Upper West Side Nightlife
By Lucy Cohen Blatter, New York
Known more for its strollers than its scenesters, when it comes to nightlife the Upper West Side is oft ignored in favor of heading downtown. But the many frat bars on Amsterdam Avenue aren't the only thing the 'hood has to offer. From cozy local dives to jazz clubs and upscale wine bars, the UWS just might be one of New York's best kept secrets.
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Bar Boulud
1900 Broadway, New York, NY
Situated across the street from Lincoln Center, this upscale wine bar and restaurant from famed restaurateur Daniel Boulud offers an extensive wine list and a charcuterie counter. Long and narrow, with an arched ceiling, the cavernous space feels like a wine cellar. Digitally rendered wine stains on the walls drive the theme home. -
Barcibo Enoteca
2020 Broadway, New York, NY
This two-level, candlelit wine bar--owned by the same people as the smaller and perma-packed Bin 71--features both lower and upper level bars, with the upper level bar fronting a small open kitchen. On the weekends, a crowd of 20- and 30-somethings packs the house, sitting at high marble-top tables, nibbling on salami and cheese plates and sampling over 100 bottles of wine (30 of which are available by the glass). -
Columbus 72 After Prom
246A Columbus Ave, New York, NY
The Upper West Side’s only dance club isn't just for the after-prom set. DJs spin Salsa music on Tuesdays and Saturdays, a live swing orchestra plays on Wednesdays, a Salsa band plays on Fridays, and on weekends the crowd gets down to DJ-spun favorites. Both the Columbus Room and smaller Broadway Room (named for two of the neighborhood’s famed avenues) feature their own bars, dance floors and lounges. -
Blue Donkey Bar
489 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY
What Upper West Side bar feature would be complete without spotlighting one of the Amsterdam Avenue dives? There’s plenty of opportunity to follow this watering hole’s motto and “act like an ass,” thanks to a good selection of beers under $5 and a friendly staff just waiting to pour. A back area features classic arcade games, a pool table and air hockey, and an outdoor patio space is open during summer months. -
Smoke Jazz and Supper-Club Lounge
2751 Broadway, New York, NY
Jazz musicians perform seven days a week at this intimate lounge, decorated with velvet banquettes, antique chandeliers and heavy drapes. Some nights have music charges, others simply drink minimums, but either way you’ll get your money’s worth with some of today’s greatest jazz musicians. -
Ding Dong Lounge
929 Columbus Ave, New York, NY
This downtown-style hipster bar for uptown dwellers pulls off a sexy feel with chandeliers, maroon walls and almost sheer darkness. But its theme is undeniably punk: Black and white vintage punk show flyers hang on the walls (and cover the bathrooms) and plenty of punk music comes through the speakers. A DJ spins almost every night, with occasional live performances too. -
1020 Bar
1020 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY
While there’s no escaping the Columbia University crowd, this no-frills joint serves cheap beer (between $2 and $5), offers a good happy hour, and a pool table and dart board provide constant entertainment. Arrive early to snag a booth or one of three antique dentist chairs.
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Dublin House
225 W 79th St, New York, NY
A welcoming Upper West Side institution with old-time distinction. -
Stand Up NY
236 West 78th Street, New York, NY
Flexibility typifies the scheduling and the programming at this uptown comedy club. -
Bourbon Street
407 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY
An Upper West Sider more akin to "Animal House" than Dixieland jazz. -
Time Out
349 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY
Uptown sports bar with TVs, beer pong and a crowd of rowdy fans. -
Prohibition
503 Columbus Ave, New York, NY
Liberal libations abound at this Depression era-themed locale. -
Jake's Dilemma
430 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY
A comfortable, well-worn bar to toss beers back with friends. -
Dead Poet
450 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY
A welcome respite from the gaggle of "party till ya puke" bars that dot Amsterdam Avenue. -
Shalel Lounge
65 W 70th St, New York, NY
A sexy, secret date spot on the Upper West Side. -
Makor Cafe
35 W 67th St, New York, NY
This savvy, visionary cultural center joins Jewish spirituality and the arts in a way many New Yorkers have long craved.
