Best of New York 2012 • Fun

Illustration by Dan Woodger

• Le Baron
  André Saraiva’s new three-story Mulberry Street den of revelry.
  32 Mulberry St., nr. Mosco St.
  VS
  Westway
  The grimy strip club turned grimy nightspot.
  75 Clarkson St., nr. West St.; 212-620-0101

  ---

  Décor
  Le Baron: The pink-hued lighting, salaciously clever wallpaper, and comfy couches evoke a brothel minus the sinister undertones
  Westway: The old strippers’ runway and dance floor are what pass for ambience in an intentionally pared-down space

  Music
  Le Baron: Pleasantly odd French tunes and pop surprises cut with happy house

  
  Westway: A bar mitzvah’s worth of crowd-pleasing tracks. So. Much. Rihanna

  Drink Availability
  Le Baron: Two bars on two floors keep lines to a minimum
  Westway: Two bars and generous pours

  Model Approachability
  Le Baron: Tables can sometimes create barriers to introduction
  Westway: A delightfully democratic free-for-all

  The Line
  Le Baron: Tough but reasonable— if you dress well, don’t arrive in a group that resembles a walking frat party, wait patiently in line, and aren’t rude to impossibly handsome, smoldering doorman Will, you may still not make it in, but you’ll be treated with respect
  Westway: Also tough but reasonable. Fancy clothes and commitments to spend heavily are not particularly valued— just be polite and wait your turn

  Cab Coverage
  Le Baron: There are taxis out front, but if you’re there especially late, you may find yourself scouring Pell Street or Doyers Street for a ride home
  Westway: Plenty of cabs on Clarkson Street, plus it’s not far to Greenwich Street or Hudson Street, where you’ll find leagues of cabs and cars fleeing the meatpacking district

  Winner
  Nothing against Westway, whose seedy, dancy vibe can make for a great night, but Le Baron is a blockbuster: extravagantly envisioned and perfectly executed.

From the 2012 Best of New York issue of New York Magazine