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As sweater weather takes firm hold of the city, don’t bemoan the loss of summer, put on your dancing shoes and head to one of these fabulous CitySaheli approved hotspots in NYC. There are more bars than streets to choose from as you navigate through the nightlife in the city that never sleeps. So, why not target your search to South-Asian venues for one night? Whether you’re in the mood to smoke hookah, enjoy fine dining or dazzle overnight guests, here are some CitySaheli picks for an unforgettable Indian themed evening in Manhattan.
Karma
51 1st Avenue
Located on the border of the East Village and Alphabet City, this bar tugs at the heartstrings of city dwellers and tourists with its delicious Indian morsels and sinful, draped vibe. A major draw is Karma’s cheap happy hour from 1-9pm on weekdays and till 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Check out their website for additional daily drink specials. Choose from an assortment of flavored tobacco to fill the elegant hookahs which grace every table, since smoking is permitted indoors here. The downstairs is great for birthday parties or a Friday night dance marathon with its rotating DJs. The DJ upstairs usually spins ambient music during the day and transitions into hip hop late into night.
Sutra
16 1st Avenue @ 1st Street
This Indian-inspired lounge straddles the East Village and the Lower East Side bringing the convenience of hundreds of bars within high-heeled walking distance. While they don’t have a designated Bhangra night, Sutra is the perfect place to take out-of-town guests eager to experience hip NYC nightlife. The lines get long and the bar gets crowded, so call ahead for bottle service or come early to grab a seat at the bar. Check out their myspace page for a full listing of upcoming events which include themed nights with DJs spinning hip/soul to bossa nova.
Kemia Bar
630 9th Avenue
A great Hell’s Kitchen hookah bar. Every Thursday night join Kemia bar for Bollywood nights. Bollywood music, and a very eclectic vibe, this place gets very crowded. There is no cover charge for Thursday night.
SOB’s
204 Varick Street
Legendary DJ Rekha spins brings Basement Bhangra to life and gets the crowd going. Doors open at 7pm. Since 1997 she’s been blasting Bhangra beats at SOB’s and paved the way for hundreds of South-Asian DJs to carve out an Indo-niche within the club and dance party scene in the US.
Pricing Deals: $5 before 8pm = Free unlimited frozen mojitos 7-8pm + Bhangra Lesson at 9pm
After 8pm with a print out from Basement Bhangra the cover is $13 or $16 without printout.
*Basement Bhangra is on the first Thursday of each month.
Taj
48 West 21st Street
For upscale chic with an Indian backdrop, Taj Lounge is the place to go. The space is luxe with sumptuous accents and latticed booths that leave you feeling like a Mughal empress just a few blocks south of the Empire State Building. This lounge draws a sophisticated suited crowd, so dress to impress and know before you go. They host their share of private parties, including corporate events, so if your company is seeking an exotic venue, Taj may just hit the spot.
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