Founded by master drinksmith Audrey Sanders, this SoHo club is less about the see-and-be-seen atmosphere as it is about the expertly crafted drinks. Their goal is to do "a lot of little things well," especially when it comes to cocktails and small plates of food.
Relax with the mint-infused Whiskey Smash, a twist on a traditional mojito, or the homemade ginger beer, the Gin-Gin Mule. Dimmed lamps and candlelight help create part of a rustic-yet-modern appeal to the club. The crab Rangoon and shrimp mini burgers are recommended by customers with the smoked trout deviled eggs and coconut shrimp heralded by critics.
Pegu Club
77 W. Houston Street, 2nd floor
New York, New York 10012
212-473-7348
www.peguclub.com
In recent years, smokers have been ousted from bars in New York City and all over the country. It's good for nonsmokers, sure, but it has left many smokers feeling displaced and looking for a new place to smoke and drink indoors.
Look no further than SoHo's Circa Tabac, a full bar with art deco décor, jazzy, calm vibe and an enormous cigarette collection from all over the world, even to please the occasional smoker. If being anti-cigarette is your thing, the club's powerful ventilation system sucks up smoke almost instantly. Smoke can barely be detected in the air, according to frequent visitors and reviewers on the bar on sites like Yelp.
DJs spin a mix of hip hop, alternative, classic rock and more, providing the perfect environment to relax, drink and smoke the stress away.
Circa Tabac
32 Watts Street
New York, New York 10013
212-941-1781
Circatabac.com
Popularized in the late 90s, the Moroccan-themed nightclub still maintains its youth among SoHo residents. A narrow bar lines the three-room, dimly lit, sexy dance space, creating the perfect ambiance to let loose. Sway is a nightclub as you'd traditionally think of one, with loud, booming music, scantily dressed 20 and 30 somethings and the occasional movie star or musician making an appearance.
However, there is a $40 minimum on all credit card transactions. If you just want a drink or two at Sway, Yelpers suggest carrying cash.
Sway Longue
305 Spring Street
New York, New York 10013
212-620-5220
www.swaylounge.com