Silverjet recommended nightlife in New York

'21' Club
21 West 52nd Street

This legendary former speakeasy first opened its doors during the prohibition era, when cousins Jack Kriendler and Charlie Bern added it to their lengthy roster of illicit New York drinking establishments.

'21' Club
21 West 52nd Street

This legendary former speakeasy first opened its doors during the prohibition era, when cousins Jack Kriendler and Charlie Bern added it to their lengthy roster of illicit New York drinking establishments.

Named ‘21’ after its address on 52nd Street, the bar survived numerous raids – not least because the alcohol was stored in the cellar of no 19, accessed through a 21-tonne secret door. The cellar is now one of the most exclusive dining rooms in the city, where for $575 per head, parties of up to 21 can dine surrounded by the dusty private wine collections of Richard Nixon and Sammy Davis Jnr.

Those looking for something a little less expensive can choose one of the numerous other rooms and restaurants spread out over three floors. The 21 Club has retained its stately elegance, with plush banquettes, leather armchairs and tuxedoed waiters. So sit back, relax, and enjoy a cocktail in the booth where the Mayor of New York did his clandestine drinking during prohibition.

'21' Club
21 West 52nd Street
New York
NY 10019

T: 212 582 7200

Oak Room at the Algonquin
59 West 44th Street

Experience the glamour of the 30s with a visit to this old-style cabaret club at the Algonquin Hotel. Originally part of the Algonquin dining room where Dorothy Parker and Harold Ross hosted their famous literary lunches, the Oak Room was converted into a cabaret venue in 1938.

Oak Room at the Algonquin
59 West 44th Street

Experience the glamour of the 30s with a visit to this old-style cabaret club at the Algonquin Hotel. Originally part of the Algonquin dining room where Dorothy Parker and Harold Ross hosted their famous literary lunches, the Oak Room was converted into a cabaret venue in 1938.

It regularly attracts top names from the jazz world, and was the launch pad for the careers of artists such as Harry Connick Jnr, Diana Krall, Michael Feinstein and Jamie Cullum.

The ambience is of old-world elegance, with the dark oak-panelled walls that lend the room its name, pristine white tablecloths and discreet lighting from the burgundy table lamps. The tuxedoed older waiters are gracious and attentive, and the intimate atmosphere is enhanced by the absence of a stage – the piano dominates the room and the tables form an arc around it. Dinner is served every evening at 7pm, with cabaret performances beginning at 9pm.

The Algonquin Hotel
59 West 44th Street
New York
NY 10036

T: 212 840 6800

Angel's Share
8 Stuyvesant Street

In a city where everyone is vying to offer something different, the Angel’s Share is one of those rare venues that succeeds. Tucked away at the back of a busy Japanese restaurant, this elegant cocktail bar offers an oasis of calm in the bustle and chaos of Manhattan.

Angel's Share
8 Stuyvesant Street

In a city where everyone is vying to offer something different, the Angel’s Share is one of those rare venues that succeeds. Tucked away at the back of a busy Japanese restaurant, this elegant cocktail bar offers an oasis of calm in the bustle and chaos of Manhattan.

The tranquil atmosphere is strictly enforced by the hosts – there is a ‘no standing’ rule, so a table isn’t available you will have to wait, and only parties of four or fewer will be seated. However, if you’re lucky enough to get a table you will be rewarded with some of the most sublime cocktails in town. Choose from the Japanese-influenced menu, which includes the lychee nut daiquiri and sake martini, and enjoy the peaceful view of Stuyvesant Street from the long plate-glass window that forms the centrepiece of the bar.

Angel's Share
8 Stuyvesant St
New York
NY 10003

T: 212 777 5415

The Blue Owl
196 Second Avenue

Billed as a modern-day speakeasy, this East Village cocktail bar is accessed by a narrow flight of stairs leading to an elegant subterranean space below. With its copper bar, exposed brick walls, corner banquettes and subdued lighting, the Blue Owl exudes laid-back sophistication.

The Blue Owl
196 Second Avenue

Billed as a modern-day speakeasy, this East Village cocktail bar is accessed by a narrow flight of stairs leading to an elegant subterranean space below. With its copper bar, exposed brick walls, corner banquettes and subdued lighting, the Blue Owl exudes laid-back sophistication.

The cocktail menu has been put together with care, combining timeless classics with more creative concoctions. Accompaniments of various cheeses, cured meats and crudités are served all night, making this a favourite place to go when the restaurant kitchens have closed. Nightly DJs ensure the atmosphere is always mellow, but private parties can bring their own ipod. At weekends, the bar fills with up-and-coming professionals in their 20s and 30s; come during the week if you prefer a more intimate atmosphere.

The Blue Owl
196 Second Avenue
New York
NY 10003

T: 212 505 2583. 

Pete's Tavern
129 East 18th Street

Pete’s Tavern first opened its doors during the American Civil War, and is now New York’s oldest continuously opened bar. Not even prohibition forced it to close – it remained in business disguised as a flower shop.

Pete's Tavern
129 East 18th Street

Pete’s Tavern first opened its doors during the American Civil War, and is now New York’s oldest continuously opened bar. Not even prohibition forced it to close – it remained in business disguised as a flower shop.

Pete’s biggest claim to fame is that literary legend O’Henri wrote ‘Gift of the Magi’ at his favourite booth near the front, but this popular neighbourhood bar has also been featured on TV numerous times in shows such as Sex and the City, Seinfeld and Law and Order.

Pete’s is proud of its history, and the bar has remained largely unchanged for the past century. It serves a wide range of beers, including its famous 1864 Original House Ale, and a solid menu of American-Italian pub food.

Pete's Tavern
129 East 18th Street
New York
NY 10003

T: 212 473 7676

Village Vanguard
178 7th Avenue

A contender for the title of most famous jazz club in the world, the Village Vanguard has played host to legends such as Sonny Rollins, Bill Evans, John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk since the 1950s.

Village Vanguard
178 7th Avenue

A contender for the title of most famous jazz club in the world, the Village Vanguard has played host to legends such as Sonny Rollins, Bill Evans, John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk since the 1950s.

Accessed by a steep staircase down to the small cave-like basement room, the Village Vanguard is dark and a little shabby; there is no food, cell phones are banned and silence is strictly enforced during performances. But this is because at the Village Vanguard the music always comes first. The acoustics of the room are famous – attributed to its unusual triangular shape – and half a century's worth of classic albums have been recorded there.

The Village Vanguard can get crowded when full, so arrive early. Doors open at 8pm and there are nightly performances at 9pm and 11pm.

Village Vanguard
178 7th Ave S
New York
NY 10014

T: 212 255 4037

Park Blue
158 West 58th Street

This slick and sophisticated lounge attracts a classy crowd of midtown professionals. The ambience is laid-back and mellow, and the cosy interior, with its soft lighting and midnight blue hues, make this the perfect spot for a late-night bite to eat.

Park Blue
158 West 58th Street

This slick and sophisticated lounge attracts a classy crowd of midtown professionals. The ambience is laid-back and mellow, and the cosy interior, with its soft lighting and midnight blue hues, make this the perfect spot for a late-night bite to eat.

Park Blue’s main draw is the ‘demi’ menu – the wine list offers over 120 wines by the half bottle for those who like to experiment, and the kitchen serves a small-plate menu featuring lobster eggs Benedict, grilled octopus and the best mini-cheeseburgers in New York. Park Blue is famed for its warm and hospitable welcome, and friendly and attentive service.

Park Blue
158 West 58th Street
New York
NY 10019

T: 212 247 2727