New York City Nightlife Scene Surveyed by Zagat:
The Gramercy Park
Hotel's Jade Bar Rated Top Newcomer, Average Drink Price
in New York City Now $10.12
NEW YORK, June 13, 2007 - Zagat Survey, has announced the results of
its recently completed survey of 1,265 bars, lounges, clubs and pubs in
the Big Apple. The 2007/2008 New York City Nightlife survey was conducted
on ZAGAT.com with input from 6,121 loyal, late-night partygoers, 75% of
whom are in their 20s and 30s. On average, the participants go out two
times per week (collectively 640,000 nights per year) and consume roughly
3 drinks during a typical night out.
Zagat Survey CEO Tim Zagat stated "With the average drink now costing
$10.12, 7% more than last year, and a host of hot new nightlife meccas,
it's obvious the nightlife industry is pouring big bucks into the local
economy; still, there are signs that things may be cooling as 36% of surveyors
say they are going out less often while only 18% say they are going out
more."
News-Making Neighborhoods: If you're looking for the scene to
be seen in, it's no surprise: Downtown remains New York's hottest nightlife
destination. The East Village had the most new arrivals in the past year:
Against the Grain, Big Lug, Bamn! Boucaru, Bowery Hotel Bar, Boysroom,
Curious Purple, Death & Co., 40C, Grape and Grain, Midway, Royale,
Ten Degrees and Village Pourhouse. The Lower East side continues to grow
as well, welcoming Marshall Stack, Nurse Bettie, 205 Club and arguably
the most talked-about newcomer, The Box, a club that's one part Folies
Bergere, one part Living Theater - and a door policy that's as tough as
they come. Indicating the diversity of the city's nightlife, Top Rated
Newcomers come from every neighborhood: The Gramercy Park Hotel is home
to New York City's Top Rated Newcomer, Jade Bar (Gramercy), followed by
Tenjune (Meatpacking), Union Hall (Park Slope), Rose Bar (Gramercy) and
Chinatown Brasserie (NoHo).
West Chelsea: It seems as though the boozers, bankers, bottles
and models crowd along Club Row on West 27th Street have been given "last
call." The overblown block party drew both police and traffic barricades
- the ultimate party foul, ergo the mega-clubs BED and Spirit have closed,
while West Chelsea veterans Cain and Bungalow 8 are watching their steps.
In a possible reaction to West 27th Street's implosion, party animals and
celebutants alike have migrated to smaller, off-the-beaten-path spots like
The Anchor, Beatrice Inn, Death & Co., GoldBar and Rose Bar.
Music Hall Merry-Go-Round: Given the ever-changing nightlife
scene, losses are inevitable, perhaps most prominently, the Roxy, but also
five indie music halls: CBGB's, Northsix, Rothko, Sin-e and Tonic. However,
seven new venues have stepped up in their place: the Gramercy Theatre,
Highline Ballroom, Luna Lounge, the imminent Music Hall of Brooklyn, Rebel,
Studio B and the United Palace. Top rated among the established live music
venues are Nublu, Joe's Pub, Bowery Ballroom, Beacon Theatre and Rockwood
Music.
Vin-ues Grow: This has also been a big year for wine bars, with
a record eleven new arrivals including Barcibo Enoteca, Bin No. 220, Blue
Ribbon Downing Street Bar, Centovini, Grape and Grain, Monday Room, Pudding
Stones, Ten Degrees, Tini, Wine & Roses and Wined Up. When asked what
they typically drink during the week, 44% of respondents reported wine
as their top choice - suggesting that there is staying power in the wine
bar trend.
Weekend Cocktails: On the weekend it appears that drinking behavior
changes with most surveyors (55 %) switching to mixed drinks - up from
16% on weekdays. Bottle service [buying an entire bottle of liquor to secure
a table], is "worth trying" and a "fun way to party" for 25% of surveyors,
but 65% consider it "a rip-off." This issue may soon be obsolete since
the City Council is considering banning the practice all together.
Food Too: Showing that Zagat surveyors have grown accustomed
to having food with their drinks, 77% of respondents say they expect the
best bars, clubs and lounges in New York City to serve food. And when asked
what they typically do after a night on the town, 46% say they grab a bite
somewhere. Apparently going home with a doggie bag beats going home alone.
This year's Winners
Most Popular - Pastis
Top Appeal - King Cole Bar
Top Decor - Megu
Top Service - Daniel
Top Rated by Category:
Beer Specialist - Otheroom |
Latin - Zinc Bar |
Cabarets - Cafe Carlyle |
Lesbian - Cattyshack |
Cocktail Expert - Milk & Honey |
Mature Crowds - King Cole Bar |
Comedy Club - Comedy Cellar |
Meat Market - 230 Fifth |
Dance Club - Cielo |
Rooftop - Rise |
Gay Bar - Therapy |
Sports Bar - 40/40 |
Hotel Bars - King Cole Bar |
Strip Club - Hustler Club |
Dive - Jimmy's Corner |
Theme Bar - Barcade |
Jazz Club - Jazz Standard |
Wine Bar - Stonehome |
About the 2007/2008 New York City Nightlife guide
For the first time in its 28-year history, Zagat Survey has significantly
changed the look of its guidebooks. The guide now features new color graphics,
icons and features full-color, fold out neighborhood and subway maps. The
2007/2008 New York City Nightlife guide ($14.95) was edited by Curt Gathje
and can be found at local bookstores or by calling (888) 371-5440. Ratings
and reviews can also be found on ZAGAT.com and ZAGAT TO GO, for mobile
phones and PDAs.
About Zagat Survey, LLC
Known as the "wildly popular" "burgundy bible," Zagat Survey is the
world's most trusted source for information about where to eat, drink,
stay and play around the globe. With more than 300,000 surveyors, Zagat
Survey rates and reviews restaurants, hotels, nightlife, movies, music,
golf, shopping and a range of other entertainment categories and is lauded
as the "most up-to-date", "comprehensive" and "reliable" guide ever published.
Zagat content is available in print, on the Web, on the Palm and Windows
Mobile operating systems, on BlackBerry, on mobile phones, and on TV. For
more information, visit http://www.ZAGAT.com. |