We all know how difficult it is to snag a res at Carbone, but there is one feat in the city that might be even harder- getting behind the velvet rope where New York A-listers party post-spicy rigatoni.
We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but unless you’re part of the Hadid’s it-girl squad, you’re not getting into these celeb-laden clubs without a fight.
Or a $20,000 table straight from your daddy’s trust fund, but that’s a whole different story.
Since we mortals will probably never get past the bouncer, we’re here to give you the inside scoop on what happens behind those magical doors.
See Also: The Most Sought-Out Reservations In NYC, According To ResX
Because hate them or love them, we’re all dying to know if Gigi and Kendall are really friendship endgame.
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11 Howard St, Manhattan/Website
Unsurprisingly, the crowd at this stylish nightspot is blonde, blonde, and you guessed it, blonde. Notorious for its wraparound lines and incredibly difficult door, you’re only getting in here if you’re a high-profile influencer, celebrity, or frequently summer in St. Tropez. And, if you use “summer” as a verb, you definitely know the doorman on a first-name basis. Guaranteed entry is by reservation only, AKA dropping thousands on bottle service like it’s no big deal.
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305 Spring St, Manhattan/Website
You better have your chicest outfit on, because Paul’s Casablanca is the place to see and be seen. And god forbid you wear the same thing as a C-list celebrity who only got in because her uncle knows somebody. Gasp! Famous for its star-studded clientele, this chic cocktail lounge is a hub for the hottest tastemakers, models, and creatives in the business. With amazing vibes, music, and even better people watching, Paul’s is the mecca of all things fabulous.
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190 Allen St, Manhattan/Website
Described as a “rooftop social club,” Make Believe blends the aura of nightlife with the exclusivity of a social club- all under one roof(top). New York VIPs gather at this tropical oasis to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City. Some will go as far as to say it’s a refuge from the commoners who can’t call their best friends, sisters, cousins, dogsitter for a table. Famed for their in-your-face fluffy pink booths, this trendy lounge is the perfect spot for that #instamoment.
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380 Canal St, Manhattan/Website
Although The Palace is slightly less known than other places on this list, the vibes are just as great, and the crowd equally as exclusive. It’s sort of an “if you know, you know” kind of thing if you know what we mean? Following its namesake, The Palace is a haven for Manhattan elite: the real-life versions of Gossip Girl’s Blair and Serena. Along with the crowd, the atmosphere is nothing short of opulence: think diamond chandeliers, plush velvet, and tons of champagne.
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355 W 16th St, Manhattan/Website
Nestled below the trendy Dream Hotel lies the Electric Room: a dim-lit basement bar arguably more difficult to get into than Rao’s on a Friday night. Just like Harlem’s most celebrity-frequented spot, Electric Room is all about who you know. And since it’s hidden in speakeasy-like fashion, maybe it’s a little about what you know too. The average New Yorker probably doesn’t think to stumble into a landmark hotel for a night out, but obviously, the cool kids know what’s up. Or down, for that matter.
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105 W 28th St, Manhattan/Website
If you don’t have a table at this botanical-themed lounge, don’t even waste your time waiting in line. But the only thing stricter than the door is the mandatory dress code. Patrons are required to dress like they just left the Altuzzura fashion show, and are now heading to the after-party. Chic and fabulous is the name of the game, and if you’re not willing to play the part, you may as well quit while you’re ahead. Oh, and also make sure you have a good girl-guy ratio. No bouncer is going to let in a group of frat boys.
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848 Washington St, Manhattan/Website
Located on the 18th floor of the Standard Hotel, this glitzy nightclub is just as glamorous as its upper-echelon patrons. You absolutely need to be on the guest list to get your Valentino shoes into the door and trust us, the bouncers will not make any exceptions. Even if you claim your dad owns the whole place. It’s not like we tried to break in the night of the Met Gala or anything. *Anxiously looks around the room.* Rumor has it the Boom Boom Room was supposed to convert into a members-only club, but it may be more exclusive than a Soho House membership.
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453 W 17th St, Manhattan/Website
If you want to get into 1OAK we have two words for you: promoters and Dom Perignon. Obviously, if you’re Justin and Hailey, alleged frequenters of the star-studded hangout, you don’t need to hire a promoter. Or spend a dime on Dom for that matter. But if you’re someone of relative importance, you’ll definitely need a promoter, a lot of cash, and you guessed it, a table full of watered-down vodka sodas and exorbitant amounts of champagne.
Photography by: Inga Seliverstova
