SceneTracker New York

Long Live America: NYC's Best 4th of July Celebrations

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:17:00 -0400

Ok, let’s get real. Its Independence Day weekend and here at Joonbug we take this holiday very, very, seriously. Our forefathers didn’t fight an entire revolution solely so we could live in freedom. No. They did it so each year we could properly commemorate our sovereignty and celebrate our liberty. And that is exactly what we are doing this weekend! Below are our favorite events to celebrate this 4^th of July.

Dance.Here.Now Festival

What is a 4^th of July party without electro-beats? I’m sure our forefathers would be please with this, uh, “celebration.” Governor’s Island, in association with Cielo, Pacha and Glo Fridays, is hosting a four-day long party starting tomorrow July 1^st until the 4^th. The event kicks-off with a six-hour (six!) DJ-set by Paul VanDyk on Friday. Saturday will be all about Fat Boy Slim and James Zabiela. As the day gets closer, the acts get hotter. On Sunday Benni Bennassi and Laidback Luke will turn tables. On Monday, Brooklyn born DJ Victor Calderon will swap the (common? Unoriginal?) happy birthday song with some house and a lot of techno. Check out the full line up and find tickets here.

When: July 1st-July 4th

Where: Governor's Island

I’m on a boat!

What better way to watch the 4^th of July fireworks than from a boat? Exactly. There’s no better way. Hop on the chic Jewel cruise ship and enjoy a four hour party, dinner included and a whole lot of R&B, reggae, salsa, you name it. The Jewel will depart from 23^rd street and FDR and will circle around Manhattan, to Brooklyn Waterfalls, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. This event is exclusive for 21+. Make sure you get your tickets right now.

When: 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Where: Jewel cruise leaves from 23rd street and FDR drive

Keeping up with the tradition!

For nearly 100 years, Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest has been a staple 4^th of July celebration and this year is no different. Whoever eats the most hot dogs in ten minutes time takes home the grand prize of $20,000. This year the contest has been divided between two categories: men and women. Tradition is tradition but fairness is fairness as well. Head out to Coney Island and enjoy some wieners!

When: 4th of July 10:00 a.m.

Where: Nathan's Famous Restaurant
1310 Surf Ave
Brooklyn, New York, US

4^th of July in The Sky

Join DJ Mel DeBarge in this hosted by Rev Run at the Hudson Hotel Sky Terrace. There will be a half an hours firework show starting at 9:00 p.m. Tickets include a 3 hour open bar, bbq treats and a whole lot of dancing. We’re hopping it’s a starry night! To mak a reservation o buy your tickets call 212-554-6000.

When: 7:00 p.m. yo 10:00 p.m.

Where: 356 West 58th Street New York, NY

Liberty Bell Spectacular

If we’re celebrating a 235^th birthday we might as well do it right. Put on your best (and sexiest) vintage outfit for this retro party at the Empire Hotel’s rooftop. You’ll be dancing to rockabilly and disco all night long. The party will include music by the Minsky Sisters, The Moonlighters, Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. Burlesque shows will be provided by Angie Pontani, Jezebel Express, Main Attraction, and Medianoche. You can find tickets here.

When: 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Where: 44 west 63rd Street New York, NY

We Love Brooklyn Too

All Day I Dream is the name of DJ Lee Burridge’s track. And also the name of the event where theisEnglish DJ will be playing at. The idea is to have a dreamy 4^th of July, where the sky is the limit (sappy, but, hey it’s indepedance!) courtesy of OfficeOps rooftops in Bushwick. And as if the sky is not enough, you have a perfect view of The Hudson and 4^th of July fireworks show.

When: 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Where: 57 Thames St (at Morgan Ave) Bushwick. New York, NY

Some downtime

We get it, weekends in New York can get pretty hectic. And maybe come Monday you won’t be in the mood for any more partying, bbq, beers or fireworks. That’s not to say you are not willing to commemorate your country’s day of independence. Fret not you worn-out partier, Bryant Park is hosting the perfect event for you. As part of the HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival, there will be a 4^th of July screening of the 1960s movie Easy Rider. A landmark of American counterculture during the 1960s, this film is will make you’re 4^th of July a little more patriotic and a lot more nostalgic.

When: 5:00 p.m.

Where: Bryant Park. New York, NY.

Flow.11 at Randall's Island Park

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 17:36:00 -0400

Randall’s Island Park is a beautiful waterfront landmark, located conveniently in the East River between Manhattan and Queens, and has been the home of various recreational events since the 1930s. As one of the most unique parks in New York City, patrons can enjoy a scenic walk around the island’s 4.5 mile shoreline, play tennis at one of the 20 state-of-the-art courts available, play 18-holes of golf, or mellow out at a music festival. Spanning a total of 480 acres, the park is frequently inhabited by picnic goers, athletes, as well as locals and tourists.

The Randall’s Island Sports Foundation (RISF), The Bronx Museum of the Arts, and Made Event are beautifying the island even more by presenting FLOW, a two-part environmental art exhibition along the shoreline of Randall’s Island Park. The exhibition will last during the summers of 2011 and 2012, aiming to enhance the artistic appreciation of the waterfront landmark. FLOW will feature ten site specific art projects by artists participating in this year’s Bronx Calling!, the First AIM (Artist in the Marketplace) Biennial, on view this summer at the Bronx Museum and Wave Hill. Artists Andrew Chan, Katherine Daniels, Jongil Ma, Romy Scheroder, and Gregory Reynolds will create the first installment with Flow.11 showcasing different themes including Andrew Chan’s sci-fi themed Resident Alien exhibit.

Already home of the Electric Zoo Festival, a 3-day extravaganza of the world’s DJs held through Labor Day Weekend, the FLOW exhibition will be unveiled July 1, 2011 and carry out through the park’s electronic music festival. FLOW is intended to inspire and influence the expression of oneself through art in New York City, all available to view for free!

For more information on the FLOW project check out www.flow11.org.

Amnesia Weekend

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 16:22:00 -0400

Amnesia has established itself as one of the hottest clubs in NYC. This club not only offers a top of the top DJ selection but a performances that will completely revamp your partying experience. Professional dancers decorate the walls, while aerialists fly above your head. If you're able to take your eyes off the show, prepare to shake your body to a mix of all the top 100 songs.

This weekend the party is on (is it ever off?) with in-house DJs Japanese Dee and DJ Xplor. The former one produces a mix of hip/hop and R&B tunes, while the latter mixes in hip/hop with some serious electro beats. For reservation and guest list click here.

609 West 29th Street

New York, NY 10001-1109
(212) 643-6464

Fourth of July Weekend in the Hamptons

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 16:01:00 -0400

This weekend in the Hamptons is going to be the biggest of the summer. If you haven't made plans to get out there, you better get on it. We hear the last Jitney leaves at 5:30pm on Friday! There will be parties, fireworks, cake and plenty of dancing to celebrate America's birthday (and the biggest national holiday!). So get your flip flops, trunks, (livers) and bikinis ready for the biggest celebration of the season!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

Friday July 1st

Official Launch of Lounge Friday at AXE

When: 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.

Where: 1181 North Sea Road Southhampton, NY

Cults playing at Surf Lodge

Don't miss this chance to see indie-pop band Cults at this chilled-out spot. Put on your best outfit (swimsuits are preferable) and party on with one of the hottest bands around.

When: 7:00 p.m.

Where: The Surf Lodge

183 Edgemere Street
Montauk, NY 11954

Django's Organics Special offer for 4th of July

Considering we're not even half way through summer, you might want to make sure you're keeping an eye on your beach bod (all that Hamptons partying and drinking might start to take a toll). Hence we recommend you take advantage of of this special off at Django Organics, the locally-owned health food store. Lunch boxes and smoothies will all be offered at reduced prices. For more info and other events check out their facebook page.

When: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Where: DJango’s Organics, LLC, 514 Three Mile Harbor Road, East Hampton, NY

Jetty Koon at Sole East

Check out the band Jetty Koon at Montauk's 70's inspired Sole East beach resort. This is part of the installment "Montauk Acoustic Series"

When: 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. .

Where: Solé East Resort, 90 Second House Road, Montauk

Saturday July 2nd

SL East

SL East welcomes DJ Ruckus with a special party for Alessandra Ambrosio!

When: 10pm-4am

Where: 44 Three Mile Harbor Rd, East Hampton, NY 11937

Bluegrass and Banjo performance by Steve Martin

Post-show Q&A with Martin and Alec Baldwin

Steve Martin--the Steve Martin (Pink Panther, It's Complicated, Father of The Bride just to name a few)-- will be performing side bluegrass band, The Steep Canyon Rangers. After the presentation, join Martin and Alec Baldwin--yes, also the Alec Baldwin-- for a Q&A forum and conversation. Get your tickets here!

When: 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Where: John Drew Theater at Guild Hall, 158 Main Street, East Hampton, NY

Long live America! All patriots (and party lovers) get ready for these 4th of July celebrations!

Day & Night Annual Independence Day Celebration

On the third installment of this Independence Celebration, Day & Night will host an event that you must not miss. This will be a day-long brunch with music by David Berrie and Daniel Chetrit. Reservations are required. Email reservation@dayandnightlife.com to make sure you have your spot.

When: 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Where: Gurney's Inn Resort & Spa, 290 Old Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY

Electric Cirque (On July 2nd and 3rd)

The Electric Cirquit in East Hampton will have food, drinks, DJs and a show that will blow your mind away. 90 minutes of performances that look straight out from Cirque Du Soleil-- contortionists, aerial dancer, electric jugglers, etc. After the show enjoy drinks and food. Ticket information right here. After party at South Pointe!

When: 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m

Where: East Hamptons Studio, 77 Industrial Road, Wainscott, NY 11975

Ruschmeyer's 4th of July Festival

This summer camp-inspired hotel (think lush woodlands and days filled with outdoor activities) is hosting a three-day 4th of July celebration. Enjoy fresh seafood courtesy of NY's Fat Radish, relax by the sand bar and when you are ready to dance head over to the Electric Eel-- the Ruschmeyer's own bar-- and sip summer cocktails. Daily music performances, yoga classes and much more will also be available in this celebration. Tickets are available at the door and are running at $20 for daily passes and $50 for a three-day pass.

When: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Where: Ruschmeyer's

161 Second House Rd

Montauk, NY

Telly for Sunset at Navy Beach

Enjoy "Sunset Sets" at Navy Beach with Telly for Sunset's chilled rock & roll. On July 3rd this same event will take place featuring Joe Delia and Thieves.

When: 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Where: Navy Beach, 16 Navy Road, Montauk

Live Music at South Edison

With 4th of July around the corner it's only right that you get ready those Americana-swing moves. Dance to the beat of Brooklyn based jazz band Vince Girodino and the Nighthawks.

When: 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Where: South Edison, 17 S. Edison St, Montauk

Sunday July 3rd

Sole East's 4th of July Brazilian Brunch

Enjoy a Brazilian brunch-- a full rodizio, Feijoada and Farofa-- courtesy of Sole East. A complimentary caipirnha will be offered at the door and a full bar will be waiting for you all day. Make sure you stick around in the afternoon for DJ at the Backyard special event, featuring a surprise DJ until midnight.

When: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Where: Solé East Resort, 90 Second House Road, Montauk

Ric Pipino as Sole East

Celebrity hairstylist Ric Pipino will be around Sole East to pamper you. His team will provide facial, haircuts, makeup applications and much more! Prices range from $150 to $350 depending on the package you get. You must book an appointment with Natalie Colwell at 714-861-9355 or ncolwell@pipino.com.

When: 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Where: Solé East Resort, 90 Second House Road, Montauk

Blue Point Brew & Raw bar Happy Hour at South Edison

Don't miss this deal! Blue Point beers half off and Oysters will be $1 each. You can enjoy Happy Hour either in the patio or at the bar. Make sure to make reservations at www.southedison.com/reservations.

When: 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Where: South Edison, 17 S. Edison St, Montauk

Pool Party at The Capri featuring DJ Chrissie Miller

Don't miss out on the fun with DJ Chrissie Miller turning tables by the pool side!

When: 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Where: The Capri, 281 County Road 39A, Southampton

*Special Event:

July 4th Weekend with David Shapiro

DavidShapiro, the #1 social networking company for Manhattan's young professionals is hosting a "house special." For an unbelievable price you can rent one of three house in The Hamptons. Each house has it's own allure and atmosphere. Courtesy of David Shapiro, the weekend will be full of parties--bbq, pool parties, etc-- in each house. Check out the houses here. For more info and reservations call The Hamptons Hotline: 917.806.4171

When: Friday to Sunday 4th of July Weekend

New York's Best Jazz Bars

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:40:00 -0400

In the confinements of a dark underground bar, a group of people sit in wooden stools. The light is dim, the energy is high. Center stage--a black man with a whole lot of soul plays the saxophone; beside him is a man jamming with a guitar, behind them a pianist. The audience is high on booze and dancing. Outside, the world is quiet and sober. It's the 1920s and Prohibition has stripped New York's streets of it's fun. Entertainment has moved indoors. Originally a means of amusement for the less privilege classes, jazz found it's more staggering popularity during the Prohibition Era in clandestine speakeasies. Completely altering the way people consumed music (the introduction of radio should be recognized as well), jazz made New York City's nightlife a dancing scene. Prohibition ended and alcohol was back in the mainstream. But jazz was here to stay. These next five spots are living proof of this.

Smalls

This West Village dungeon is home to some the best live jazz performances in the city. Small, few chairs, no tables and little light, Smalls is the type of place where you go to listen to good music. Every night is a surprise for the music talent. Anyone from a band of young jazz players or a 60-year-old sax player can be playing. This is the perfect place for anyone looking for a small intimate jam session. Running live shows since the 1990s this place has earned it's title as one of New York's most authentic jazz bars. For a complete list of upcoming event click here.

183 West 10th Street
New York, NY 10014
(212) 252-5091

Opened since 1919, 55 has not only hosted some of the greatest jazz acts in history, but has seen NY transform itself musically. From the 20s and 30s prohibition music, to cool jazz, to free jazz to Latin and African-inspired jazz, 55 has seen it all. Staying true to its jazz roots, there's always room for new musicians and new styles. It's always jazzy, but some nights you might catch a little funk in there too. Click here to learn about future shows!

55 Christopher Street
New York, NY 10014
(212) 929-9883

Smoke Jazz Club

The story states that Paul Auster's Augie from the screenplay "Smoke" was based on the real Augie from Augie's Jazz Bar. When Augie's Jazz Bar went out of business in 1998, owners Paul Stache and Frank Christopher opened Smoke Jazz Club in honor of the screenplay "Smoke." Since it's opening in 1999 this place has hosted some of the biggest names in jazz, Wynton Marasalis and Bill Charlap to name a few. The kitchen is under the direction of chef Patricia Williams and the weekend jazz brunch is one you shouldn't miss. Quirky decor, comfortable couches and arguably one of the best acoustics in NY make this an it spot for jazz fans, food fans and, of course, all of us Paul Auster fans. Find future events here.

2751 Broadway
New York, NY 10025-2803
(212) 864-6662

Jazz Gallery

The odd-one-out on our list, Jazz Gallery is not a bar or jazz lounge, but a nonprofit theater space where jazz lovers go and listen to music. There is no schmoozing or talking over cocktails, there's just folding chairs and a lot of jazz. There's a small self-service bar where you can grab a glass of wine, but other than that this is pretty much a performance space. So if you are a die-hard jazz fan, this is the place you want to go and enjoy a show. Big names have performed here such as Miguel Zenon and Jose Negroni. You can buy your summer passes here for reduced prices on all shows through August.

290 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10013
(212) 242-1063

Zinc Bar

Latin tunes and jazz never did sound so good together. Especially when these genres are mixed in an underground bar reminiscent to a 1940s rock & roll venue. But in comes Zinc Bar and bossa nova and jazz become a match made in heaven. Every Saturday night, this West Village bar becomes the venue for some Brazilian jazz. The atmosphere is quite chilled. But you if you stay long enough, the Latin fiesta will kick in and lo and behold, the night will go on forever. For upcoming shows and events click here.

82 West 3rd Street
New York, NY 10012
(212) 477-9462

Death & Co. $500 giveaway

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:10:00 -0400

We like breaking the law. Well, not really. But we do like the idea of going against proper protocol and avoiding rules (as long as it doesn't get us into too much trouble). This is why East Village's Death & Co. is one of our favorite bars in the city. The dim light makes it a sexy spot for late night cocktails, while it's wooden decor keeps it classy. Death & Co. breathes Prohibition Era air with its quaint intimate feel. The mixologists will blow your mind away (and probably your taste buds too) with their alcohol concoctions. Perfectionists at heart, cocktails are mixed over and over again until bartenders deem them flawless. You can also share a punch bowl --with any alcohol or cocktail, which serves around 4 people. Spiced-up punch straight out from a high school dance anyone? (We told you, we like breaking laws!)

Now you have the chance to win a $500 bar tab at Death & Co. Click here and enter to win . You must be 21 years of age or older and a legal resident of the US to be considered (we're only willing to break certain laws).

Porky's Revenge

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 11:45:00 -0400

In the classic Pulp Fiction breakfast scene (I know, I know, what scene isn't classic in that film) between John Travotla and Samuel L. Jackson, Jules Winnfield proclaims he "just don't dig on swine." His explanation for this declaration is that pigs are "filthy animals" and that he doesn't eat filthy animals. While Jules has his strong opinions about his dietary restrictions, I'm sure plenty of bacon loving party-goers won't share the same sentiment as they head to Brooklyn for 3rd Ward 's 4th Annual Pig Out on Saturday, July 23rd, from 2-9pm. The celebration will include innovative BBQ delights, live music, DJs, and some education demos. The live music will include the bands Union Street Preservation Society and the Northern Bells.

3rd Ward is a self-described "house of creativity." It's a space used frequently for artistic film screenings, parties, gallery openings, networking events, performances, and anything else a creative mind can ponder to do with a large open space. Picture a place you might find Banksy hanging out at and you will have a good idea of what your in for.

Free beer from Fire Island Beer company was handed out at the last Pig Out, but it runs out quickly so I would recommend getting to the event early. If not, admission is free, so there will be plenty of other drinking, dancing, and face stuffing to go around. BBQ, music, and booze are always a winning combo when it comes to spending a summer Saturday in NYC.

3rd Ward’s 4th Annual Pig Out!
Saturday, July 23, 2-9pm
195 Morgan Ave, Brooklyn, NY

Walking On a Dream... Mostly

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 10:47:00 -0400

We're not sure what it was that made Governor's Ball so exciting.

Possible guesses: It may have been the culture of electronica: candy-colored strobe lights refracting kaleidoscopic visuals and accompanying states of mind. Add to that the anatomy of a festival: braless, shoeless, the assumption of lawless--people hatching out of their own skin. Personalize that to the unexpected picturesque weather on Saturday (despite the stormy forecast, the day was clear enough to admire the orange-balloon necklace dancing in the clouds), with spires from a cast away land in the distance - just far enough from the city to forget, just close enough to remember. It was likely a sum of the above, plus the festival lineup, that forced the painted, flowered, feathered, and unencumbered off their feet June 18th, for twelve starbursting hours of Governor's Ball 2011.

The crowd, a mix of 16-25 year olds and the occasional pocket of teens, wore enthusiasm from headress's (a nod to Empire of the Sun) to soiled feet at the gates of the ferry, where festival goers queued up for what felt like hours on New York Harbor's Pier 11. The line wasn't enough to stop eager partiers, however, as the holy bag-check area (final check point before boarding the boat) was a graveyard of empty beer and liquor bottles. Not bad. The ferries were timely and the crowd was neon, which probably had less to do with the United Colors of Electronica, and more to do with off-the-grid safety en route to the unsynthesized island-world.

At the mouth of the island, ragers were greeted by a three-man jazz outfit, joyously sweeping the herds to the ticketing line with the expedient subtlety of an airport skyway. Ticketing and festival flyering were peppered with the occasional costumed zealot or the up close "rawk n' rolll" type wail from a spirited tweaker. Passing through the gates soon after, the seen of the circus was vast. A white-tented cafeteria of sustenance lined the perimeter while entertainment of the crafty variety held the center.

Though the day began modestly, or how do the kids say, "chill," the mood turned from picnic to party with the standard accumulation of munchies and buzzes. The timing was uncanny; just as the mass of psychologically-enhanced wanderers flooded the DIY burrito line, and just as the requisite passed out guys curled up fetal position in the weeds--the big acts took stage.

An abbreviated note of the worthy:

One could say the music was a mix of indie/rock, pop and electronic beats. Essentially, electro music for the hipsters. The Australians proved to be at the forefront of this rendition with Empire of The Sun stealing the show. Using slow guitars, keyboard and the synth (oh, that synth!), this duo from Sydney produced psychedelic beats with a catchy, pop backdrop. Itching to dance to this music is a given. But it's the "high-on-life" feel that's more astounding. A euphoria that finds no verbal expression and can only be translated in a "you had to be there" - where everything outside that very moment loses relevance. Affix the scandalous wigs, spandex in every color, outrageous makeup, and synchronized dancing of women in pleather pink bodysuits and you have a whole lot of perfection. That right there, is Empire of The Sun.

It's Aussie counterpart, Miami Horror, usually a pro of this same musical genre, didn't quite make the cut on this occasion. Perhaps they played too early (4 p.m) and the audience was still in picnic mode, perhaps there was too much sun and too little beer at this point. But Miami Horror fell short. Their songs are grand and usually quite catchy, but the energy was low. Their sound was off. Even as frontman Josh Moriary, wearing a Napoleonic-style velvet red blazer, climbed the high railing on stage--one hand holding on to dear life, other on the mic--his attempt to get the crowd rallied up proved unsuccessful.

Big Boi--the only hip hop act in the front liners-- proves that somewhere beneath all the mellow, acoustic guitar, let-me-tell-you-my-sad-story layers of indie rock, there is always a taste for some sweaty popping, blocking and grinding.

We expected Girl Talk at Governor's Ball to be a mashup on steroids. Whereas Gregg Gillis is normally known for his ability to stir up dead air, he seemingly did more on Saturday to create it. This may have stemmed from the unfortunate fact that he had the first show just after the wowing performance by Empire of the Sun, but Girl Talk junkies had a right to be underwhelmed. In what seemed to be a last ditch attempt to put on a "show," Girl Talk populated it's stage with hundreds of randoms from the crowd. Ask anyone sunk on the green below though, this just gave the appearance of flailing limbs on a
raised club stage, and with the lackluster tracks he picked for the late night set, there little to look at.

We took the good with the bad but in the end, a rave's a rave. The music, better at some times than others, no doubt shook the islanders for half a rotation around Earth (12 hours, delivered as promised). And the crowd, who walked nearly 1,000 yards throughout the alternating stage policy, did cause some to question the value of 'no overlapping sets' (but overlap they did not, as promised). Governor's Ball - well done sans a few faux pas, and we're looking forward to it's sophomore year.

Laura Steiner contributed to this article.

New York's Best Speakeasies

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 10:31:00 -0400

What for some was thirteen years of prohibition, for others it was thirteen years of clandestine encounters and nightly escapades of booze-fueled gatherings. The USA suffered a dry spell for over a decade after alcohol was banned starting in 1920. But people found their way around Prohibition Law. Oh, did they. Al Capone and Dutch Schultz, amongst other famous American gangsters, managed to supply copious amounts of illegal liquor to underground establishments around the country. These covert establishments, known as Speakeasies, became grounds for nights inflamed by liquor and radical fun. New York being the epicenter of unconventional thought was at the forefront of this new nightlife. Fast forward to 2011 and these Speakeasies are still some of the city's coolest spots! Check out our tops choices:

PDT (Please Don't Tell)

PDT has been around since 2007 as a signature speakeasy in the East Village. To enter you must walk in through Crif Dogs and enter a wooden phone booth (originally from the 1940s) where you will pick up the phone and wait for someone to answer. After they will do a little check up on you (they have a secret camera installed in the phone booth) and, if you pass the test, the hostess will open a secret door. Lo and behold you will find yourself in a quirky (taxidermy decor), little private bar (only seats 45) with some of the most innovative cocktails (buttered-popcorn rum) in the city. The downfall of PDT is the waiting time, which can be anywhere between one and two hours. We recommend you check this place out during a weekday!

113 St. Marks Pl

East Village

New York, NY 10009

212-614-0386.

Milk & Honey

True to its very own type, Milk & Honey takes the prize for being the most hidden speakeasy on this list. You can only go in if you are either a member or have a reservation. Having said that, this bar is intended to mock celebrity culture and New York's most pretentious night life culture, so getting a reservation is pretty easy. Just make sure you call in advance! All drinks run for more than $16, but they are all well worth it. Tell the mixologists what you are in the mood for (i.e. carrot, ginger and a beachy feel) and bam! they will come up with an alcoholic masterpiece. All cocktails are custom made based on your mood and cravings. We recommend you go to Milk & Honey with a small party. Great place for a date!

134 Eldridge St. (at Broome St)

New York, NY 10002

Little Branch

This West Village little hideout is brother to Milk & Honey, having mixologist Sasha Petraske as its founder. Still true to its Speakeasy vibe, its facade is a simple metal door where you would never guess a world of liquor hides behind. However, the general feel seems to be more relaxed, with warmer decor and an occasional jazzy trio that sets the mood. Drinks are equally as amazing--and creative-- as the ones in Milk & Honey.

22 7th Ave S

(between Carmine St & Leroy St)
New York, NY 10014

The Back Room

The Back Room might be one of the most creative concepts in New York. Cool as they come, this actually used to be a speakeasy back in the prohibition era. The clandestine feel is still there: located in a dark street, enter through a run down wooden door, and the bartenders are all wearing bow ties. The points for creativity come from the decor: oil paintings, old mirrors and drinks on tea cups and mugs. Of course times have changed and this old speakeasy now has hipsters jamming to electronic music. Hey, we think it's a great combination!

102 Norfolk St

(between Delancey St & Rivington St)

New York, NY 10002

Neighborhood: Lower East Side

Ten Questions with Tepperberg

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:37:00 -0400

Amidst the whirlwind of his latest project, Dream Downtown, we were able to steal a few questions from owner, Noah Tepperberg. He and his partners at The Strategic Group have been the brains behind famous hotspots such as Marquee and Avenue in NYC as well as TAO and LAVO in Las Vegas. With the new unveiling of the acclaimed, Dream Downtown, they continue their reign on nightlife. After our interview with Noah last week, we wanted more --and so did everyone else! Without further ado, here's ten questions with Tepperberg.

You've been quite a mogul in the nightlife sector. How did you get started?

I started throwing parties in high school for our annual school play called “sing”. After a few years of successful cast parties I moved onto lofts, clubs and bars. I ran parties as my summer job while in college, and went into the nightlife business full time straight out of college with my partner Jason Strauss, who I linked up with during our senior year in high school.

What's your favorite part of the business?

I love people. Meeting new people. Connecting people. Being around all different kinds of people. In the nightlife business you meet new people every day.

Best place you've ever traveled to?

Sydney, Australia.

A lot of people are wondering, do you have any plans for venues in L.A.? Is it a market you're interested in?

We are not interested in opening a place in L.A. at this time. Vegas is close enough for us.

People are calling Dream Downtown your best project yet. Do you agree?

I love all of my children equally, but Dream downtown is definitely one that will set our company apart from others that operate in the same space inside our industry.

What's your favorite restaurant in NYC?

Tao.

What else do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?

Exactly what I am doing now, just better.

What's the funniest story you have from all your years in the nightlife business?

I have to get back to you on this one!

Lebron or Kobe?

Lebron!

Yankees or Mets?

Yankees!