Ever go somewhere and have such a great time that you never want to leave? The concept of a hybrid venue has been taking hold -- be it some place that's a cafe by day and a bar by night or a restaurant that turns into a nightclub after-hours -- so that revelers can indeed stay all day and all night. And of course New York, the city that never sleeps, has plenty of options. Here are just six that we love.
Cantina Rooftop: Hells Kitchen
With sweeping views of the west side, Cantina is a perfect location for early evening for cocktails and bites as well as late-night dancing. The restaurant and lounge area are on the same level, which means it's easy to sidle over to the DJ booth after snagging some of the 80 seats for dinner. The retractable roof keeps the venue open rain or shine, and different local DJs cycle through here Tuesdays through Sundays. Thursday night parties kick off the weekend early, with a happy hour followed by an energetic party.
La Pulperia: Upper East Side
Every Monday, this spot offers an all-day happy hour leading straight to dinner -- when you can celebrate Merlot Mondays with, yes, a free bottle of Merlot with the purchase of entrees. But wait, there's more! The night goes on with live music from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. In case you miss the Monday party, try the cooking classes held every other Tuesday.
Louie and Chan: Lower East Side
In this bi-level venue, Louie is the Italian restaurant upstairs decked out in Venetian plaster, marble tables, and Catholic relics, Chan is home to not one but two nightlife venues. The dimly lit cocktail lounge, located right beneath the main dining room, offers a small but well-curated selection of Asian-inspired cocktails in an intimate setting with subtle chinoiseries here and there. Even later in the evening, The303 comes to life as an electronic lounge with DJ programming.
Duet Brasserie: West Village
In its street-level space, Duet Brasserie features a café and bakery. The enclosed sidewalk dining area, with floor-to-ceiling open windows, is a wonderful spot for breakfast, a light lunch, or an afternoon coffee. Come nightfall, an elegant party space also opens to diners upstairs, showcasing Chef Dmitry’s artistic fare, ranging from gluten-free Quiche Lorraine to lobster burgers to organic duck, prepared via the chef's 85-year-old recipe. This upstairs venue is also host to weekly live music, ranging all styles from jazz to samba.
Happy Ending: Lower East Side
Perhaps what we love most about Happy Ending is the contrast between its two venues. By dinnertime, it's a hipster-y fusion restaurant with French (among other) influences with piano performances. By 10 p.m., the club downstairs comes to life for the cool young things with throwback embellishments like a disco ball and checkered floors.
Gran Morsi: Tribeca
On Saturdays, music-loving foodies can start the evening with fine cocktails at Gran Morsi's bar, follow with an elegant Italian dinner, and then make their way downstairs to The Cellar for the 10 p.m. all-request rock 'n' roll show. Gran Morsi also hosts cooking and cocktail classes as well as wine tastings.