style tables. Upstairs, Googie's is a blue-hued lounge with sofas, intimate tables, a piano and its own musical lineup. TRAIN: F, V to Lower East Side-2nd Ave; J, M, Z to Essex St
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Louis 649

649 E 9th St, New York, NY 10009 212-673-1190

Description: EAST VILLAGE. One of the hipper spots in the East Village, this snappy bar features specialty cocktails. Upscale yet not at all stuffy, the redbrick space is long and narrow, and seating is available at the tile-topped bar as well as the handful of intimate, cafe-style tables lined along the wall. As for the crowd, look for a sophisticated brand of clientele who knows a thing or two about top-shelf single malt scotches and fine wine (several are available by the glass). TRAIN: l to 1st Ave-14th St; 6 to Astor Pl
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Max Fish

178 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002 212-529-3959

Description: LOWER EAST SIDE. Located between Houston and Stanton Streets, this bridge between the hip East Village and the Lower East Side's hot lounge scene is the favorite watering hole of neighborhood artists and barflies alike. The bar frequently hosts exhibits by local artists and intimates a very bohemian feel. However, on the weekends, the crowd becomes a little more mixed as Dockers-clad Uptowners and students descend upon this artists' haven. Check out the jukebox, with a music selection as diverse as the clientele. TRAIN: F to 2nd Ave
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Pravda

281 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012 212-226-4944

Description: NOLITA. When it first opened, Pravda was one of those places that only the pretty people could enter. Today, the restaurant/lounge is still a favorite among some local sophisticates but not the glamour scene that it once was. Fortunately, though, Pravda has managed to maintain a bit of mystery (of course, the sub-level location helps) ­ from antique Russian furniture to its speakeasy-type atmosphere. If it's vodka you're looking for, this is the place to get it ­ with over 70 different varieties and ten house-infused flavors, you're sure to find something suitable. Just be prepared for the prices. Those looking for something a little more romantic will want to head to the upstairs bar area, which is a great place to have a quiet one-on-one conversation. TRAIN: B, D, F, Q to Broadway-Lafayette; 6 to Spring St; N, R Prince St
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Smalls

183 W 10th, New York, NY 10014 212-252-5091

Description: WEST VILLAGE. If you're out to experience jazz at its dive bar best, this snug spot on West 10th is back again after taking a long sabbatical (there were more than a few tears when it closed in 2003 after a decade-long run of great music). Smalls, once again, has emerged as a great place to catch a live performance and its subterranean confines now boast a cool full-service bar area. Booked acts are mostly up-and-comers; however, it's not uncommon for established musicians to stop by and try out new material. Two early sets (the first is free!) and three evening sets each night. TRAIN: 1, 9 to Christopher St
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Solas

232 E 9th St, between 2nd and 3rd Aves, New York, NY 10003 212-375-0297

Description: EAST VILLAGE. Enjoy a game of pool and your favorite drink--this spot's renowned for great Guinness, expertly prepared margaritas and powerhouse Red Bulls! Expect some DJ action every other Thursday night and a well-heeled, enthusiastic crowd almost every night. The laid-back yet upscale attitude exudes from the warm interior, which consists of light wood tones, oranges and reds. TRAIN: N, R to 8th St-NYU; 6 to Astor Pl; L at 14th St and 3rd Ave
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Temple Bar

332 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012 212-925-4242

Description: NOHO. This masculine lounge is geared toward those with discerning palates ­ or, more exactly, those who can taste the difference between Bombay and Hendrick's, Stoli and Danzka. Indeed, the dark, stained interior appeals to a sophisticated breed of clientele (all of them dressed to the nines), and the plush furniture and topnotch service make it easy for them to spend several hours here, soaking it all in and running up enormous tabs. If the need to feed strikes, the menu features treats like ginger-glazed spare ribs, salt and pepper calamari, and foie gras. TRAIN: 6 to Bleecker St; B, D, F, V to Broadway-Lafayette St
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The Room

144 Sullivan St, Manhattan, NY 10012 212-477-2102

Description: SOHO. A laid back, intimate attitude pervades at this wine and beer-only spot. Even so, the spirit of SoHo does reveal itself: Unrepresented artists are given wall space to display their work, and the steel fixtures were crafted by locals. If it's your first date and you need a comfortable yet upscale place to enjoy a few post-prandials, it's hard to top the quiet, redbrick confines and extensive beer and wine lists of the Room. TRAIN: 1, 6 C, E to Spring St; 1, 9 to Houston; 1, 6 to Bleecker St; N, R to Prince St
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Verlaine

110 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002 212-614-2494

Description: LOWER EAST SIDE. French-Vietnamese influences pervade the snack menu at this dim venue on the Lower East Side. Named after the famously indulgent "poète maudit," Paul Verlaine, the lounge certainly does what it can to seduce its well-heeled clientele into a night of eating, drinking and chanting. The deep, comfortable banquettes are conducive to private conversation, and the cool, mellow music always seem to be at just the right decible. If you're looking to impress out-of-towners, this is the place to do it. TRAIN: F, V to Lower East Side-Second Ave
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