Parsons School of Design:
Fashion–
The Hotel Chelsea Bar – 226 W 23rd St
The Hotel Chelsea has a more than memorable bar with an authentic 70s aesthetic. This bar is the perfect place to show off your best outfits and mingle with other creatives. The decor is eclectic, with big couches, cheetah print chairs, and a giant chandelier. The Hotel Chelsea has a diverse celebrity history, with many fashion icons like Madonna and Jimi Hendrix calling it home for a period. Who knows, maybe going to this bar could strike inspiration for a new piece, or a different way of styling.
Interior Design-
The Sunken Harbor Club – 372 Fulton St 2nd Floor, Brooklyn NY
The Sunken Harbor Club has one of the funkiest interiors in New York City. The dimly lit star lights and the stained glass windows make it look as if you’re underwater. This spot feels as if you’ve stepped onto a Caribbean pirate ship. While the decor is a little out there, the Sunken Harbor truly takes risks in their styling. From ropes hanging from the ceiling to eccentric table top designs, there is so much to look at. Offering drinks like the Planters Punch and the Sherry Cobbler, the drink menu offers fun cocktails playing into the Caribbean theme. This bar is definitely worth checking out!
Fine Arts–
Paint N Pour – 53 Delancey St
When thinking of fine arts, the first thing that comes to mind isn’t usually getting wasted at a bar. But at Paint N Pour, the ability to create gorgeous art pieces while drinking with friends becomes a reality. Paint N Pour has a bottomless drink menu that is available during the two hour studio experience. Tickets go for $50 a person, but patrons are provided with art supplies and an instructor to walk them through the painting process. Fine arts students can test their abilities, and if they feel so inclined, go wild with friends.
Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts:
Literary Studies-
Book Club – 197 E 3rd St
Book Club Bar is a library, coffee shop, and bar, mixed into one magical business. Literature lovers flock to this location to browse new titles and chat about their favorite pieces of work. Book Club offers free wifi during the day for those who may want to write or finish up work, but after 6 p.m. there’s a strict no laptop policy and the cafe converts into a fully functioning bar. Whether it be to grab some coffee, read a new book, or have a drink while chatting about classic novels, literary studies majors should absolutely check this place out.
Screen Studies-
Syndicated Bar, Theater, and Kitchen – 40 Bogart St
Syndicated Bar, Theater, and Kitchen is pretty much what it sounds like: a bar, restaurant, and movie theater all rolled into one. The movie showings are diverse and range from cult classics to new releases. Tickets go for nine dollars on their website, which is an amazing deal in New York City. The bar is separate from the theater space, and offers a great opportunity to grab a drink and discuss whatever film you just watched with friends. Some of their upcoming showings are: A Quiet Girl, Return to Seoul, and Enys Men.
Political Science-
William Barnacle Tavern – 80 St Marks Place
William Barnacle Tavern is a historic bar that dates back to the 1830s. It’s rumored that this bar was a speakeasy during the prohibition era, and many current and past New York City Council members frequent this location. This bar seems right up political science majors’ alley, as its rich history spans many different political eras. A trip to William Barnacle could be an opportunity for deep political discussions over a drink served by one of the many friendly bartenders.
College of Performing Arts:
Drama-
Marie’s Crisis Cafe – 59 Grove St
Marie’s Crisis Cafe is a broadway junkie’s dream. This basement piano bar is known for its broadway sing-a-longs, and inclusive vibe. Marie’s screams COPA, as it not only encourages individuals to belt their favorite show tunes, but it’s also many broadway stars’ favorite bar. Whether grabbing a drink after rehearsal, practicing vocal exercises, or celebrating the cast at the end of a play, Marie’s Crisis Cafe seems like the perfect late night spot for drama students.
Mannes-
Village Vanguard – 178 7th Ave South
The Village Vanguard is New York’s oldest jazz club, dating back to 1934. This bar has hosted some iconic performances, and it has an overall positive aura walking through the doors. The sets are top notch and it’s a super fun place to grab a drink and listen to new music. This spot is a great place to get inspiration and to surround yourself with musicians and music lovers alike. If you ever get the opportunity, definitely try to catch a performance.
Playwriting-
Oscar Wilde – 45 W 27th St
Hidden in the middle of Flatiron, Oscar Wilde (whose business slogan is “A public place for private affairs”), is for anyone with an appreciation for the literary greats. With fun drink names such as, “Thank you, but I’m driving,” and “Complete Cocktail Fun,” there’s sure to be something for everyone on the menu. As a bonus, they have a whole gin and tonic selection inspired by artists of Irish descent.
The New School for Social Research:
Economics-
Whiskey Trader – 71 W 55th St
Filled with finance bros and cheap drinks, this is definitely a spot to check out if you want to experience life in the financial world. Whiskey Trader has three floors, with a traditional bar vibe on the main floor, a lounge on the second floor, and a game room in the basement. They also offer some pretty budget friendly specials, with 3 dollar martinis and 7 dollar sangria. If you’re still not convinced yet, go for the free popcorn which they offer and replenish for every customer!
Creative Publishing and Critical Journalism-
Banzarbar – 2 Freeman Alley
Banzarbar is a diligently hidden speakeasy located on the Lower East Side. In order to find this hidden spot it takes some investigative research, interviewing, and vox popping, but once you crack the case it’s a super fun bar! Definitely make sure to try some of their signature cocktails. Made to feel like a 20s speakeasy, this space truly takes you back in time and sometimes it feels like you could run into Hemmingway or Stein. If you can find this spot, make sure to check your coat!
Anthropology-
Chapel Bar – 39 S 6th St
Chapel Bar is an iconic place for people-watching, which is perfect for those majoring in the study of human experience – or, anthropology. Known for being a celebrity hot spot, Chapel Bar is great for finding interesting individuals with unique personalities. Make sure to get there on the earlier side as a line tends to form pretty quickly, and those with memberships are given priority entrance. With a focus on conversation and art, this bar is a great place to engage with many different and fascinating people.
Bars that encapsulate your passions are unique and entertaining. Whatever your interests are, these bars are a good time,regardless of what you study. Whether you want to stick to what you know or try something new, consult this list to plan your next night out.