Highbar
*BEST NEW LOUNGE
AVENUE: Courtesy of nightlife impresarios Noah Tepperberg, Jason Strauss and Danny A, and including imported Belgian chandeliers and private mezzanines, this newbie has won approval from the likes of Madonna and Marc Jacobs. 116 10th Avenue, 212-337-0054
*BEST NEW BAR
675 BAR: With its retro feel, this is more like a friend’s living room then a partying establishment (try the chocolate-covered bacon). 675 Hudson Street, 212-699-2400
*BEST NEW CLUB
THE GATES: From the colossal brass gate at the door to the working fireplace, opulence rules here. The challenge? They’re tough at the door. 290 Eighth Avenue, 212-206-8646
*BEST CLASSIC FAVE
MARQUEE: Even after five years, this Chelsea staple is still packed with pretty people and power players like Jay-Z. 289 10th Avenue, 646-473-0202
*BEST PLACE FOR NEW FACES
M2 ULTRA LOUNGE: Its sprawling layout offers trendy patrons a plethora of places in which to cavort the night away. 530 West 28th Street, 212-629-9000
*BEST PLACE TO BE SEEN
CHARLES: At the celebrity-packed Charles (Sarah Michelle Gellar, Michael Jordan), tablehopping is welcome, with model types swapping seats to clink glasses with old friends. 234 West Fourth Street, no phone number
*BEST DANCE CROWD
MERKATO 55: The “Day and Night” brunch party here is insane: Go early, down some mojitos, and soon you’ll be dancing on banquettes and ogling eye candy—all before 5 P.M. 55 Gansevoort Street, 212-255-8555
*BEST ROOFTOP DESIGN
HIGHBAR: You might be baffled by the entrance—via a grungy service elevator—but the spectacular view of midtown and New Jersey and cushy lounge beds will quickly restore your humor. 251 West 48th Street, 212-956-1300
M2 Ultra Lounge
*BEST MUSIC STYLE
DJ CHRIS LIGGIO: The resident weekend DJ at Goldbar brings a fresh take on pop and rock, effortlessly combining new school with oldschool obscurity. Visit chrisliggiomusic.com
*BEST REMIX DJ
DJ IRIE: With a knack for finding the best remixes to current hits, Irie keeps the crowd pumping into the wee hours of the morning. Visit djirie.com
