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Okay, let’s lay down some ground rules. It’s called the City, not Manhattan. And under no circumstances should it say New York City. Yeah, we know some New Yorkers take things a little too far and say they’re from the city even when they’re visiting family in Tulsa, where the nickname really loses its shine.
Whatever you’re trying to do while you’re in town, do it quickly and get out of the way. That goes for ordering at the deli (where do you think the Nazi idea for soup came from?), riding the escalator, walking across the street, or buying a newspaper. Things are faster paced here and people like it that way. This city will eat you alive if you don’t prepare properly.
But even with all the millions of people running around, you can still blend in with the madness and fit right in. This is because everyone is too busy to notice as they rush to the subway, rush to catch the ferry, or fight for a taxi. New York has a “kick you in the teeth” attitude that can make you feel fulfilled when you actually accomplish something. And you know you earned it because you just navigated through all the craziness. Here’s a local tip, so don’t sound like a tourist when you’re downtown: Pronounced “How-Stin” even though it’s spelled as Houston. SoHo means south of Houston. Now discover NoHo on your own.
Immerse yourself in the city, with all it has to offer, and you will understand why it is like no other place in the world. The diversity, the energy, the attitude: you can find anything in the City that never (NEVER) sleeps. There’s always a new neighborhood to explore, another restaurant to try, another club to dance to, and another bar to drink from.
Dreams have come true here since the first settlers and you can feel that same spirit as you walk the streets of each neighborhood. Where else can you see millionaires seamlessly blending in with the working class? From munching on their morning bagels to singing along with Frank Sinatra at the end of the Yankees game, New Yorkers share local pride. Maybe it’s because they all have one thing in common: They all lived in that 300-square-foot studio and paid $2,000 a month for it. And why is everyone saying its address like it’s the most majestic place in the known universe?
NYC was built (and still works) on its neighborhoods. You’ll find that each one has its own character, so get out there and explore. The people from all walks of life are truly what make this place so special.
Bars and Nightlife
The city comes alive at night (and that’s usually when most are tucking in for a good night’s sleep!). Times Square has more lights than a soundstage and it feels like noon even at 2:00 am. With so many people in town every night (and I do mean each and every night) there are plenty of special occasions that need to be celebrated. Whether you’re out for a birthday, a promo, or the imminent “Girls’ Night Out,” here are a few JourneyPod picks:
Maritime Hotel – Yes, we are listing a hotel as a pick for our Nightlife category and it is not because of what goes on behind closed hotel room doors. The entire city block is just one big outdoor extravaganza right outside of South Beach. Located at 363 West 16th St. (at Ninth Ave.), this location was once the headquarters of the National Maritime Union. Now, it’s a glamorous Chelsea Hotel that attracts a trendy nightlife scene. Among its hot spots are Matsuri, a sushi restaurant, a Japanese-themed nightclub called Hiro, and La Bottega, a bar/trattoria that spills out onto a 6,000-square-foot patio. Oh, and how can we forget to mention the party cabanas on the terrace?
Pacha: Talk about a high-energy import that lets you explore the Ibiza vibe without setting foot outside of New York (located at 618 W. 46th St. – between 11th Ave. and West Side Hwy). This international nightclub transports New York club-goers to the steamy tropics, with four floors (and 30,000 square feet) of options. Navigate through a maze of stairs, palm trees, mirrors, and canvas awnings. You’ll find pull-out projection screens, walkways, and intimate retreats (check out the Jacuzzi-style cabins).
Passerby: Screwdrivers are back and somehow they made the Greyhound even cooler. His juicer will refresh your cocktails and his shimmering “Saturday Night Fever” dance floor will enliven your evening. A stylish little hole in the wall offering great drinks and a laid back, laid back crowd. The transient is located at 436 W. 15th St. (between Ninth and 10th Aves.).
White Horse Tavern: A super-popular West Village institution, White Horse Tavern is laid-back, literary, and features lots of wood—a former haunt of Dylan Thomas. Good for a few relaxed Happy Hour pints with old friends and colleagues. Just make sure you’re not looking at their waste line if you decide to order in – the big juicy burgers and chunky fries are worth the calories! White Horse Tavern is located at Hudson and 11th Street.
Bungalow 8 – With so many luxuries offered in this local honeymoon suite, who has time for sleep? If you’re looking for great drinks and interesting snacks, this mini-resort delivers. A hospitality-themed lounge, Bungalow 8 offers everything but mint on your pillow. Perfect for night owls who have trouble sleeping. Bungalow 8 is located at 515 W. 27th St. (between 10th and 11th Aves.).
Gypsy Tea: Despite the name, there’s no Stevie Nicks vibe here. But what you’ll find is a two-tiered hip-hop destination where you’ll often see sections packed with A-listers from the world of fashion and celebrities. With four unique lounge environments (and over 10,000 square feet) of banquette seating, comfortable pillars, a large aquarium, and space to dance, most flock to Gypsy Tea for its VIP section and bottle service. Be sure to try the house specialty – The Gypsy Cosmo! Rated the Hottest New Lounge of 2005, Gypsy Tea can be found at 22 W. 24th St. (between 5th and 6th Aves.).
Pink Elephant: Bring some credit cards and your dressiest shoes when you visit this fancy bottle-service spot (located at 527 W. 27th St., between 10th and 11th Aves.). With a pheromone-firing scent machine, you’ll find your libido-triggering hormones are in full attention and the scene is downright intoxicating! The gate can be difficult, but it’s worth it for the crowd AND the staff you’ll encounter when you walk through the doors. Pink Elephant features a kinetic lighting system, argon lasers, and a tank of liquid nitrogen gas catapulted from the ceiling (for those times when the dance floor gets too hot).
Tortilla Flats: There’s a party every night at this little Tex-Mex joint. Great for food and margaritas (try the strawberry one, you can get them by the pitchers), Tortilla Flats is a fun, cheap cantina that’s always packed with the after-work crowd looking to have a good time. It is located at Washington Street and 12th.
Trailer Park Lounge: Located on 23rd Street (between 7th and 8th avenues), this place is an ode to an old trailer park: screen door, unique vinyl chairs, velvet paintings of Elvis, Marilyn and more. This is the place to be if you want some good comfort food (try the sweet potato fries, tator tots, and mac and cheese) and power drinks (the margaritas are the size of your head!) after a hell of a day with the boss. . With its kitschy decor, Trailer Park is a great place, with no pretensions or attitude.
Dive 75 – A dimly lit watering hole with four TVs, 19 beers on tap, a free Wi-Fi connection, a 155-gallon fish tank, board games on the kazoo (Uno, Monopoly, Connect Four), and friendly bartenders who make you sit down like home, who needs anything else? Dive 75 (located at 101 W. 75th St. – between Columbus and Amsterdam Aves.) is no dive!
BLVD: If you want a lounge, dance floor, and food under one roof, this is the place to deliver all three (and with class). Located on the Bowery (at Spring Street), BLVD is a great one-stop shop that you can check out for pre-dinner drinks or an all-nighter. Great for a first date and when you’re not sure where the night will take you (no need for an “emergency phone call from a friend”): it’s easy to get lost in the crowd at this three-level resort.
bed NY: Manhattan, we would like you to visit South Beach. Beautiful people, beautiful space: This two-level penthouse located on W. 27th Street, is the first downtown restaurant to offer two floors of dining, a 360-degree rooftop view of the downtown skyline city and beds to dine, drink and just relax. . The beds invite everyone to be a little more “free-spirited”. Who said you can’t dress up for bed?
Sutton Place – This laid-back yet hip bar is your multi-choice destination. Whether you’re meeting your boyfriend for late-night drinks or just to watch the big game, Sutton Place is the place to be. The venue features 15 televisions with four large-screen projectors, a separate lounge with a fireplace, and a 46-foot rooftop retreat. Sutton Place is located at 1015 2nd Ave. (between 53rd and 54th streets).
230 Fifth: Are you planning an after-work evening with your colleagues or a weekend drink with your new guy? This expansive (seats nearly 1,000 guests) deco-style penthouse ballroom and wraparound tropical rooftop have views even Trump should envy. Where else can you find nearly 360 degree (unobstructed) views next to the palm trees? Is 230 Fifth located anywhere else but 230 Fifth? (On the corner of 27th street).
The Bryant Park Cafe – A trendy outdoor bar perfect for singles and people watching on those warm New York summer nights. Sitting in this place in the warmer months can make you feel like you are in Paris. They present free jazz and other performances throughout the week (with free outdoor movie nights on Mondays). During the off-season, the singles scene travels indoors to the Bryant Park Grill. The cafe is located at 476 5th Ave. (at 41st Street).
Shopping
It’s the only city in the world where you can forget to pack your little black dress and you’re out of luck. Just walk across the street and buy whatever you need with ease. That brings us to a JourneyPod Pick for all you shopaholics out there. Century 21 (which is downtown, but worth the cab or subway to 22 Cortland St., between Church and Bdwy.). No, not real estate moguls: Century 21 is a retail outlet with great deals on top designers and a bargain hunter’s dream. If brand names are your thing, you’ll savor every moment as you browse the mix of racks of designer clothing. Where else can you buy an Armani suit at 50% off or save hundreds on that hot dress?