Barracuda

275 W 22nd St, between 7th and 8th Aves, New York, NY 10011 212-645-8613

Description: CHELSEA. You can find this swank Chelsea lounge, which is popular with the neighborhood's gay contingency, nestled between 7th and 8th Avenues. The relatively laid-back regulars enjoy the place's eclectic interior, which includes a very bar-like front room and a rear lounge where there are several cushiony seats and a pool table. The pulse really picks for drag shows and nationally recognized recording artists like Bob Mould and Stephen Trask. TRAIN: 1, 9 to 23rd St; C, E to 23rd St
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Birdland

315 W 44th St, between 8th and 9th Aves, New York, NY 10036-5402 212-581-3080

Description: HELL'S KITCHEN. Although it opened in December 1949, Birdland continues the tradition of live jazz that has been so popular with both New York natives and tourists alike over the years. Classic jazz club ambiance, enhanced by excellent musicians who have likely been playing for decades, is still offered here ­ you will not be disappointed. The line-up of past performers is impressive by any standards, starting with Charlie "Bird" Parker himself. Other well-known names include John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Sarah Vaughan, and Dinah Washington. $10 minimum per person. TRAIN: A, C, E to 42nd St
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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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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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Café Carlyle

35 E 76th St, Carlyle Hotel, New York, NY 10021 212-744-1600

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. The Carlyle Hotel's signature lounge, the Café, certainly looks the part ­ in fact, set designers should take note if they need to re-create a classic big-city cabaret. Comfortable and romantic, the space features stunning music-themed murals painted by French artist Marcel Vertes, who won an Oscar for his work on 1952's Moulin Rouge. Departed bandleader Bobby Short left a strong musical legacy at the Carlyle, and the baton has been passed to the talented New Orleans jazz band, led by Eddy Davis. Looking for further pedigree? German songstress Ute Lemper is a frequent headliner. TRAIN: 6 to 77th St
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Cibar

56 Irving Place, Inn at Irving Place, New York, NY 10003-2314 212-460-5656

Description: GRAMERCY. You'll find this fashionable yuppie hangout in the basement of the Inn at Irving Place between 17th and 18th Streets. Cibar blends just the right amounts of sophistication and coziness ­ dim lighting, an attractive wooden bar, marble-top tables and suave-looking ceiling fans. The bar occasionally features live jazz, which provides the perfect background music for a dry or wet martini (they offer more than 20 flavors). TRAIN: L, N, R, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St-Union Sq
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Don't Tell Mama

343 W 46th St, between 8th and 9th Aves, New York, NY 10036 212-757-0788

Description: HELL'S KITCHEN. If you are in the mood for a no-holds-barred eclectic mix, plan to go to Don't Tell Mama. This piano bar features live jazz, sing-alongs and cabaret rooms, which feature comedy groups, musicals, vocal groups and a variety of other acts. Unlike your typical quiet and cozy piano bar, this one rocks with laughter and conversation from a mix of patrons who would not normally be seen on the street with each other. There is no food served here, so don't go hungry. TRAIN: A, C, E to 42nd St/Port Authority Bus Terminal; C, E to 50th St; N, R, S, 1, 2, 3, 7, 9 to 42nd St-Times Sq
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Feinstein's at the Regency

540 Park Ave, Loew's Regency Hotel, New York, NY 10021 212-339-4095

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. This Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde nightspot, which doubles as a popular breakfast joint in the daytime, bears the name of Grammy-nominated recording artist Michael Feinstein. The bar area is upscale ­ bordering on refined ­ and attracts a fair mix of well-heeled patrons. The cover charge tends to be a little more than most would like to spend, and that is probably the point. Two drink minimum. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6 to 59th St; N, R to Lexington Ave
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Joe's Pub

425 Lafayette St, The Public Theater, New York, NY 10003 212-539-8770

Description: NOHO. Attached to the Public Theatre, Joe's Pub is an intimate venue that's highly regarded all over the city for its eclectic weekly lineups. On any given night, the featured performer may be a little-known jazz ensemble or a pop-culture icon like Elvis Costello, Liz Phair, Neko Case, David Byrne, Mos Def or Sandra Bernhard. The scene has an unmistakable "old school" quality that incorporates velvet couches, lucite tables and plenty of dark-stained wood. If a bite to eat is in order, Joe's kitchen serves up a delicious assortment of classic Italian dishes. Table reservations are accepted. TRAIN: 6 to Astor Pl; N, R, W to 8th St-NYU
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Knitting Factory Brooklyn

361 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211 347-529-6696

Description: BROOKLYN. For cutting edge sounds and up-and-coming jazz, rock, reggae and alternative acts, few places hold a candle to this music club, which boasts a younger sister in Hollywood. A show on the main stage is sure to draw big crowds, but don't let that dissuade you because the Factory draws a much mellower clientele than it did in its younger days. The aptly-named Front Bar features an impressive selection of brews and is a good place to hang out pre- or post show. TRAIN: 6, A, C, E, J, M, N, Q, R, W, Z to Canal St
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La Belle Epoque

140 2nd Ave, between 8th and 9th St, New York, NY 10003 212-924-7077

Description: EAST VILLAGE. La Belle Epoque presents Argentine Tango and Latin Music dance events. Ever popular are the on-going Fridays Tango Club. All day the sounds of live music and the visual dance shows with optional dinner, create an atmosphere for all the senses.
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Lips

2 Bank St, between Greenwich Ave and Waverly Pl, New York, NY 10014 212-675-7710

Description: WEST VILLAGE. Lips runs one of the Village's more amusing drag shows ­ Jersey big hair and Jackie-O-style garb. The place tends to draw an eclectic sampling of NYC society ­ from members of the Village's gay community to a few bridal parties out for that last fling. Lips serves American and Italian food, but it pales in comparison to the lively service, especially when your waiter breaks into the obligatory song and dance routine. TRAIN: 1, 9 at Christopher St-Sheridan Sq
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Mona's

224 Ave B, between 13th and 14th Aves, New York, NY 10009 212-353-3780

Description: EAST VILLAGE. Priding itself on its dark and rather dingy décor, Mona's draws folks that favor alternative rock, cheap drinks and endless games of pool. The interior is stripped down and simple, adorned only with vintage portraits of greats ­ including Malcolm X and Babe Ruth. TRAIN: L to First Ave; N, R, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St-Union Sq
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S.O.B.'s

204 Varick St, at W Houston, New York, NY 10014 212-243-4940

Description: SOHO. This Latin American dance club, whose abbreviation stands for Sounds of Brazil, is located just on the fringe of SoHo and the West Village. A popular place to shake your money maker, S.O.B.'s is also a good place to hear great live music ranging from reggae and Afropop to samba and Latin R & B. Recent acts have included Brand Nubian, Erykah Badu, and Blackalicious. Patrons love to spend all night here, and who could blame them? The tasty island drinks, the beautiful scenery and the great music make this place hard to leave ­ even if it is early in the morning! Closing hours vary. TRAIN: 1, 9 to Houston St
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Stand-Up New York Comedy Club

236 W 78th St, New York, NY 10024 212-595-0850

Description: UPPER WEST SIDE. In between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue stands the red brick Stand-Up New York, one of the Upper West Side's premiere live comedy venues. Arranged like the quintessential comedy club, Stand-Up tends to get crowded as the weekend approaches, especially if the headliner is well known. The club's only drawbacks: the bathrooms are located rather inconveniently downstairs, and there is a two-drink minimum. TRAIN: 1, 9 to 79th St
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Swing 46 Jazz and Supper Club

349 W 46th St, between 8th and 9th Aves, New York, NY 10036 212-262-9554

Description: HELL'S KITCHEN. The newest dance craze has taken hold at the hippest club located on Restaurant Row. Be ready to dance all night to a live swing band or participate in a free swing lesson, offered nightly. Or bring your tap shoes and dance on Sunday's with Dr. Buster Brown. You will find all ages in this classy 1940s-style club. TRAIN: A, C, E to 42nd St
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The Duplex

61 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014 212-255-5438

Description: WEST VILLAGE. The legendary caberet performances staged at this West Villager bring in folks from all walks of life. Indeed, where else but here will you find a theatre whose illustrious alumni include Barbra Steisand, Woody Allen, Lovelady Powell, KT Sullivan and Lea Delaria? The Duplex's Piano Bar, meanwhile, gets kicking at 9pm, when the staff leads the place in a night-long celebration of drinking and open mic performances. TRAIN: 1 or 9 to Christopher St
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The Monster

80 Grove St, Sheridan Square, New York, NY 10014 212-924-3557

Description: WEST VILLAGE. Bring cash to this euphoric gathering place in the heart of the Village, which features a wide repertoire of entertainment, from drag shows to bawdy show tune sing-alongs. TRAIN: 1 to Christopher St-Sheridan Sq
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