Pastis: Parisian Brasserie in New York City

Pastis, the Parisian brasserie at the center of the Meatpacking District, is the favorite nightspot among fashionable and sociable New Yorkers, while Downtown remains the top place to be, according to the 2007/2008 Zagat New York City Nightlife Survey.

In a survey of 6,121 late-night partygoers, Zagat also found respondents saying they're going out less often but still enjoy the numerous offerings the city scene has on display. Zagat's is considered the bible of Big Apple nightlife.

"With the average drink now costing $10.12, 7 percent 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," Zagat CEO Tim Zagat said in a news release. "Still, there are signs that things may be cooling as 36 percent say they are going out less while only 18 percent say they are going out more."

Other big winners in this year's survey include: Top Appeal - King Cole Bar; Top Décor - Megu; and Top Service - the ever-popular Daniel.

The top newcomer was Jade Bar, with Tenjune, Union Hall, Rose Bar, and Chinatown Brasserie also scoring well among debut nightspots.

As for losers, West Chelsea seems to be showing the most wear and tear, with mega-clubs BED and Spirit closing in the past year as West 27^th Street becomes taboo for the party-going elite.

Music halls also got beat up, with the most notable departure being the former punk-rock mecca CBGB's finally closing its doors. Nublu and Joe's Pub led the favorites list for music aficionados.

Wine bars showed strong signs of popularity, with 11 openings featuring Barcibo Enoteca, Downing Street Bar, Monday Room and a host of others. As far as drink of choice goes, 44 percent of those responding to Zagat listed wine as their drink of choice, with three drinks being the average number consumed overall.

However, respondents said that once the weekend comes, 55 percent prefer mixed drinks. And there was bad news for bottle bars: 65 percent consider them "a rip-off" with just 25 percent calling them "worth trying" and a "fun way to party." Respondents also said they prefer places that serve food by about a 3 to 1 margin.

Other big Zagat winners:

Beer Specialist - Otheroom

Cabarets - Café Carlyle

Cocktail Expert - Milk & Honey

Comedy Club - Comedy Cellar

Dance Club - Cielo

Dive - Jimmy's Corner

Gay Bar - Therapy

Hotel Bars - King Cole Bar

Jazz Club - Jazz Standard

Latin - Zinc Bar

Lesbian - Cattyshack

Mature Crowds - King Cole Bar

Meat Market - 230 Fifth

Rooftop - Rise

Sports Bar - 40/40

Strip Club - Hustler Club

Theme Bar - Barcade

Wine Bar - Stonehome

Zagat also has changed its look some this year. Long known as the "burgundy bible," the survey will now feature color graphics, icons and full color displays as well as fold-out neighborhood and subway maps.