NYC Nightlife Report: Loving Where You’ve Never Been

Dining might be the new nightlife, so then where does that leave nightlife? Could nightlife be the new shopping? Could it be still alive and well, and hiding behind a bandolier of dusty velvet ropes? Our dear Foster's existential breakdown and subsequent pocketbook damage got me to thinking about what everyone else (re: people with jobs other than chronicling New York nightlife) is doing with their free time in Manhattan. I cornered a Wall Street Dude, a New York Newbie, a Hipster DJ, a girl-about-town Socialite, a Fashion Intern, and a Lawyer to see what's going on behind our editorial backs. Turns out actually going someplace isn't a precursor for strong opinions, pro or con. For example:

WALL STREET DUDE
So, what do you think is hot these days in nightlife?
Minetta Tavern.

Minetta Tavern. Have you ever been?
No.
Then how do you know it’s hot?
Because it’s impossible to get a reservation.
Have you tried?
No.
Where else do you go?
Listen, I’m really busy right now. My choice is Minetta Tavern.

FASHION INTERN
Fashion interns always seem to know what the coolest place is before anyone else does; why do you think this is?
I don’t know. Most of us are still in college, so we have that network going for us. Otherwise we’re furthering our careers by being fashion whores.
Meaning you sleep around a lot?
No, like we’re furthering our careers with other people in the industry, so we go where people in the industry go. They’re usually just places where people look cool and interesting, and where no one else really goes, until a bunch of people figure it out and ruin it like they did with Chloe 81.
So where are you going these days?
The Box has suddenly gotten a second chance at life. Chloe is totally over. The Gates kind of sucks, but everyone else goes there, so why not? Collective Hardware is pretty much the only place I can say I actually like.
What about eating? What are the best new restaurants?
[Laughs] Um, I’m broke as shit. I eat for a dollar on St. Marks. Otherwise I follow around this promoter, Monroe. He’s a model promoter. We go to STK for free dinner. And on Thursdays The Box has free dinners. Shhh.

LAWYER
So what do you think of when you think of cool places to go to in Manhattan?
[Wide-eyed] Is this a test of some sort?
No, I just want your opinion!
Um, okay well when I think of what’s cool in New York I think of downtown?
Is that a question or a statement?
Oh I don’t know! I’m so far behind. Well, Scarpetta. I like that place a lot. I think dell’anima was really fun and good, and the sister place L’artusi? Otherwise I have my go-to places: Little Owl, Spotted Pig. I can never get away from Freemans.
When it comes to bars or clubs, do you think it’s important to spend your dimes on what people would consider a popular spot?
Well, I have a screaming infant at home, so I don’t like to go to places like Bungalow 8, or the Eldridge. There’s this place in my neighborhood, Dutch Kills. Have you heard of it? The cocktails are so amazing. They are like designing potions behind the bar. They have like, four different kinds of ice cubes.
What do you perceive to be a happening place?
The last place I’ve heard of is the Eldridge. And 1Oak.

NEW YORK NEWBIE
What do you think is “hot” right now in food and nightlife?
I’ve been going to mostly divey places, but I would say Buddakan.
Have you eaten or had a drink there??
Have not.
Then why do you think they’re so popular?
It’s a place I’ve heard talked about the most by my friends who live in the city.
What do you think has been the “trendiest” place you’ve been to?
Probably more classic than trendy, but the Union Square Cafe is the best restaurant I’ve been to in New York.
What is the best meal you’ve eaten?
Cuban food at Café Habana on Prince & Elizabeth. It sounds odd, but they have this insanely good corn on the cob grilled with cayenne pepper, spices, and cheese.
Where are you from?
San Francisco. But I just came here from Canada.

HIPSTER DJ
Where are you going these days?
I mostly go to BEast. Surprisingly I’m out in the Hamptons a lot, Sole East has gotten to be MAJOR. Webster Hall is great when they have good DJs.
What places can’t you stand?
I loathe typical places. I loathe the Jane Hotel. I loathe Avenue. I loathe The Gates.
Have you been to Avenue?
No.
What about food? Where are your go-to places for grub?
Les Enfants Terribles. The owner is amazing ... when you call he answers with you first name, “Hello So-and-so.” He has his little dog running around, so it’s very laid back. I like Emporio—the food is great and they have a great patio.
You seem to keep it in the Lower East Side a lot. Why?
It’s basically where all of my friends are, and it’s where you hear all the good music.

SOCIALITE
So, food. Do you eat it?
Yes. I don’t care what people say about Monkey Bar—I love it. And Waverly will always be good; the truffle macaroni and cheese is still to die for. Gilt is good, and Sant Ambroeus for morning tea. I like Charles, Montenapo, and Macao Trading too.
Why do you like these places?
Well, the atmosphere is fantastic! It’s really personal, all of my friends go there, so there’s always a bunch of table-hopping going on. And if you are feeling mischievous, you get a lot of privacy, since celebrities usually go to these places too. So you feel like you can let loose without worrying.
What about drinks?
Unfortunately, my favorite places have shut down. I loved Socialista and the Beatrice Inn. I guess 1Oak is good sometimes, but when Scott is there it’s best. And Ronnie. Soho House is getting pedestrian, but it’s still quite nice during the week days. I still like Above Allen, and Raines Law Room.