'disiac

402 W 54th St, New York, NY 10019 212-586-9880

Description: HELL'S KITCHEN. Pay close attention on your stroll through Hell's Kitchen or you may just miss the door to this dark, intimate lounge, which just so happens to be one of the neighborhood's most stylish watering holes. The Moroccan inspired elements give the space a touch of exotic appeal, and the first-class service delivers impeccable renditions of everything from house-made sangria to martinis. When it's nice out, the tidy little garden area in the back is a great place to get fresh air and engage in meaningful conversation. TRAIN: C, E to 50th St
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21 Club

21 W 52nd St, between 5th and 6th Aves, New York, NY 10019-6101 212-582-7200

Description: MIDTOWN WEST. Martinis and other sophisticated cocktails are the drinks of choice at this posh Midtown mainstay. Don't be fooled by the down-home entrees featured in the restaurant; this is one of New York's finest, and you must be dressed to fit the bill. Rub elbows with a star or an occasional dignitary while enjoying the exquisite atmosphere. TRAIN: B, D, Q to 47-50th Sts-Rockefeller Center; E, F to Fifth Ave
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Auction House

300 E 89th St, between 1st and 2nd Aves, New York, NY 10128 212-427-4458

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. If you want to see the preferred watering hole of quite a few of the New York Rangers, try this rather eclectic bar and grill. The Auction House's interior boasts an interesting hodgepodge of sports memorabilia and antique furniture, making it ideal for either watching the big game or perhaps even a first date. Indeed, where else can you catch the Rangers and the Bruins under the watchful eye of a nude portrait? The Auction's back area, a living room complete with a comfortable sofa and fireplace, is a popular after-work meeting place during the week. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St
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BiCE Ristorante

7 E 54th St, New York, NY 10022 212-688-1999

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. This classy Midtown bar and restaurant, with decor by famous designer Adam Tihany, offers an upscale alternative for business types who want to enjoy a good martini or glass of wine after a day at the office. Bice also serves an excellent Nouveau Italian/Milanese menu with specialties that include several excellent pasta dishes ­ the red wine risotto and tagliolini are tops. TRAIN: E, F, N, R to 5th Ave
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Brandy's Piano Bar

235 E 84th St, between 2nd and 3rd Aves, New York, NY 10128 212-744-4949

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. Fortunately for its boisterous patrons, Brandy's stays open late. This popular piano bar is one part sing-along and two parts lounge. Expect to have a great time here and plan to participate with the staff and largely mixed clientele in the crooning. Regardless, there's something mysteriously elegant about this place. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St
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Bull and Bear Steakhouse & Bar

49th St & Lexington Ave, Waldorf-Astoria, New York, NY 10022 212-872-4900

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. Once you have stepped into the bar of this elegant steak house named after the highs and lows of the stock market, you have entered a world of masculine elegance. Resembling a study, the rich decor consists of oil paintings of horses, upholstered sofas and leather chairs. TRAIN: E, F to Lexington Ave; 6 to 51st St
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Caroline's on Broadway

1626 Broadway, between 49th and 50th Sts, New York, NY 10019 212-757-4100

Description: THEATRE DISTRICT. Not for the timid, Caroline's presents well-known acts performing raunchy comedy. A two-drink minimum is strictly enforced, but you will want more than two if you sit close to the front since you will end up being part of the act. TRAIN: C, E, 1, 9 to 50th St; B, D, E to 7th Ave; N, R to 49th St
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Feinstein's at the Regency

540 Park Ave, Loew's Regency Hotel, New York, NY 10021 212-339-4095

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. This Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde nightspot, which doubles as a popular breakfast joint in the daytime, bears the name of Grammy-nominated recording artist Michael Feinstein. The bar area is upscale ­ bordering on refined ­ and attracts a fair mix of well-heeled patrons. The cover charge tends to be a little more than most would like to spend, and that is probably the point. Two drink minimum. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6 to 59th St; N, R to Lexington Ave
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Four Seasons Bar

99 E 52nd St, Four Seasons Hotel, New York, NY 10022-5905 212-754-9494

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. Midtown's business crowd patronizes this classy modernistic bar. TRAIN: 6 to 5th St.; E, F to Lexington Ave
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Iridium Jazz Club

1650 Broadway, New York, NY 10019 212-582-2121

Description: THEATRE DISTRICT. At Broadway and 51st, Iridium hosts an impressive repertoire of jazz acts every month, including guitar legend Les Paul every Monday. Inside, you'll find a scene that looks like something out of a postmod painting ­ stylishly sitting on the cusp of absurdity and funkiness. Nevertheless, this is a cool place to stop by. Students with ID get half price admission Sun-Thu. $10 minimum at bar, $10 at tables. TRAIN: C, 1, 9 to 50th St; N, R, W to 49th St; B, D, E to 7th Ave
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King Cole Bar

2 E 55th St, St. Regis Hotel, New York, NY 10022-3103 212-339-6721

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. This posh and luxurious Midtown bar is located inside the St. Regis Hotel. Your jaw will drop at the prices, but once you have recovered, feast your eyes on the unique Maxfield Parrish mural and relax. Expect to see the rich and famous frequenting this establishment. TRAIN: 6 to 59th St; E, F to Lexington-3rd Aves; N to 57th St
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Le Cirque

151 E 58th St, courtyard of 1 Beacon Ct, New York, NY 10022 212-644-0202

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. A world all its own, Le Cirque provides an eccentric and elegant atmosphere where you can unwind and enjoy an exceptional meal after a long day. Entertain yourself by watching celebrities and socialites. The interior features a stunning two-story " wine tower," an all-glass bar and plenty of big top-inspired flare. TRAIN: E, F to Lexington Ave; 6 to 51st St
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MO Bar

80 Columbus Cir, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, New York, NY 10023 212-805-8876

Description: MIDTOWN WEST. Distinguished by its upscale attitude, this cocktail lounge has emerged as a popular place for folks who work in the Time Warner Center to gather at the close of the day with clients or out-of-town guests they'd like to impress. Trendy yet ultimately inviting, contemporary yet timelessly comfortable ­ Mo Bar is decorated with plush leather furniture, velvet drapes and central bar topped with hammered nickel. Signature cocktails include the Full Circle (Tanqueray mixed with pomegranate and pineapple juices) and the Saketini. TRAIN: 1, 2, 3, A, B, C, D to Columbus Cir
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North West Restaurant & Lounge

392 Columbus Ave, at 79th St, New York, NY 10024 212-799-4530

Description: UPPER WEST SIDE. North West is one of those cool, laid-back places that discriminating lounge-seekers dream about. This sleek upstairs space is a popular destination for the after-work crowd, who appreciate the excellent cocktails (wait until you see their rather lusty martini list). North West offers a full menu until 11pm and a shorter, late-night menu thereafter. TRAIN: B, C to 81st St; 1, 2, 3, 9 to 79th St
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Session 73

1359 1st Ave, New York, NY 10021 212-517-4445

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. Located in what was once the Yorkville Brewery, the Upper East Side's mellow Session 73 lacks the intimacy that you'd expect from a Big Apple jazz/blues club. Nevertheless, this bar does benefit from a laid-back, almost homey atmosphere that is conducive to hearing live blues, funk and jazz. If you want to truly experience the place, eschew the tables so you can saunter up to a seat at the bar. Keep your eyes peeled, as everybody from Derek Jeter to Ben Affleck has been spotted here. TRAIN: 6 to 68th St
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Shalel Lounge

65½ W 70th St, lower level, New York, NY 10023 212-873-2300

Description: UPPER WEST SIDE. This oft-overlooked sub-level bar in the West 70s offers comfortable, low-key environs for those wanting to escape the crowds and bustle of the neighborhood's more high-profile joints. The scene ­ flickering candles, stone walls, romantic alcoves, couches lined with Moroccan pillows, and the beguiling sounds of Greek and Middle Eastern music ­ captures all the charm and allure of an Old World speakeasy. Located below Metso. TRAIN: 1 to 72nd-Broadway; B, C to 72nd-Central Park
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Stand-Up New York Comedy Club

236 W 78th St, New York, NY 10024 212-595-0850

Description: UPPER WEST SIDE. In between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue stands the red brick Stand-Up New York, one of the Upper West Side's premiere live comedy venues. Arranged like the quintessential comedy club, Stand-Up tends to get crowded as the weekend approaches, especially if the headliner is well known. The club's only drawbacks: the bathrooms are located rather inconveniently downstairs, and there is a two-drink minimum. TRAIN: 1, 9 to 79th St
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Townhouse Bar of New York

236 E 58th St, New York, NY 10001 212-754-4649

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. The dress code is strictly enforced in this three-part gay club. In other words, don't bother going if you are dressed casually. You will see more suits than anything else, so look the part if you want to get in. The dark wood and lush fabrics found in these three rooms produce a feeling of quiet elegance. The large and lively piano bar is on the same floor with the front lounge, a casual bar with comfy sofas. Downstairs you will find a quiet atmosphere, better suited for conversation. Cash only policy. TRAIN: N, R to Lexington Ave; 4, 5, 6 to 59th St
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TY Lounge

99 E 52nd St, Four Seasons Hotel, New York, NY 10022-5905 212-758-5700

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. Few lounges in New York can boast a more upscale setting than this one, located just off the main lobby at the world-renowned Four Season Hotel. The classy lounge area, designed by I.M. Pei, is replete with its fair share of leather furniture, dim lighting and elegant décor. This is the place where business moguls, cosmopolites and occasional tourists mingle over afternoon tea or after-dinner cocktails. The Lobby Lounge offers a light dinner menu in the evening. TRAIN: E, F to Lexington Ave; 6 to 51st St
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Waldorf Cocktail Terrace

301 Park Ave, Waldorf-Astoria and Waldorf Towers, New York, NY 10022 212-355-3000

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. Since 1893, the Waldorf has been a landmark of success and elegance. The terrace cocktail lounge overlooks the elegantly restored lobby, where one might relax with a drink or afternoon tea while enjoying the strains of piano music. Mosaic floors and oil murals make up the fine décor that surrounds guests. TRAIN: 6 to 51st St
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