1 OAK

Richie Akiva and Scott Sartiano’s 1 Oak is another staple of New York’s nightlife, and that means—yep, tough door. Once you make it through, you can linger in a sleek space with checkered floors and leather booths, sipping one of their signature martinis.

453 West 17th Street

CIELO

The heavenly aura might have to do with the mood introduced by Cielo’s mixologists, or the blend of electro and house music studded with soul twists. Cielo is a nightlife option for aesthetes who can appreciate the innovative décor and quality sounds.

18 Little West 12th Street      212-645-5700

GREENHOUSE

Going green is the way for the 21st century, even in nightlife. The 6,000-square-foot eco-friendly Greenhouse joins "plant" walls with black leather banquettes and some of the best DJs occupying the turnstiles.

150 Varick Street      (212) 807-7000

KISS & FLY

Plunge into the ultra-chic darkness of Kiss & Fly— the most flirtatious club in town. As any self-respecting Meatpacking District hotspot, this beat-filled venue admits the chic and famous first, but once inside, the chosen get to experience the quintessence of nightlife.

409 West 13th Street      (212) 255-1933

M2

Linger on the brocade ottomans, among the golden curtains, carved pillars and glittering, bubble-shaped fixtures. M2 creates a unique atmosphere of relaxed splendor, with a sexy crowd and a well-equipped, tusk-decorated DJ booth.

530 West 28th Street      (212) 629-9000

MARQUEE

Leather banquettes and glass-bead chandeliers add to the posh feel of this Chelsea landmark created for the sake of high-class entertainment. Haunted by the grandiose spirit of Las Vegas mega clubs, Marquee lives up to the position as Manhattan’s premiere hotspot.

289 10th Avenue      (646) 473-0202

PACHA

Feel the Hudson River breeze before plunging head-forth into the thick crowd of this Ibiza-styled club. Pacha lures the trendiest party animals with celebrity guests and DJs every weekend.

618 West 46th Street      (212) 209-7500

PINK ELEPHANT

Pink Elephant offers the party vibe of West 27th Street without the pompousness and iced-down drinks. Once you pass that velvet rope, the chic space with plush couches and a bar serving well-mixed house cocktails make the night unfold.

527 West 27th Street      (212) 463-0000

SANTO'S PARTY HOUSE

The raw interior of this bi-level, 8,000-square-foot space does just about the opposite of intimidating its patrons. The dim, spacious dance floor with state-of-the-art sound system fills up every weekend, when assaulted by a crowd of beat-craving New Yorkers.

100 Lafayette Street      (212) 584-5494

WEBSTER HALL

You can’t call yourself a real New York City night prowler unless you stick around this legendary joint. After revamping its swanky interior-- upgrading the dim decor and installing an even better sound system—the dazzling landmark is more popular than ever.

125 East 11th Street      (212) 353-1600