Red dominates this space designed to emulate the Cuban social clubs of the '50s; the red bubble lamps, red camouflage wall, artwork depicting Che Guevara and black-and-white tile floor work the theme. The small but cavernous-feeling main room dwarfs the 20- and 30-somethings wandering between the two red leather circular banquettes and long bar. A crystal-clear projection screen behind the bar provides the best visual entertainment, and a lofted DJ spins dance hits. To get to the balcony, the best spot in the house, you'll have to buy a bottle. Once upstairs, you can overlook the crowd downstairs or lounge on beds tucked into the wall.

A rather friendly staff, from doormen to bartenders, makes the Social Club a bit more palateable than other hard-to-get-into Manhattan clubs. Though board games are available, most clubbers come to play the dating game and not checkers or backgammon. The signature mojito is tart verging on bitter; simpler concoctions are easier on the tastebuds.

Address:     See Map
14 E. 27th Street
Btwn. 5th & Madison Aves
New York , NY   10016
Phone: (212) 686-1400