Julib.com

More About Double A:

You thought speakeasies and secret passwords died with Al Capone, but nightlife hot spot Double A proves that being under the radar is still in vogue. New York nightlife personalities Alexander Julian and Alfredo Sandoval (a partner in bustling upstairs resto Mercadito) are the masterminds behind this unexpected watering hole in the heart of downtown, and lend their initials to its name. And you'll do a double take at the bar-less bartenders; the open floor plan allows you to chat with master mixologists who do their shaking by antique, mirrored tables. So you can wink from all vantage points. New York-based beverage consultants the Tippling Bros. dreamed up a cocktail list featuring fun concoctions such as the Shuga Daddy, a mix of Bacardi Select, spice syrup, kumquat, orange bitters and champagne. If your date is a snooze, find amusement in the Japanese-crafted bar spoons or perhaps in the owner's private tequila collection: more than fifty bottles found only in Mexico, which you can purchase and take home, date optional. Top deejays spin an eclectic mix of house, hip-hop, old school, rock and pop nightly. But don't plan on casually dropping by; with a capacity of only 65, walk-in space is extremely limited and entry is via invitation only; e-mail to request yours. You'll want to go all night. - Rebecca Taras

Our tips

Email reservations are a must.