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In the City that Never Sleeps HOT SPOTS BY ERIKA BOGNER
92 | MetMagNY.com | 25AMagazine.com
Photo by John Garcia at Caden Collective
W
orking in the private eve n t i n d u s t r y means finding yourself in a lot of unique spaces. While most elicit “oohs” and “ahhhs”, some require hard hats and good hand washings. Like many creative industries, events allows you to define your own schedule, though really that translates to having to be always on. When there is downtime, it’s hard to not want to match the character of the venues I find in my events. My favorite local haunts tend to be of the more private persuasion. Cavernous-like with secret spots and spacious lounges for entertaining. Fortunately, New York City is ripe with discrete yet vivacious and unique spots. Leading with an oldie but still goodie, Norwood, the Chelsea-based private arts club; is great for winding down at after an eventful night, as well as networking and schmoozing clients. The multi-floor club, located in a repurposed townhouse, boasts the best bartenders, a delicious rotating seasonal menu that always hits the spot, live music, a curated and ever-changing art collection and the City’s top creatives, all under one prewar roof. The National Arts Club is also a fabulous space to attend an event. Watch for their yearly milliner’s ball. And if you can find someone with a membership to the Friar’s Club – a magically gilded place full of fun “old New York” types, with stories that could go on for many evenings – go! Open to the public but also off the beaten path you’ll find jazz at KGB’s Red Room and wild nights at places like Mimi’s Downstairs (20 Prince Street) Louie & Chan (downstairs), Kitty’s Speakeasy, The Box, Duane Park and Von. Alley Cat Amateur Theatre in Beekman Hotel, along with the also newly opened AMAYA Mezcal Social Club, are both fun new spots that are list only and totally worth it! For creatives and partiers alike, I recommend following what’s happening at the Caden Collective. They host in their multiple beautifully renovated spaces everything from pop-ups and film premieres to list-only concerts and private parties. Daytime they make their spaces available to musicians, artists and the fashion industry for film and video shoots, as well as
meetings and collaborations. Membership has endless perks. Although only a bridge ride away, Manhattan and Brooklyn are worlds apart. I typically avoid the college campus feel of the Bedford Ave strip of Williamsburg and venture further in, or along the water. For Mexican food lovers, Cantina Royal, located next to ACME Studios offers a cool vibe, great people watching and an amazing selection of dishes and hot sauces. The Owl Music Parlor is a must for intimate live music performances, you’ll find everything from classical, instrumental and experimental to folk and rock bands. House of Yes is quickly becoming a pop culture icon, though fortunately, their mantra is avoiding exclusivity and with a little line wait, anyone can still get in. Murmurr theater is also new on the scene, one of the more beautiful new spaces, the venue is located in an old synagogue. You’ll also never go wrong with a show at National Sawdust,
Trans Pecos, Market Hotel, Issue Project Room or Brooklyn Steel. Barwise, for me Brooklyn is all about the dive bar Freddy’s Lounge and Barroom, the Abbey, Hollow Nickel, Brooklyn Inn, Hank’s Saloon (closing 2018) and Sharlene’s are a few of my favorites. As far as food goes, stop by Honey Badger, Skål BK or Brasserie Seoul for some of Brooklyn’s most unique dining menus and events. As for finding your way into one of my private parties – you can “RSVP” to my list @ nyceventpro. com. Currently in the works – a collaboration with NoHo Sound to expand early 2019 into a new venue that not only includes high-end audio showrooms but potentially a record listening cafe and indoor/outdoor event and concert spaces. (Shh!) In the meantime, be sure to join their list for multi-genre music showcases and other performances in their Cooper Square location.