From torch-song cabarets to cutting-edge dance clubs, from neighborhood bars to velvet-rope lounges, plus world-class comedy clubs and establishments with all manner of live entertainment, New York City is a world capital of nightlife. Here you can find libations from beer and wine to elaborate cocktails and high-end champagne, often accompanied by great food.
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Voted the best comedy club in NYC by NY Press, Gotham Comedy Club is one of the city’s most elegant and upscale venues. Every third Sunday of the month, Gotham Comedy Club hosts “The Mixtape Comedy Show” with Royale Watkins, featuring the hottest comics and musicians; past performers include Tracy Morgan and Patton Oswalt. January 16-17, Sinbad will be performing.
A throwback to the fabled days of New York nightclubs, B.B. King Blues Club & Grill features top-caliber music stars and an American Continental menu with a Southern flair. The Showcase Room has video screens and state-of-the-art sound, table seating, a bar where you can snack and listen, and a dance floor. The Beatles Brunch is offered every Saturday at noon (doors at 11am), and doors open for the Gospel Brunch every Sunday at 12:30pm with music at 1:30pm. Visit bbkingblues.com for a list of upcoming shows.
Resorts World Casino in Queens is the city’s only place for gaming, dining, and live entertainment in NYC — and it’s easily accessible from Manhattan. Their new Manhattan “Red Express” fleet makes the journey with three routes: Upper West Side, Upper East Side and Midtown. Buses are FREE and run every hour from Sunday to Wednesday (10am-midnight) and Thursday to Saturday (10am-2am). To see the complete route and all its stops, visit rwnewyork.com.
Co-founded by Rodney Dangerfield in 1969, Dangerfield’s is the longest-running comedy club in the world. The world-famous landmark features top comedians straight from other clubs, movies, and TV shows such as The Tonight Show and Letterman. Stars who have performed here include Jay Leno, Jim Carrey, Jerry Seinfeld, and Chris Rock. Dangerfield’s features no drink/food minimum, making it an inexpensive place to get your laughs—and to be a part of comedy history.
Garage Restaurant and Café has it all -- great food, an outdoor cafe, and live jazz all day and night. Multi-level dining gives everyone the best seat in the house, whether relaxing on richly upholstered banquettes or overlooking the entire scene from a cozy booth on the balcony. With 17 draught beers, a fireplace, late-night dining until 2:30am, and great people-watching, a stop at Garage is a must when visiting Greenwich Village. 99 Seventh Ave. So. (Christopher St.), 212-645-0600; garagejazz.com
Stop into any of Heartland Brewery’s locations and you’ll see that it isn’t just beer that’s brewing at New York’s first American-style brewpub. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a great place to kick back and relax, and the multiple locations make it easy to stop in and sample one of the many unique brewed beers, or have one of the appetizers. And located next door to the Times Square location is HB Burger, which serves nine specialty burgers and “hard shakes,” which are definitely not for kids! 35 Union Square at 16th St., 212-645-3400; 127 W. 43rd St. btw. Sixth and Seventh Aves., 646-366-0235; 350 Fifth Ave. at 34th St. in the Empire State Building, 212-563-3433; 625 Eighth Ave. at 41st St., 646-366-0235; heartlandbrewery.com.
Located in the Gramercy neighborhood of Manhattan, The Stand Restaurant & Comedy Club features some of the biggest names in comedy as well as local and national up-and-comers. Plus, their restaurant offers some of the city’s best late-night dining, with enticing dishes such as Cheeseburger Dumplings, the renowned Stand Burger, Pepper Crusted Seared Tuna, and more. 239 Third Ave. (20th St.), 212-677-2600; thestandnyc.com
