Vlada

• Address:
  331 W. 51st Street (between 8th and 9th)
  New York, NY 10019
• Visit website

Located a few blocks from Times Square's theatres, Vlada was awarded "best new bar" in town by HX magazine in 2006. Admittedly, this establishment did not usurp its title, and it has been a favorite among New York scenesters ever since it opened.

The main first floor is a long room with a bar and an overhead shelf on which lie exposed huge jars of flavored vodka infusing. The second floor features a second bar, a lounge area and a small dance floor. The rotating DJs spin a delicious mix of contemporary pop tunes interspersed with classic house tracks. The waiters are adorable, fast and courteous, and wouldn't hesitate to get you a drink on the house if you manage to charm them with some good attitude and a cute smile.

The design of the place is a mix between the inside of a soviet atomic submarine and the cold chamber of a futuristic slaughterhouse. Nonetheless, the atmosphere is very warm and upbeat, thanks to the delicate moody lighting and plenty of comfortable sofas. This spot is bustling with great fun and entertainment all week long, with various performances and shows on rotation. Packed on weekends, the bar draws an eclectic mix of Midtown gay yuppies, fashionsitas and Broadway artists, as well as the students and college boys who have elected residence in the trendy neighborhood.

In addition to the drinks specials, including 15 signature infused vodkas, Vlada also offers a selection of simple and nourishing dishes which is perfect to curb your late night craving or fill you up before an evening out in town. And by the way, their happy hour is one of the best in town, running also on weekends, and it can get you loaded very fast, very early and for a very small price.