The only thing that’s harder than liquor licenses for nightlife entrepreneurs to get their hands on are cabaret licenses. With the election of Daniel Squadron, whom nightlife blogger Steve Lewis calls “an extremely anti-club, anti-licensing, bad, bad man,” elected to the Senate, Clubplanet anticipates a rapid rise in the number of lounges, which are infinitely easier to license. In the spirit of separating the wheat from the chaff, here’s a list of the best lounges in NYC.
#10 Best NYC Lounge: Pranna
Get over its sleepy location, find a cozy nook within the 15,000 square foot multi-level space, order up some small Asian eats, and lay back with a cocktail as upbeat music blasts from above.
#9 Best NYC Lounge: M by Megu
Looking to impress co-workers or clients? This swank upstairs lounge, overlooking the famed Megu restaurant, serves its bottle service Japanese Tea Ceremony style.
#8 Best NYC Lounge: White Star
Sasha Petraske can often be spotted behind the bar at the latest addition to his mini-empire, which is enough of an incentive for us to go on a regular basis. But unlike his other dim, railroaded spots, there is no table service and the focus is on absinthe and other mixer-free spirits.
#7 Best NYC Lounge: Ella
Hollywood glamour and the roaring 20s are transposed into modern times at this bi-level speakeasy from the folks behind Gallery Bar and Plan B. Start off with some drinks at the upstairs cocktail lounge, but don’t forget to make your way down to the piano/performance space where shows are held nightly.
#6 Best NYC Lounge: Haven
Though nothing comes cheap at this homey, eclectic townhouse, it’s a true haven for those averse to the anonymous dive bars in its midst. We especially appreciate the chandeliers, animal antlers, books, and paintings that make us feel like we stumbled upon our ultra-chic grandparents’ secret library.
#5 Best NYC Lounge: Aspen Social Club
Though the multiple imposing figures standing outside of this swank Aspen-themed lounge might have you thinking otherwise, few visitors are denied entry. Don’t be fooled by the relaxed atmosphere, however: this spot, with its over-sized $100,000 ceramic antler chandelier, is posh all the way.
#4 Best NYC Lounge: Madam Geneva
Adjacent to Double Crown, the dim-lighting, exposed brick walls, and lace panels make this small lounge with its long bar and communal seating leather banquettes a sexy pick-up spot.
#3 Best NYC Lounge: Mr. West
Though this lounge is a welcome alternative to 27th street’s ‘Club Row’ getting past doorkeeper and actor Fabrizio Brienza and into the 1,800-square foot space is no easy fete. Battle your way past the mini-skirts and foreign men, because the upbeat vibe inside is well worth the effort.
#2 Best NYC Lounge: Southside
The space formerly known as Bella’s located below Bar Martignetti has done what so few lounges have been able to do – bring uptown and downtown New Yorkers together for a no-gimmicks good time.
#1 Best NYC Lounge: Apotheke
You can’t go wrong with the exquisitely prepared cocktails – the bartenders have the ability to make more than two hundred variations, and their expertly crafted ice cubes have the oxygen sucked-out of them so as not to melt before you finish your libation. Expect a mad-scientist-like backdrop of beakers and potions at this former opium den – just make sure to get there before 10 when it becomes reservation-only.