Everything about Coby Club screams enticing, provocative, and sexy. With inspiration from San Francisco nightlife in the 1950’s, the new speakeasy lends itself to a celebration of unique and celebrated artistry. Here, alongside the plush retro decor, jazz-tinged and sultry blues, singers, broadway performers and burlesque artists perform impromptu, with pop-up live performances every night between 9-11 (for a later date). To enjoy during the show, there’s seasonal options for light bites and bar food.
Minton’s Playhouse, Harlem, Manhattan
Address: 206 West 118th Street
Jazz greats Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie played here during the Harlem Renaissance, and when Minton’s reopened in 2013 some said the neighborhood’s rebirth was complete. Linger all night at one of the plush, intimate tables; there’s no bad seat in the house, each has a view of the stage. Pair the Jumping Bebop–a spiced rum, peach, pineapple, basil, and lime concoction–with one of chef J.J. Johnson’s African-influenced dishes. The short rib toast with spicy pickled okra and yogurt and the Afro-Asian-American Gumbo with smoked chicken, Chinese chicken sausage, shrimp, and crab are standouts.—G.F
St. Mazie’s, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Address: 345 Grand Street
Make it a point to book a reservation for a show at St. Mazie’s—the live music truly does make the experience. And once you are there, it’s light and breezy—probably because it becomes obvious: everyone is romanticizing everything. On the main floor, enjoy some live jazz or folk music at the bar with oysters and cocktails. Or, head downstairs in their wine-cellar-style dining space a late night subterranean drink. Upscale comfort dishes are available to order anywhere you sit.
Tips and tricks
Grab a drink and light bites at one of these swanky hotel bars: The Swan Room at Nine Orchard in the Lower East Side; Café Carlyle at The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel; The Lobby Bar at the Hotel Chelsea in Chelsea; The Fifth Avenue Hotel’s Portrait Bar; Le Crocodile at the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg.
If you’re visiting NYC: If you’re visiting NYC from another city, ask your new date if they can make the pick (it will tell you a lot about the person). Check the reviews before leaving it all in their hands. Or, refer them to any of these picks (a true New Yorker might be impressed).
