New York City Meatpacking District

The Meatpacking District is an orgy of jet-set pretty young things, see-and-be-seen clubs, stone-faced bouncers, pointy shoes, fake boobs, and $16 cocktails. Haughtiness and high prices are to be expected here, but Meatpacking District nightspots are celebrity-filled and often undeniably cool.

Cielo, 18 Little W 12th St. (☎917-312-8892), between Washington and Greenwich St. A proudly exclusive and surprisingly intimate dance club, centered on a sunken dance floor. High-caliber DJs spin electronica, nu jazz, future soul, and deep house every night. The clientele is stylish and the door is tightly guarded; plan your outfit well. Cover $12-20. Extremely expensive bottle service only at tables. Open W-Sa 10pm-4am.
Plunge, 18 9th Ave. (☎212-206-6700; www.hotelgansevoort.com). S B, D, F, N, Q, R, W to 34th St. The view from the rooftop bar of the swanky Hotel Gansevoort, which overlooks the Hudson River, may be the most scenic in the city—and that’s just the patrons! Luxurious contemporary furniture, candlelight, and a retractable roof provide the perfect setting for the beginning or the end of the evening. The dress code is business casual—don’t show up in jeans or sneakers. Mixed drinks from $15. Open daily 11am-4am.

Tired Of Rejection? Clubs in the Meatpacking District are notorious for their brutally exclusive doors. The buzz surrounding a club is sometimes as much about the despair in the line as it is about the vibe inside. If you’re desperate to join the A-list crowd, eating dinner at the club’s restaurant is a sure-fire way to ensure that you’re part of the party later on. But never lose sight of the prices you’re paying; mediocre food never cost so much.

Gaslight, 400 W 14th St. (☎212-807-8444; www.gaslightnyc.com), at 9th Ave. S B, D, F, N, Q, R, W to 34th St. A young crowd fills this funky parlor-like space. For once in the Meatpacking District, the atmosphere is unpretentious, drinks are cheap ($6-10), and there’s never a cover charge. Open daily 1pm-4am.
APT, 419 W 13th St. (☎212-414-4245; www.aptwebsite.com), between 9th and Washington St. S A, C, E, L to 14th St./8th Ave. Yes, you found it. Though APT doesn’t have the bouncer or the rope line you’d expect (and only an inconspicuous square sign), push open that unpromising door. On the main floor is a pricey restaurant that’s best skipped; downstairs is a starkly hip bar and club that gets going late. Open 10pm-4am.
Lotus, 409 W 14th St. (212-243-4420; lotusnewyork.com), at 9th Ave. S A, C, E, L to 14th St./8th Ave. Lotus is the prototype of the Meatpacking District nightclub. Upstairs, it’s an overpriced Asian-fusion bistro. Downstairs, when the night gets late, it’s full of well-dressed young professionals dancing up a storm. The DJs are top-notch. Cover $20. Open Tu-Su 10pm-4am.