Meatpacking District Nightlife

409 W 13th St, New York, NY 10014 (map)

Though a reservation at this extravagant MePa dance club may not guarantee you'll be whisked inside without waiting, it should garner some favor from the security personnel at the door. Inside, you'll find yourself amidst a crush of tall Europeans with plenty of opportunities to see and be seen--provided the smoke machine isn't roaring on high.

26 Little W 12th St, New York, NY 10014 (map)

This little lounge (located underneath upscale restaurant STK) seduces its share of cool cats. The space--with its zebra prints, wavy wood grains and marble accents--is both sexually and texturally charged. A horseshoe-shaped dance floor is controlled by a stream of celebrity DJs, while others bob along from the comfort of tiered, plush seating or strike a pose at the leather-clad bar.

419 W 13th St, New York, NY 10014 (map)

Clubbers feel at home in this bar outfitted to look like--you guessed it--a luxurious apartment, with homey striped wallpaper and sleek furnishings, including a white wraparound banquette and a bed. The downstairs bar--outfitted with nouveau wood paneling, cushioned stools and a smoking hot roster of DJs--is designed more for dancing than seducing, but it's still date-worthy.

18 9th Ave, New York, NY 10014 (map)

Endless buzz attracts a motley group to this stylish Gansevoort Hotel rooftop lounge. Tough guys in T-shirts mingle with gawking tourists, stylish professionals and trendsetters. But with stunning panoramic views of the Hudson River and midtown, it's no wonder people are willing to squeeze their way up to the bar for an outrageously priced cocktail (or five).

18 Little West 12th St, New York, NY 10014 (map)

After being sufficiently grilled by the bouncer, head down a narrow hallway illuminated by a single blue light and into a sceney New York moment. Cielo only holds 250 people, but that makes for some up-close and personal grooving on the pool-blue, sunken dance floor. Rest assured that the music will be high-energy, the champagne perfectly chilled and the crowd good-looking.

55 Little W 12th Street, New York, NY 10014 (map)

Though the decor, including a glowing backdrop of liquor bottles and exposed-brick walls, doesn't qualify it as a dive bar, Brass Monkey is far more laid-back than its fancy neighbors. The relaxed pub vibe means you and your crew can pass through the door easily. It also means you won't go broke quite as fast buying rounds of drinks.

859 Washington St, New York, NY 10014 (map)

The bras strewn about define the atmosphere at this dive, where girls and guys look to let loose--beer in hand, not cosmo. Classic rock blasts from the jukebox and scantily clad 'tenders take turns howling into a megaphone. It's definitely a departure from the velvet rope scene--and a welcome one.

765 Washington St, New York, NY 10014 (map)

Accents like an antique chandelier and ornate mirrors make Entwine feel more like a Parisian flat than a bar or a club. Enjoy the classy environs at this spot just on the outskirts of the Meatpacking madness while drinking from the carefully curated wine list and nibbling on Mediterranean-inspired dishes. But while it seems to channel the continent across the pond, you won't find many Euro wannabes here (thankfully).

22 9th Ave, New York, NY 10014 (map)

After opening to much fanfare, Bill's has officially set up shop in the Meatpacking District, serving its much-lauded burger (and booze the go with it) until 4am. Steven Hanson's joint occupies the space where the Hog Pit used to be, so it's no surprise that the vibe is down-home, not ritzy. Go to hang out a while, or stop by for a bite following an evening club-hopping.