D'Or
204 W. 55th St. (7th Ave. & Broadway)
Midtown 212.245.1234
Located in that dead zone known as Columbus Circle, D’Or is frequented by the Bruce Waynes of Manhattan with good reason—it’s exclusive, elegant, and serves drinks made affordable by large family inheritances. Trendy young women flood the dance floor as if it were a casting call for The OC, although they have little alternative—nearly all of the suede couches are reserved for bottle service. The weathered brick and gold filigree accents are enough to make you feel like a part of a clandestine high society, but just be sure to call ahead to reserve a spot on the guest list. There aren’t enough smoke bombs in your utility belt to sneak you past the velvet rope.
Lit 93 2nd Ave. (5th & 6th Sts.)
East Village 212.777.7987
A haven for the last of the LES punks, this barebones dive feels like a relic from another time. The upstairs is full of greasy-haired hipsterati clad in leather and denim dancing to Judas Priest. The bar may seem typical for the neighborhood, but don’t be fooled—Lit is a rock club with a secret goth fetish. Below the narrow dive sleeps an underground brick-walled dungeon made of that serves as a performance space for DJs and rock bands. You might want to bring your earplugs—er, bat-earplugs.
