As you might have guessed, we're suckers for an open bar. Failing that, we’ll take a newly-open bar. This week, though, we got some of both!  Since September is the height of nightspot launching season—when else can you actually lure models into your cheeseball place?—we made an itinerary, put on our drinkin' shoes, and made a long (as in long) weekend of it. Here's where we went, listed in the order in which we can remember it...
 

 

MONDAY: Le Souk Harem, Greenwich Village

 

With the spin-off to the East Village's Le Souk finally opening to the public today, our chance to feel exclusive was dwindling (as, perhaps, was theirs). So, we hustled in during a fashion week party (unfortunately justmissing some dude from MTV) and were able to get the "lay" of this harem. With three small jaunty floors and tables lining every conceivable wall, the place seems less fitted for those hungry to dance than those hungry to eat. (Opens tonight.)
 

SATURDAY: The Boom Boom Room, Meatpacking District

 

It’s not even officially open yet and the place is already being compared to freakin' Studio 54 (calm down, everybody). Fortunately, and despite our not having appeared on the cover of US Magazine in the last twelve months, we were still able to charm/sneak/bribe/force our way in and indulge our L.A.-style celeb spotting jones. Opens (to you) on 9/22. (Read the full review).

 

848 Washington St., @ W. 13th St., 212.645.4646

FRIDAY: Cantina Latina, East Village; Los Feliz, LES

 

Cantina Latina was still in "soft-opening" mode so we played it safe and chugged a Chi-Chi Rodriguez while admiring some Spanish Obama wallpaper. (Read the full review). For comida, we headed South of the Border ("the Border" being Houston Street) to Los Feliz, three floors of upscale taqueria action, one of which was a “cobblestone-floored drinking dungeon.” Mee-yow! (Read the full review).

 

Cantina Latina: 243 E. 14th St., between 2nd & 3rd Aves., 212.253.5708
Los Feliz: 109 Ludlow St., between Rivington & Delancey Sts., 212.228.8383

THURSDAY: Knitting Factory, Williamsburg

We came here not only to see the incomparable Shilpa Ray (not pictured), but, in true Shecky's form, to check out the latest (as in third) redux of this classic club. Turns out, with just one stage and cheaper beer (starting at $3), the new venue seems a lot closer in spirit to the original Knitting Factory from Houston Street. Conversely, the front bar is practically a luxury sky box. (Read the full review).