Expert recommendations of the best clubs, bars, and other after-dark venues.
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Mercury Lounge
One of the last loud and crowded (as it should be) rock clubs in town. "The place to see bands before they get really famous and move their shows a few blocks to the less intimate Bowery Ballroom."—Hillary Frey, culture editor, New York Observer. 217 E. Houston St.; tel. +1 212 260 4700. www.mercuryloungenyc.com
Mr. Black
Young, predominantly gay, late-night scene. "Atmospheric basement haunt that functions as a dance club and raucous hangout."—Michael Musto, entertainment columnist, Village Voice. 643 Broadway; tel. +1 212 253 2560. www.mrblacknyc.com
Arena
A multilevel dance club that, "despite its location, manages to circumvent the Times Square crowd. Boasts the city's largest programmable LED lighting system for nightclubs. On Thursdays, a colorful carnival of New York's most glittering souls."—Michael Musto. 135 W. 41st St.; tel. +1 212 278 0988. www.arenanyc.net
The Metropolitan Room
Among the city's newest live-music "cabaret-style" venues. Great singing from the likes of Tom Wopat, Annie Ross, and Christine Ebersole. "Seats about 115 and still feels intimate," says Jed Feuer, whose band, Bipolar, has played here. Cocktails, dessert. 34 W. 22nd St.; tel. +1 212 206 0440. www.metropolitanroom.com
The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre
Tiny comedy stage in Chelsea that's gained acclaim as its alumni—Saturday Night Live's Amy Poehler and 30 Rock's Jack McBrayer, for instance—have made the move to TV. "The best place in New York to see the art of improvisational comedy in all its unexpected, jaw-dropping hilarity and truth."—Dan Kois, editor, Vulture, a New York blog (www.nymag.com/daily/entertainment). 307 W. 26th St.; tel. +1 212 366 9176. www.ucbtheatre.com
La Lanterna di Vittorio
For those whose idea of nightlife involves hushed conversation in a dimly lit corner of a small, charming Greenwich Village wine bar and coffee house. Fireplaces lit in winter; intimate outdoor patio for balmy nights. Live jazz nightly. Pizza, panini, desserts, wine, and perfectly frothed cappuccino. 129 MacDougal St.; tel. +1 212 529 5945. www.lalanternacaffe.com
