N.Y.C. Hot Spots

THE SPOT Double Seven
THE SCOOP Owned by the group behind the ever-popular Lotus, this dramatic space is entered via an amber-lit tunnel that opens into the lounge's two rooms. Low-decibel tunes and chocolate-leather sofas encourage intimate conversation. But the cocktails are the real draw; the daily menu pulls from 80 recipes created by Milk & Honey mixologist Sasha Petraske. Scarlett Johansson favors the No. 10 Lemonade, while Heath Ledger likes a drink called New Bitty.
WHO'S BEEN THERE Drew Barrymore, Kate Hudson, Scarlett Johansson, Clive Owen, Jessica Simpson, Heidi Klum, Eva Longoria

418 W. 14th Street
New York, NY 10014
212-981-9099

-Betony Toht

THE SPOT Nikki Beach Midtown
THE SCOOP Drawing inspiration from the chain's popular beachside locations, this nightclub brings a vacation vibe to the center of the Manhattan working world. Towering canvas beach umbrellas shelter pillow-strewn seating, and bright yellow suns are projected onto the vaulted ceilings. Celebrities can check out the scene from the remove of a second-floor VIP lounge that has its own DJ and bar, as well as a floor-to-ceiling glass wall that overlooks the tabletop dance floor below.
WHO'S BEEN THERE Justin Timberlake, Cameron Diaz, Vin Diesel, Rachel Bilson, Usher, Christina Milian, Jamie-Lynn Sigler

151 E. 50th Street
New York, NY 10022
212-753-1144

THE SPOT Tenjune
THE SCOOP This just-opened nightspot was christened with a Sean Combs party in honor of stylist June Ambrose. Jay-Z and Beyoncé sat together on the lush velvet seating, and Kanye West took to the horseshoe-shaped dance floor. Now that the club is open to those without boldface names, it's likely the VIPs will flock to the lounge's dark-purple back room, which has upholstered walls and white marble fireplace.
WHO'S BEEN THERE Kanye West, Penélope Cruz, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Nick Lachey, Vanessa Minnillo, Timbaland, Gabrielle Union

26 Little W. 12th Street
New York, NY 10014
646-624-2410

THE SPOT Cellar Bar at the Bryant Park Hotel
THE SCOOP The park-adjacent location makes this bar a perfect spot to have a cocktail following the fashion shows in Bryant Park. The nightspot's vaulted stone walls are dimly lit with candles and wrought-iron chandeliers, while a sunset-hued light show plays over a Gothic grate. Nick Lachey recently hosted a pre-VMA party in this cavernous space, and the presence of his close friend Vanessa Minnillo proved a worthy distraction from the corset-clad waitresses.
WHO'S BEEN THERE Heidi Klum, Kristin Davis, Nicky Hilton, Damon Dash, Nick Lachey, Vanessa Minnillo

40 W. 40th Street
New York, NY 10018
212-642-2211

THE SPOT Chinatown Brasserie
THE SCOOP Pharrell Williams hosted a wild pre-VMA party at this Chinese-inspired nightspot that brought in MTV favorites like Kanye West and Paris Hilton. The restaurant is normally a little less raucous-focusing on its dim sum treats by chef Joe Ng and a dazzling range of cocktails that include a frozen mai tai made with fresh pineapple and cherry brandy. The dramatic interior includes banquette seating inspired by Imperial beds, a zinc-topped bar and traditional Chinese cork sculptures.
WHO'S BEEN THERE Mandy Moore, Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, Nicky Hilton, Ciara, Kanye West, Common, Terrence Howard

380 Lafayette Street
New York, NY 10003
212-533-7000