Nublu

Contributor

Citysearch

The Scene
There's a secret after-hours feel to this Alphabet City hangout, where the entrance is marked only by a small blue light over the door. The artsy, eclectic crowd is refreshingly free of pretense. Keyboards, turntables and hanging jazz, rock and Latin record albums decorate the bar area, while lush trees rustle above the tiled tables and floor cushions in the tiny garden. Springy black-and-red stools and holographic outer-space prints add to the funkiness.

The Draw
Nublu isn't just the name of the bar--it's also the name of owner Ilhan Ersahin's record label. You'll often find him jamming here with his bands Wax Poetic and Lovetrio. Many of the DJs are also his friends, so there's an informal vibe that, coupled with the smooth electronic and world music, oozes mellowness. The cash-only bar serves up beer, wine and an occasional glass of champagne.