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New York New York Bars and Clubs, Nightlife

...Because New York never sleeps



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New Yorkers get bored easily. The hottest club tonight could be dead by next weekend. Stiff competition or simply an endless appetite for something new doesn't allow much time for a new club to reach legendary status a la Studio 54 that for close to a decade revolutionized the city's party scene.

Lotus club, New York If anything comes close to that today is BUNGALOW 8, where young Hollywood, socialites (yes, Paris Hilton too), and trendsetters come to impress and be impressed. Unless you're one of the socialites or are on a first-name basis with one of them, you have only a very small chance of getting in. Still, if you aspire for upscale pretentiousness, try your luck with the doormen. Inside you'll find potted palm trees and drinks at insanely high prices.

But if you in fact don't make it past the velvet rope and still want to experience what the moneyed do, head to Trump Tower's THE WORLD BAR. You may end up rubbing shoulders with politicians and American TV stars, or trying The World Cocktail, known as the world's most expensive (although it has now been surpassed elsewhere throughout the world) -- for $50 you'll get an alcoholic concoction topped with 23-karat liquid gold. But if you don't want to stretch your budget that far, there are other less expensive drinks available at this oak-walled space.

International DJs will keep you dancing at Cielo, a very selective Meatpacking District club with a certain Ibiza vibe. Decorated with a futuristic look, it makes its pretty people clientele feel like VIPs for the simple fact that they've made it inside. There is no separate VIP room here -- the entire club is privileged space.

A-list celebrities are also often seen at The Box, an energetic venue for live shows ranging from jazz dancers to circus performances. Later at night it's a place to get up and dance, or simply stand still with a drink admiring the 1920s décor.

Marquee club, New York Yet another hot venue of the moment is the Marquee, packed with supermodels and their boyfriends du jour. Of course it's hard to get in if you're not well connected or Karolina Kurkova, but if you make it inside, enjoy the exclusive Perrier Jouet champagne as you go around the two floors and the circular dance floor ringed by banquettes.

Also in Chelsea is Cain, a swanky South African-themed club with the obligatory selective doormen. When you push through the elephant-trunk door, you may very well come face to face with Lindsay Lohan with drink in hand (it is said her drinking here once led her to accidentally leave her Amex card in the bathroom). If you're not a celebrity though, you may never get to see the zebra-skin bar counters or have one of the excellent drinks under the soft orange-sunset lighting.

For something less exclusive, consider Pacha NYC. Erick Morillo's Ibiza club has expanded into the Big Apple, with its girls moving to house music under showers. It takes over four different floors, with the VIP lounge at the top. It often hosts the world's top DJs, and the crowd is always good.

On a more classic level, Webster Hall is one of the city's largest and longest-established clubs. Currently it is also a concert venue and a corporate events center. It features a 1920s art deco décor and the crowd is young and very informal.

But if clubbing isn't exactly your scene, you can always opt for a more relaxing evening at a lounge. APT is a club-lounge for the pretty girls and boys, although it is not as exclusive as it once was. Still, the unmarked entrance is supposedly so that only those who know will find it (it's on 419 West 13th so ring the buzzer -- Shhhh!!). The DJs are downstairs, while upstairs are thirtysomethings sitting on comfortable couches.

Best of all is standing over Manhattan with a cocktail. The rooftop terrace of 230 Fifth has the most spectacular views over the city. The fantastic indoor lounge with bold lighting and wraparound sofas is for the colder winter days, but the specialty cocktails are always better enjoyed outside. It's in a commercial building, so upon entering take an elevator up to the 21st floor. Once you reach the top you'll see the 360-degree views, palm tress, and a wide range of drinks, as well as a refined a la carte menu waiting for you.

For a cosier ambience head to BOOKMARKS ROOFTOP LOUNGE AND TERRACE on the 14th floor of The Library Hotel. The daytime Poetry Garden transforms into this lounge at night, complete with a fireplace and sofas. Midtown's skyscrapers will be staring you in the face in the outdoor terrace, where you can have one of the literary cocktails such as the Capote, the Great Gatsby, or the Hemingway.

Some of the best designer cocktails in the Big Apple are also found at the Flatiron Lounge, with a rotating cocktail menu always featuring fresh juices. It's located in a historic 1920s building, with the décor showcasing sleek banquettes, wrought ironwork, and an Art Deco bar counter.

The same owner is also part of Pegu Club, with arguably the best drinks in town (created by famous mixologist and co-owner Audrey Saunders). It has a rather Asian feel, with bamboo blinds, palm trees, and spicy oriental snacks. It is a favorite for a more relaxed evening on its velvet couches.

Part modern wine bar, part Italian-style panini bar, Bar Veloce is the place to head to before or after a night out. Order wine by the glass and choose from an excellent selection of snacks to accompany it.