Here’s the scoop on the Ninth Annual
Survey, which Covers 1,265 NYC Nocturnal Nooks. Catty Shack on Fourth Avenue rated Best Lesbian bar. Quite a bit of Brooklyn in the best of’s.

New York, N.Y., June 14, 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 Bergère, 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-é 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 Décor – Megu
Top Service – Daniel

Top Rated by Category:
Beer Specialist – Otheroom            Latin – Zinc Bar
Cabarets – Café 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
Dive – Jimmy’s Corner                Sports Bar – 40/40   
Gay Bar – Therapy                Strip Club – Hustler Club
Hotel Bars – King Cole Bar            Theme Bar – Barcade
Jazz Club – Jazz Standard            Wine Bar – Stonehome