To all the singles of New York City, there comes a time when your college years must end and so must your love for those East Village dive bars, one night stands in dorm rooms, and beer pong played with red cups.
You see, there comes a time in every New Yorker's life to trade up into a booming career, chic cocktail bars, swanky steak dinners with red wine, and real relationships.
For the single women (and men) of New York City who are ready for a relationship and want to find someone more sophisticated than their last fling, here are 6 sexy spots to start your hunt.
But seriously: get up, dress up, drag your best friends out of their apartments, and grab a few cocktails at these venues (while"on the hunt" for the embodiment of sophistication).
1. Rose Bar (Gramercy Park Hotel: 2 Lexington Avenue)
Inside the established Gramercy Park Hotel lies the super sleek, super sexy Rose Bar.
Walk inside and New York City will soon dissolve into a Parisian palace. From this grand space to the sky-high ceilings propped up by massive columns, the hand-carved fireplace is an absolute gem here (not to mention, the phenomenal artwork on display by Andy Warhol, Richard Pierce, Jean-Michel Basquait and Damien Hirst).
It's a very exclusive spot, so before the doors get bolted down for the night, get your beautiful self down there, soak up the glorious atmosphere, and splurge on a cocktail or two.
The bachelors you'll bump into at Rose Bar are like a Kir Royale champagne cocktail: classy, sophisticated, and with a fruity twist of je ne sais quoi!
2. Cipriani Downtown (376 West Broadway)
Cipriani Downtown is the younger, wilder, more handsome brother of Cipriani Uptown. Sit at the bar and sip on a blissful Bellini or grab one of the small tables for some deliciously-authentic Italian food, fantastic pastas, buttery meats, or their generous antipasti menu.
If you can manage to look up from the wondrous food in front of you, you'll take in the sights of Europe's glitterati, the trendy artwork displayed all around you, and an atmosphere unlike any other.
It's true, this spot is a very seen-to-be-seen place-- but either that's what you'll love or hate about it here.
You'll find yourself surrounded by bachelors similar to the Bellini, a drink made famous by founder Giuseppe Cipriani: two parts Italian, one part the wealthiest socialites of New York City.
3. The Library at The Nomad (1170 Broadway)
The Library, also known as one of the trendiest lounges in NYC, lives inside the Nomad Hotel. This hotspot is situated on two levels with fascinating, genuine book-lined walls; essentially a high-class library is what best comes to mind here.
This is a great go-to spot with some friends for an after-work cocktail and quick bite, all the while you soak up its old-school, sophisticated surroundings.
The bachelors you'll sneak a peek at in the Nomad Library resemble a class of men from yesteryear: there's something definitely old-school and charming about them, with a mix of intellectual, as they know this is a timeless establishment to grab a drink (or two).
,4. Bar Hugo (525 Greenwich Street)
Slide up twenty stories at Hotel Hugo to meet Bar Hugo, one of the latest additions to New York City's bar rooftop scene.
Set above Hudson Square, this dazzling duplex rooftop lounge offers spectacular panoramic views of our beloved city.
The upper level is open-air, which essentially guarantees this to be a summertime hot-spot status. During the winter months, its lower level has more than enough to offer, including a freestanding, stylish “S" shaped bar, blown-out floating lights, chic leather seating, and of course, a twinkling view of our city.
Like a fine wine, the male crowd who hangs out here tend to be a bit more mature (that is, over the entire club scene) and sophisticated. Remember, New Yorkers on-the-prowl: single file please!
5. Up and Down (244 West 14th Street)
Formerly and famously known as The Darby, owners Scott Sartiano, Richie Akiva and Ronnie Madra revamped this West 14th Street hotspot into something even more spectacular.
The concept features two differentiating spaces: step “up” and you'll find that's where the party's at, as it resembles a room right out of The Great Gatsby's mansion, finished with towering palm trees, swanky chandeliers with plush banquettes, and the crowd bopping along to the hottest hip-hop tracks.
Descend to the “down” and you'll find yourself in a stylish subterranean cocktail lounge, which opens nightly at 7 p.m. This floor invokes the feel of a members-only club, accompanied by some fancy artwork and a fantastic pool table.
At Up & Down, you'll find a masculine mix of Wall Street guys, artsy intellectuals, and pretty male models mixed with celebrities. Yum-yum is right!
6. The Campbell Apartment (Grand Central Station)
Grand Central Station isn't only one of New York City's most famous and beautiful landmarks, it's also full of fascinating secrets like a tennis court, the biggest basement in NYC, and home to our final pick of the list, The Campbell Apartment.
This place is the true definition of a hidden gem, as you will find yourself inside an early twentieth-century lounge: rich in history, dimly-lit, opulent, and comfortable.
If you head here during happy hour, you'll find a busy, upscale commuter hangout for New Yorkers awaiting their trains home. If you're lucky, you and your friends will snag one of the comfy couches here, soaking in the old-world decor and plethora of worldly bachelors.
The Campbell Apartment will give you a mix of classy men who do and don't live in this wonderful city, so remember to choose wisely while knocking back that drink (or three).
If you enjoyed this article, check out the 11 Basic Steps to Picking Up Someone on the NYC Subway!
Feature article image courtesy of NewYork.com.