Ultimate Singles Guide
By Justine Goodman, Nightlife Editor
Finding someone who's single and likeable can be a challenge in cut-throat New York City. So we've sought out the best singles scenes for you to snag your ideal type--from party bars packed with fun-loving people to the trendiest restaurants filled with well-to-do socialites.
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Forum
127 4th Ave, New York, NY
This spacious Union Square bar caters to under- and post-graduates looking to party on any given night of the week. -
Plan B
339 E 10th St, New York, NY
A neighborhood crowd gets cozy at this mainstream East Village boozin' spot. -
APT
419 W 13th St, New York, NY
Savvy clubbers treat this chic nightspot like their own living room. -
Sway
305 Spring St, New York, NY
For those well-dressed and well-to-do or unintimidated by tough doors. -
B-Bar & Grill
40 E 4th St, New York, NY
An oldie but a goody, the expansive Bowery bar still draws a crowd of eager drinkers, thanks in part to its year-round heated patio. -
BLVD
199 Bowery, New York, NY
An enormous Nolita nightlife compound with lounge, dance floor and restaurant under one roof. -
Pianos
158 Ludlow St, New York, NY
Check out the amateur bands and their cute fans during the week--on weekends, the Lower East Side overflow gets pretty messy.
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Larry Lawrence
295 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY
This inconspicuous bar's polished vibe and lofted smoking atrium up the Williamsburg nightlife ante. -
Cake Shop
152 Ludlow St, New York, NY
At this multi-purpose hangout, accidentally bump into that cutie while browsing the vinyl collection, or give 'em the eye while the catchy local band is jamming on stage. -
Galapagos--CLOSED
70 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY
This converted factory space plays host to everything from up-and-coming bands to oddball performance art. -
Brooklyn Social
335 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY
Brooklyn's new blood parties like the Rat Pack at this social club-gone-public. -
THE SKINnY
174 Orchard Street, New York, NY
Cheap drinks and local art lure the neighbors to this slender Lower East Side bar. -
Lit
93 Second Ave., New York, NY
Art, bar and a handful of stars. -
KGB Bar
85 E 4th St, New York, NY
Where writers unite, under the influence of martinis and words.
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Soho House
29-35 Ninth Ave, New York, NY
This members-only Meatpacking District club redefines "exclusive." -
The Waverly Inn and Garden
16 Bank St, New York, NY
Score the right table and you just might find yourself next to somebody famous. -
STONE ROSE LOUNGE
10 Columbus Cir, New York, NY
Suits and stilletos rule at this bustling Time Warner Center bar. -
Socialista
505 West St, New York, NY
West Village lounge and restaurant draws inspiration from Cuba--in its drinks, cuisine and air of impenetrability. -
The Rose Bar
2 Lexington Ave, New York, NY
The dark, luxurious hotel bar smacks of Old-World charm, but is one of Gramercy Park's hippest nightspots. -
GoldBar
389 Broome St, New York, NY
Liquor is the loot inside this utterly decadent, treasure chest-like bar.
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Sugarland
221 N 9th St, Brooklyn, NY
Williamsburg's queer scene gets a boost as the owners of Metropolitan unveil this theatrical gathering space. -
Rubyfruit Bar and Grill
531 Hudson St, New York, NY
A popular lesbian hangout with a romantic dining room downstairs. -
Cattyshack
249 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY
Every night is ladies night at this bi-level lesbian bar and dance club. -
Viceroy
160 8th Avenue, New York, NY
Moderately priced American fare and casual ambience that's popular with the Chelsea boys. -
Gym
167 8th Ave, New York, NY
The first gay sports bar packs a mix of true fans and the men who love them.
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Commonwealth
497 Fifth Ave, Brooklyn, NY
Not only is there a jukebox to aid your approach, but there's also a personals wall where you can post a love note. -
Loreley
7 Rivington St, New York, NY
A Bavarian brewhouse where the good-natured air is contagious. -
Swift
34 E 4th St, New York, NY
An Irish pub where the pickup scene gets going about three Guinnesses in. -
Village Vanguard
178 7th Ave S, New York, NY
Avoid the obvious singles scenes and drop by for some jazz--you might just meet your match. -
East River
97 S 6th St, Brooklyn, NY
Festive block parties and DIY barbecue under the Williamsburg Bridge. -
Spring Lounge
48 Spring St, New York, NY
In the midst of the hipster boom, this old-school pub fares swimmingly. -
Angels & Kings
500 E 11th St, New York, NY
A collaboration of indie musicians who had their own bands ... and wanted their own bar.
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Cesca
164 W 75th St, New York, NY
The bar scene is buzzing at this Upper West Side dining destination. -
Prohibition
503 Columbus Ave, New York, NY
Liberal libations abound at this Depression era-themed locale. -
Joya
215 Court St, Brooklyn, NY
DJs keep the beat at this continually packed Cobble Hill fave for Thai food. -
Pastis
9 9th Ave, New York, NY
Balthazar owner Keith McNally works his magic at this painstakingly French bistro in the Meatpacking District. -
Hudson Bar
356 W 58th St, New York, NY
Hotel hot spot with a squeeze of limelight. -
Blue Ribbon
97 Sullivan St, New York, NY
Even the pros--aka, chefs--flock to this always-packed foodie favorite. -
Gramercy Tavern
42 E 20th St, New York, NY
Insiders know that seats at the bar are the best in the house, especially for meeting like-minded food lovers.

