Neighborhood Guide: West Village Nightlife

114 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014 (map)

This old-time tavern is as friendly as Cheers, without the Norms. The clientele--a jeaned and T-shirted crew, ranging from those carded at the door to those carded at Stonewall--make for a lively, volatile mix.

185 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014 (map)

Women are welcome but the two bathrooms in back (both marked gents) are evidence of the typical crowd. This is a bar for butch gay types who like to listen to Zeppelin with the TV on, amidst trophies.

438 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014 (map)

A constant flow between the separate dancing, pool-playing and lounging areas creates an inviting, something-for-everyone vibe. Bartenders serve no-frills drinks, and on most nights, it's crowded.

531 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014 (map)

Lots of ladies looking for love--many in their mid-30s, although some very young--sprinkle the upstairs bar and the romantic restaurant downstairs.

61 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014 (map)

There's something for everyone here, including a piano bar, a game room and an off-Broadway theater where stars like Woody Allen and Joan Rivers cut their teeth.

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

Here, where everyone's prowling, anyone's fair game. At this way-west bar, suits find refuge within a neighborhood that caters mostly to cooler, hipsters-who've-made-it types. The party music soundtrack speaks to the ambience much more accurately than the jazz legend photos hanging on the walls.

558 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014 (map)

This unassuming spot is a go-to for locals--a place where the bartender likely knows the regulars' names. Go elsewhere if you're a girl, all gussied up and looking to find a guy who will hit on you shamelessly.

178 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014 (map)

This shrine to jazz, located in an intimate basement, features artists both old and new. Open since 1935, the place is known for its acoustical prowess.

425 West St, New York, NY 10014 (map)

A nautical theme resonates throughout this pub, with accents like a fish tank and oodles of oceanic kitsch. Go for cheap drinks served in coconut-shaped cups, fried eats and a tingle of that maritime feeling that only proximity to the Hudson River can bring.