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New York Nightlife

New York Bars and Beer Gardens

Cocktail sippers and beer drinkers can rejoice with the huge number of bars, beer gardens, and other stops to enjoy a drink. The city is thriving with every kind of bar imaginable, from themed spaces and high-end cocktail spots to dive bars that seem to transport you to the time when the New York harbor was a rough, seafaring place. One of these dive bars is Jeremy’s Ale House and South Sea Port. For something more chic, try the 21 Club, which is known for its food and drinks. Jackets are required for men.

While some of the originals like the Bohemian Beer Hall and Garden have some history in the city, beer gardens are a relatively new trend in the city, and more than 50 have popped up over the last few years. Some gardens are open year round, while some are only open in the warm summer months.

Other bars in the city have become famous for their big moments in history or notorious clientele. Some of these include the Bull and Bear or Café Carlyle. Also worth a look is the Stonewall Inn, which is famous for the Stonewall riots that started the mainstream gay rights movement.

New York Dance and Music Clubs

Whether you want to sit back and listen to the blues, show off your new salsa moves, or simply rock the night away, New York’s dance and music club scene is full of possibilities .Dance at the Latin Club famous for its gangster roots, the Copacabana. Or sip on your cocktail at the eco-friendly Greenhouse nightclub, which is famous for its celebrity appearances. For up and coming music, head to the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn. If you are more into the indie scene, Arlene’s Grocery, which actually is a grocery-store-turned-music-venue, might be right up your alley.

Tips

Unless you are hitting the dive bars and beer gardens (OK, maybe not all of the beer gardens), you will want to dress to impress. In a city that is famous for its high fashion and celebrity and CEO residents, New York is one of those places to both people watch and have people watch you. When hitting the clubs, men should know that it’s always a good idea to bring an extra well-dressed girl or two, and for women, going with a gaggle of the girlfriends is always in style.

The New York night scene is commonly considered a fickle beast: one night a club could be filled to the brim, the next it will be dead. Sometimes this process happens hourly, busy at 11 and empty by 12:30. This shouldn’t deter any one from hitting the town; many people say that one of the best ways to see New York at night is by clubbing or bar hopping from one place to the next. The subway runs all night long, and if you have a place in mind, calling ahead and checking the scene never hurts.

During your pre-night out primp; you may also want to hit the ATM before you really get things started. Extra cash will save you the hassle of trying to pay for things with a credit card or getting stuck in a long ATM line later.

Whether you are insistent on going to that jazz club or you simply must get into one of the hot new clubs, booking ahead or setting up bottle service is a must. This is an expensive endeavor, but it will get you in.

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New York Nightlife