Most New Yorkers – from the typical day worker to highly driven entrepreneur need to loosen up and relax amid the non-stop, frantic pace of this global business center. Here’s a list to help out the young professionals navigating their way across the city.
1. Top Hops - Located on Orchard Street in the Lower East Side, this beer-tasting bar is chock-full with barrels and boasts one of the largest selections of beer from across the U.S. and the world. This is for the drinker who loves the taste of the brew. The house recommendations are on a huge blackboard behind the bar. Prices range from $6 to $9 dollars a drink. Not bad considering the wide selection.
2. GMT Tavern – Save this for special occasions. This Irish pub located between La Guardia and Bleecker in the West Village is perfect to take that special someone on a date for some great food and a couple of drinks afterwards. The design of this pub mirrors that of ale halls of old with wooden decor whilst bringing a modern twist to the overall look. Prices at this venue are moderate and if you stick to a couple of drinks after your meal, you should be fine.
3. The Back Room – A local secret located on Norfolk Street in Manhattan, this jazz bar can be a joy to be in if you like to dance to tunes reminiscent of the legendary Benny Goodman, known as The King of Swing. Bring a group of friends and boogie all night. This bar serves their beer in coffee mugs, which adds a twist to your experience. As the interiors resemble that of the 1930s and 1940s, one will know what it was like to party during the era of the Big Band.
4. Fat Baby – If you like 90s hip-hop while holding your drink up high, then this is your joint. Found on Rivington Street, this dance pub is the place to be if you like busting your moves. And you better bring it because, trust us, you’ll see high-level skills out on the floor. But don’t be intimidated and join in on the fun as the crowd gets quite pumped. The drinks here are cheap and if you feel like a school night out, this is for you.
5. Brooklyn Night Bazaar – This warehouse on Banker Street in Brooklyn is a nightspot for many New Yorkers. With live performances from local acts, fashion shops, beer, food and game arcades, this venue will definitely make you stay out the whole night. Prices are reasonable and the large venue guarantees lost of space to move around.
6. Baby’s All Right – This bar is for the hip crowd and fans of live music. This venue offers an eclectic look drawn from Brooklyn’s cultural influences. Here you can catch some of the city’s homegrown artists. Usually the place where artists first make their name in NYC, the venue is also frequented by a number of acts gaining popularity. This live music bar is located on Broadway Street, Brooklyn.
7. Fat Cat – Out of the many destinations on this list, there’s arguably no other place as fun as Fat Cat. It’s got live jazz music and cheap drinks. But the best part is that it has several ping pong tables scattered around the pub. There’s a $10 entrance fee. It’s best to go to this bar with friends so you can fully utilize the venue’s amenities.
8. Flavorpill's Absolut Lunch Break – It a must to attend one of these gatherings at least once in your life. Never before has lunchtime been so intense and fun. It happens only once every other month and lasts only one hour. Subscribe to Absolut Lunch Break and join the mailing list to receive RSVP invites. You only get notifiied of the venue location a few days in advance. Young professionals and college students flock to this free event. Entry comes with one free drink, but you can buy more drinks.
9. Smalls Jazz Club – Although the priciest venue on this list, this classy music bar located on West 10th street in the West Village boasts some of the best jazz musicians in the state and arguably the East Coast. This venue attracts young and old professionals who know their jazz. There is a $10 cover charge but completely worth it, considering the great music on offer. Definitely a must for jazz aficionados.
10. Local 138 – Probably the most popular establishment for thirsty yuppies wanting to unwind after a hard day. This bar is on Ludlow Street in the Lower East Side, and the home of the ultimate happy hour. Beer costs only $3, and they have a ton of discounts on other drinks.
