Neon-drenched speakeasy meets outer space. Come for the retro, sci-fi vibe, and stay for the dance parties, creative drinks, and solid sound system. A smaller venue with a proven atmosphere.
Time-capsule French bistro with its original dark wood paneling, mirrors, and red banquettes. The set menu sticks to reverent classics – steak au poivre, escargots, and a perfect île flottante for dessert.
Design-led hotel where every room is a unique composition of bold color, pattern, and contemporary art. The ground-floor bar is centered on a long pewter top, serving afternoon tea and hosting weekend jazz.
Historic Midtown dining room with deep red banquettes and monkey lamps glowing above the bar. A wraparound mural of Jazz Age icons lines the main room – look for Sinatra, Ellington, and Dorothy Parker.
Glamorous, burlesque-themed steakhouse defined by siren-red walls and vintage portraits of 1930s showgirls. The menu is pure classics – charred New York strips, shareable sides, and a towering 24-layer chocolate cake for dessert.
Seafood-focused Italian spot on a West Village corner, with a menu of playful dishes like shrimp parm. The buttery yellow room has a buzzy energy and a pewter bar pouring martinis made with garlic-bread-infused vodka.
Sophisticated dining room modeled on a post-colonial Indian social club, serving elevated regional dishes like Alleppey shrimp curry. Reservations are among the city's toughest to secure; try for a walk-in spot at the bar.
Northern Mexican steakhouse grilling prime cuts and regional specialties over a live charcoal fire. The sprawling, hacienda-style room is built for celebrations – expect a Tomahawk steak carved tableside.
Two-room cocktail spot with the feel of a lively house party, complete with vintage couches and a loud soundtrack. The highly technical, culinary-driven drinks are the main draw – expect combinations like strawberry with parmesan or fennel
Grand, Art Deco dining room serving a French interpretation of steakhouse classics from a wood-burning grill. Expect tableside theatre – prime rib is carved from a rolling cart and Caesar salads are tossed to order.
Intimate dining room with burnt-orange banquettes and Murano glass chandeliers, serving a dinner-only menu. Shareable plates fuse Caribbean soul and European technique – from salt cod fritters to oxtail gratin.
Dimly lit sports tavern where locals watch the game from booths in the back. The kitchen serves smashed burgers and a BEC donut; the bar pours creative cocktails like the Irish Buck.
Vibrant East Village dining room serving the regional classics of northern India. The newsprint-lined space is always packed, with groups sharing large pots of goat biryani and rich butter chicken.
Fine-dining spot in Lincoln Center serving Afro-Caribbean dishes like braised oxtails and egusi dumplings. The stylish room runs on a 90s hip-hop soundtrack; a line for walk-ins forms daily at 4 pm.
Pioneering Japanese speakeasy where precise cocktails are served under a massive cherub mural. The room is intimate and dimly lit – arrive early to avoid the inevitable wait.
Intimate hotel bar with wood-paneled walls covered in portraits and a carved stone fireplace. Cocktails are globally inspired – think sesame-washed scotch and Martinis made with aguardiente.
Modern homage to Punjabi dining culture, built around family-style plates of kebabs and tandoor-fired breads. The bar pours classic Indian punches for a crowd that fills the room nightly – book ahead.
Sophisticated Village spot where creative Italian dishes emerge from a bustling open kitchen. Expect inventive plates like a foie gras PB&J bombolone alongside perfectly executed house-made pastas.
Narrow West Village seafood spot serving crisp fish and chips, grilled skewers, and sticky toffee pudding from an open kitchen. Counter seats face the action while tightly packed tables fill the intimate dining room.
Intimate French brasserie in a townhouse, with mahogany-paneled walls and plush velvet banquettes. The menu is a tribute to the classics – think steak frites and Dover sole – served alongside perfectly chilled martinis.
Mexican brasserie tucked beneath a corner taqueria, accessed through a discreet door and the kitchen. The low-lit, cavernous dining room is loud and energetic, fueled by strong margaritas and shared plates of grilled corn and tacos.
Opulent supper club with leopard-print carpets, red corduroy settees, and Murano glass chandeliers. Live jazz from a baby grand piano fills the room, accompanying classic cocktails and caviar served late.
Sleek dining room centered on a twelve-foot wood-fire grill turning out seasonal steaks and seafood. A custom raw bar cart makes the rounds between tables; small stools are even provided for handbags.
Japanese cocktail bar set across two floors of a historic carriage house. Downstairs is a classic Ginza-style bar; upstairs, a cozier loft for meticulously crafted martinis and small plates.
Caribbean cocktail bar tucked into a quiet alley, pouring creative daiquiris and rum drinks from a rattan-fronted bar. The menu centers on West Indian patties; the soundtrack is high-energy and the custom paintings depict quiet island life.
Financial District hotel channeling a private club with its dark woods, brass details, and tufted leather seating. The library lounge pours complimentary prosecco nightly; an intimate upstairs wine bar specializes in Tuscan vintages.
Tribeca restaurant designed like an Indian palace, with towering marble walls and a private room lined with hand-cut mirrors. The tasting menu journeys through India's 29 states; staff present each dish with its origin story.
Intimate cocktail lounge atop an Art Deco skyscraper, wrapped by a terrace with 360-degree skyline views. The menu is spirit-forward and creative – think tequila Old Fashioneds and clarified milk punches with Earl Grey and champagne.
Minimalist bar crafting cocktails from soju infused with Korean botanicals – think white lotus and matcha. The intimate, peach-toned space also pours a full menu of non-alcoholic wellness elixirs.
Sleek Chinatown cocktail bar pouring surprising drinks and strong martinis. Most people come for the spacious backyard patio – the fried taro cake is the essential order.
Tiki-themed queer dive with chaotic decor, frozen cocktails, and cheap shots. The large, no-frills backyard is the main hangout, with DJs spinning everything from 90s R&B to techno.
Neighborhood trattoria serving the home-style cooking of Bologna, with a clear focus on handmade pasta. The rustic room is anchored by a large, wood-paneled bar – a remnant from a film set – that gives the space a timeless, lived-in feel.
Lively Ridgewood corner spot with sage green walls and a prominent taxidermy jaguar. The kitchen turns out creative Mexican-American plates for sharing – think fried Oaxacan cheese and dry-spice pork ribs al pastor.
Neighborhood pizzeria turning out thin, crispy sourdough pies and house pastas like agnolotti. The warm, classy room is a local go-to for date nights and Italian cocktails.
