“Party” listings
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The Blind Barber
This bar is a barber by day and a speakeasy by night. Pass the velvet ropes that give the place away, slide through the door advertising cuts, shaves and trims and weave past the barbershop chairs through a sliding door to enter this happening bar/ club. The vibe is old-school and vintage cool, with a packed black and white checkered dancefloor, flowery velvet couches and ornate, gold-framed images on the (purposely) yellowing walls. Need a break? The knowledgable bartenders will whip you up a classic cocktail like the Strawberry Fields, made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, lemon, honey, strawberries and parsley. (09/2011)
339 E 10th St
212-228-2123
blindbarber.com -
Painkiller
This subterranean and windowless tiki-themed oasis kills the pain alright; first successfully anesthetizing it, then knocking you out completely, to finally bring it tenfold the next morning. The tiki temple has all the glorious kitsch we love—leopardprinted booths, palm tree curtains, tribal masks, leis, colorful lamps and over 108 freshly concocted cocktails, each more potent than the last. Around 10 drinks, $16 each, are so strong that only one is permitted per person. The Zombie, for instance, has five different shots in it, including absinthe. (09/2011)
49 Essex St.
212-777-8454
painkillernyc.com -
Arthur’s Tavern
Since 1937, this quaint West Village venue has hosted live jazz, blues, Dixieland and R&B seven days a week. It’s the city’s longest continually run jazz club, and is known for its internationally acclaimed house bands and legendary live performers (Charlie Parker and Roy Hargrove were regulars.) The strange décor includes year-round Christmas and Easter decorations and the crowd is packed like a pre-hurricane grocery store. But it all adds to the charm of what may be the most authentic free jazz spot this side of the Mississippi. (07/2011)
57 Grove St
212-675-6879
arthurstavernnyc.com -
Crime and Punishment
This Lower East Side staple hosts free weekly comedy nights. The show has a lineup that host Kate Berlant calls “the best living alternative comics,” many of whom have been featured on Comedy Central. Take advantage of happy hour specials during the show. Tuesdays at 8pm. (06/2011)
At Cake Shop; 152 Ludlow St
212- 253-0036
cake-shop.com -
Mehanata Bulgarian Bar
Famous for its “trans-global” dance parties, this nightclub plays a high-energy fusion of foot-stomping Balkan disco with Bhangra, reggaeton, hiphop and “immigrant punk”—like the hit song title by Gogol Bordello, whose inimitable frontman Eugene Hütz spins here. When the dancefloor frenzy heats you up, head to the underground Ice Cage, Manhattan’s only subzero drinking lounge. (05/2011)
113 Ludlow St
212-625-0981
mehanata.com -
The Slipper Room
This anachronistic Lower East Side venue is almost single-handedly inspiring a revival of vaudeville and comic burlesque, now with brand-new construction featuring double high ceilings for aerialists and acrobats. The nightly cabaret is always a romping good time, but be sure to check out Mr. Choade’s Upstairs/Downstairs, the city’s longest-running burlesque show. (05/2011)
167 Orchard St
212-253-7246
slipperroom.com -
Jalopy Theatre and School of Music
Stepping into this intimate concert hall is like entering a time warp in a city that has long since abandoned such old-timey charm. Vintage instrument repair shop by day, this diamond in the rough has showcased notable folk artists like Spider John Koerner and Wayne Hancock, and its bar features cappuccinos as well as $3 beers. Go see Roots n Ruckus, a free lineup of local talent Wednesday evenings, and come back the following afternoon for banjo or mandolin lessons. (04/2011)
315 Columbia St, Brooklyn
718-395- 3214
jalopy.biz -
Bar on Fifth
If your ideal drink spot includes oversized white leather chairs, a fancy bowl of spiced nuts and a three-piece band (nightly from 8 to 11), head to this sleek hotel lobby bar. All this elegance isn't cheap (cocktails average $16), but it's worth that “only in New York” feeling you get watching yellow cabs speed down Fifth Avenue. An extensive menu of tartines, small bites and meat-andcheese plates will tempt you to stay for dinner. (03/2011)
At the Setai Fifth Avenue 400 Fifth Ave
212-695-4005
setaififthavenue.com -
MASON DIXON
How long can you ride a bull after you’ve had a few? Climb aboard the mechanical version at this Dixie outpost and fi nd out. Build up your liquid courage with New York’s biggest choice of bourbons. (01/2011)
113 Essex St
212-260-4100
masondixonnyc.com -
UNION HALL
This bar and live music venue in a converted Park Slope warehouse offers Manhattan style blended with Brooklyn’s casual comeas- you-are warmth. Toasty fireplaces, a dignifi ed library and two indoor bocce courts offer the perfect setting for knocking back a Brooklyn Lager or two. Events this month include a concert by Forest City Lovers (Nov. 12) and a massive ’90s dance party with live music by The Bayside Tigers (Nov. 24). (11/2010)
702 Union St, Brooklyn
718-638-4400
unionhallny.com -
BARBÉS
Sure, this Park Slope spot has a full line of microbrews on tap, top-shelf liquor (specializing in single malt scotch, with more than 20 available) and decent wines, but that’s not what draws the crowds to this intimate, energetic space. Rather, it’s the live bands that play two times a night, six nights a week—which make the audience dance and sway to the beats of gypsy jazz, folk rock, Afro- Peruvian and other eclectic musical genres. (09/2010)
376 Ninth St, Brooklyn
347-422-0248
barbesbrooklyn.com -
DOOBIE’S
Some call it a dive bar. Others say it’s the Philly spot where everybody knows your name. Regardless, it’s the place for pitchers shared among friends after work. And, quite unexpectedly, it’s a destination for vegetarian and vegan diners. (09/2010)
2201 Lombard St
215-546-0316