The city that never sleeps: New York City

As we turn the page to 2021, we are all looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. As life starts to get back on track, many of us will plan to travel, celebrate events that may have been put on hold, and just enjoy the pleasures of life we have been missing over the last year. As you plan your travels to cities around the U.S., we will be giving you some of our favorite bars to put on your list. This month’s feature is the city that never sleeps: New York City 

Please Don’t Tell– East Village
St. Mark’s Place is one of the most notable streets in all of New York City. It gives you a perfect sense of downtown New York. It was the scene of many music videos featuring The Rolling Stones and Billy Joel and classic New York television shows like Sex and the City, Friends and Mad Men. Nowadays, the street is filled with restaurants, tattoo and piercing shops, adult video stores and one of New York City’s best cocktail bars. Enter 113 St. Mark’s Place and you will find yourself in a small less than impressive hotdog shop. You may feel like you are in the wrong place, but you are not. Find the telephone booth, pick up the phone and ask for entry to one of the city’s best speakeasy bars, Please Don’t Tell. After the excitement of getting in, relax in a plush leather booth under dim lighting and enjoy a classic or seasonal cocktail among the taxidermy animals.

Blue Quarter– East Village
This hidden gem is located inside the longtime East Village restaurant, Local 92. It is hard to miss the beautiful, blue, key-shaped door at the back of the restaurant, and yes, it does lead to something; the enchanting 18-seat bar with tea-based cocktails and cool tones of blue and green decor to take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Mother of Pearl– East Village
A neighborhood Tiki bar that will have you feeling like you are in an airy, colorful oasis. Drinks are served in inventive glassware specific to each cocktail, including a ceramic shark’s head with “blood” streaming from its jaw. The decor features wooden fans waving above the bar and flowy white curtains fluttering the breeze into the lounge. There is a plethora of greenery including a beautiful leafy chandelier, flamingoes, bamboo and tropical flower upholstery. Once you take it all in, the cocktails will blow you away again. Whether you go for a traditional Tiki cocktail or something with a twist, drinks are built or finished table-side so you do not miss the show.

Attaboy– Lower East Side
This is a New Yorker’s bar. With its “come as you are” atmosphere you will not run into any pretentious show-offs or ridiculously priced cocktails. Located in the same spot, Attaboy was founded by alumni of Milk & Honey, a trailblazer in the cocktail bar world. Attaboy adopted the same house rules to keep patrons in check and wildly talented bartenders who craft your drink after hearing your preferences and suggestions. Milk and Honey taught bar goers to act like grown ups while enjoying easy, late night drinking. Some of the rules included: No name dropping; no hooting or hollering; gentlemen remove their hats; gentlemen will not introduce themselves to ladies. If a lady is interested, she will start a conversation or ask a bartender to introduce her.

Raines Law Room– Chelsea
A beautiful 1920’s style speakeasy type bar offers an intimate experience in a gorgeous space. Luxurious velvet and leather couches are enclosed by lush, floor-to-ceiling curtains under dim lighting. Order one of nearly 40 fancy cocktails by ringing the bell at your table to discretely get your server’s attention. Details like buttoned-up attire of bartenders, comfortable and private space, unique antiques and the subtle but suggestive wallpaper give this place its sexy, date night prestige.

The Polynesian– Midtown West
Feel a tropical escape in the middle of the busiest city in the world when you enter this ultimate ode to Tiki. The Polynesian is a fine Tiki lounge located in The Pod Hotel on West 42nd Street. Creative, fun drinks that tap into the history of Tiki are a vision and delectable. Lavish decor modeled after traditional island huts will have you feeling like you are at a beachside resort rather than New York City until you walk out onto the terrace and take in the panoramic view of the city.

We hope you enjoy these little slices of heaven as much as we do! Check back to see where we go next!