New York's Best Over-30s Singles Scene 2008

It’s more than just an empanada stand in the heart of the Lower East Side: It’s a lounge with an emphasis on electronic music.

Reviews:

• “Avoid”
• “door policy stinks”
• “Exceeded Expectations”
• “Fabulous Lounge”
• “A real Gem of a lounge!”

Tips: In addition to $6 caipirinhas all night every Thursday, enjoy happy hour specials and $3 empanadas, 7pm-9pm daily.

Label Lounge

Excitement over the splashy Time Warner Center extends to its buzzing bar.

Reviews:

• “Very overrated and pretentious uptown bar”
• “Upsclae lounge to hang out with friends”
• “Interesting reviews!”
• “The best time EVER!”
• “Big College Kids Bar”

Tips: Smokers beware: It’s three flights down to get outside.

STONE ROSE LOUNGE or email STONE ROSE LOUNGE

Flashy Meatpacking digs ideal for a night of cocktails, snacking and taking in some serious eye candy.

Reviews:

• “Celeb sighting and fun fun fun!”
• “Awful Service for $15 drinks- stay FAR away”
• “Upscale lounge with great service and food”
• “WORST Customer Treatment”
• “Fun!!”

Tips: The oyster and champagne bar holds 40, or host your private party for up to 70 in the sexy cellar downstairs. Of course, VIPs can hold court in their own elevated lounge just off of the main bar area.

ONE Little West 12 or email ONE Little West 12

The steakhouse meets the runway for sceney Meatpacking meat-feasting.

Reviews:

• “Great music, lots of eye candy and steak is excellent”
• “Great drinks, awesome atmosphere.”
• “Loved it.”
• “This place is truly terrible”
• “Don’t believe the hype”

Tips: Try playful spins on retro cocktails like the strawberry mint julep or “not your daddy’s” Manhattan—each costs $14 to $16.

STK or email STK

Balthazar owner Keith McNally works his magic at this painstakingly French bistro in the Meatpacking District.

Reviews:

• “The Worst Dining Experience Ever!!!”
• “Bridge & Tunnel”
• “Great atmosphere”
• “Great Meatpacking District Spot”
• “Super Slow Service”

Tips: Check out McNally’s latest bistro, Schiller’s.

Pastis

Hotel hot spot with a squeeze of limelight.

Reviews:

• “Hudson Hotel Bar”
• “Overcharged credit card”
• “Beware of bad aftertaste”
• “Perfect for Cocktail Lounging and Chilling "
• “word to the wise: STAY AWAY”

Tips: The Hudson Bar often holds private parties and occasionally puts a list into play. Call ahead, dress sharp and go early in the week.

Hudson Bar

A home away from home for Fort Greene’s wine enthusiasts.

Reviews:

• “Great service, savory food, cozy atmosphere”
• “Super-good food, excellent wine list, knowledgable staff”
• “Food Excellent, Wine List Uninspired”
• “Excellent wine bar but service generally is poor”
• “Excellent wine bar”

Tips: If you can’t decide what to order, tasting flights priced from
$15 to $18 offer three samples of recommended reds or whites.

Stonehome Wine Bar or email Stonehome Wine Bar

The 19th century pub still lures a lively crowd.

Reviews:

• “Cool atmosphere and good service”
• “Lennon was right in this case too!”
• “1870’s and still going strong”
• “ask Victor to make you a Margarita”
• “Consistant Bar”

Ear Inn

Like a rocker that grew up—classy on the outside, but still wild at heart.

Reviews:

• “best cuban sandwich and best argentine wine!!”
• “Great place to chill”
• “I love this place!! Any menu that has BLUE BALS is OK by me!”
• “Great place to hang out, easy going, great crowd”
• “great beer and atmosphere”

Tips: Pints of Guinness, Sixpoint, Radeberger and more are $4, everyday until 7pm.

Marshall Stack

Belgian ales and well-aged furnishings are the specialty of the house.

Reviews:

• “Worst Service, Overrated”
• “Worth the short trek to Brooklyn”
• “Beer Heaven”
• “Expand your beer palate & knowledge”
• “they just get it…”

Tips: Ask the knowledgeable staff for advice, or a sample, to choose a beer to your taste.

Spuyten Duyvil