Cielo

Profile

After eight years of DJing at Pacha, the renowned Ibiza club, co-owner Nicolas Matar has brought a little bit of everyone's favorite party island to the Meatpacking District. Eschewing the mega-club formula, Cielo's perfectly square, intimate main room is centered around a sunken dance floor crowned by a large disco ball. Cozy banquettes and tables line the perimeter. Like big squishy logs, the semi-tubular brown cushions that cover the walls make the club feel like a cushioned cabin (if a very modish one)—an illusion that's clinched by the plants on the smoking patio out back. The stylish crowd comes here to dance and the DJs— many of whom come from Europe to spin—bust some of the best house this side of the Atlantic. The lack of a VIP room is intentional—a tight door policy insures that the entire club is privileged. After all, if you can slip past the velvet rope outside, you should feel important. — David Farley

This suede-bedecked hot spot in the meatpacking district, known for booking some of the best D.J. talent in New York, provides ample space for dancing. The venue is available for private parties of up to 300 people.