Hottest Hangouts in New York City

Although this list is by no means comprehensive, these are some of the best pick-up joints in New York although they are just as romantic if bring your partner.

• The pent-house bar at The Gansevoort Hotel, 18 9^th Ave at 13^th St., www.hotelgansevoort.com, the later the better as people get friskier as the night goes on.
• The Hudson Bar at the Hudson Hotel, 356 W 56^th St, http://www.hudsonhotel.com/hudson_hotel_hudson_bar.asp, where the floor lighting creates one of the most esthetically beautiful settings for dancing in the city.
• The Terrace at The Maritime Hotel, 363 W 16^th St, www.maritimehotel.com, which is even good for daytime action but beware, finding a table is challenging in summer.
• The Lobby Bar at the Mandarin Oriental, 80 Columbus Circle at 60^th St, http://www.mandarinoriental.com/newyork/, if you are confident enough to approach them, it is a regular hang-out of stars like Beyoncé.
• Pen-Top Bar at the Peninsula Hotel, 700 Fifth Ave at 55^th Ave, http://newyork.peninsula.com/, for a wealthier demographic.
• 230 Fifth Ave Bar at 27^th St, the rooftop bar on the 20^th floor provides a venue for New York's beautiful people to hook-up under the stars and they even provide robes for chilly nights (read review http://nymag.com/listings/bar/230-fifth)
• All bars at the W hotels around the city are always a good bet, http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/index.html, and I particularly like The Whisky Bar at the one in Times Square.
• The bar at the Royalton Hotel on W 44^th St in Times, http://www.royaltonhotel.com/, which is a popular hang-out for models and those who pursue them.
• An old favorite which is located next to the old 'Studio 54', the after-work scene at Iguana Restaurant is full of flava, www.iguananyc.com, especially on the Latin Thursdays which can end up quite 'caliente'.
• Grand Central Station on 42^nd St houses quite a few hot spots for the commuter who is not in a hurry, (anybody ever watch the movie 'Unfaithful) http://www.grandcentralterminal.com/pages/getpage.aspx?id=BB55DF60-B476-4ED2-A5EF-6993E91B6DD8, where nothing beats the atmosphere at The Campbell Apartment upstairs which gives a taste of old New York and their terrace outside is open . Other Grand Central favorites inside the main hall include Cipriani Dolci, Jordan's Steak house and Charlie Palmer's Métrazur.
• One of the most romantic evenings I have ever spent was at the Bemelman's Bar at the Carlyle Hotel on Madison and 76^th St, http://www.thecarlyle.com/entertainment.cfm, where I felt like I was in an old Hollywood movie. Almost anybody will look good in such a glamorous setting.
• Jay-Z's 40/40 Club, http://www.the4040club.com/index.cfm?menuitemid=116, a personal favorite where I have had adventures too numerous to mention.
• Last but not least, Gaslight Bar on 14^th St and 9^th Ave is such a stand-by spot for my crew because we know if all else fails we always have fun there and people are friendlier than at some of the snobby establishments in the Meatpacking District.