Whether it’s the sudden re-emergence of short skirts or a biological time signal, warm weather always seems to bring with it a surge of hormones. One thing’s for certain, if you’re looking for a spring fling in New York (if only for a night), these sexy
Katra
217 Bowery, 212-473-3113
This Moroccan-themed lounge exudes sex appeal with its exotic décor of pillow-strewn couches and pendant lamps, which cast a soft glow over four intimate nooks. Its laid back, loungey appeal makes it a regular host to speed dating events and singles mingles during the week. Come the weekend, a DJ sets the mood with European techno and Middle-Eastern hip-hop while cocktails like the Ginger Lay (muddled ginger, honey, lemon juice, and Starr African rum) provide the social lubricant.
Click here for more info on Katra New York.
Madame X
94 W. Houston St., 212-539-0808
From the moment you step into this bordello-style bar, it becomes clear which Madame the owner wants you to think of (and no, it has nothing to do with painter John Singer Sargent’s mysterious subject). Filling the color quota of the stereotypical bachelor pad, everything from the light bulbs and lacey lampshades to the plush couches and velvet curtains screams red. Throw in racy animal-print furnishings, nude prints on the wall, and drinks with blush-inducing names like the Cherry Pop and Indecent Proposal and you’d be hard-pressed not to think of sex. The spacious bi-level spot’s multiple lounges make it popular with birthday parties—and an easy target for groups of good-time girls traveling in packs.
Click here for more info on Madame X New York.
Duvet
48 W 21st St., (212) 724-3900
We can’t think of an easier way to get a guy or girl in bed when you’re, uh, already in one. In place of tables, this bi-level “dining boudoir” (which has admittedly passed its prime) features 30 king-size beds with 400-thread count sheets and goose-down pillows, each surrounded by gauzy silk curtains. If you can’t splurge on a spring-board, head over to the 90-foot frosted glass bar that resembles melting ice for one of the signature cocktails heavy on fresh fruit and champagne. Ordering the Platinum Passion, which combines the rare cognac L’esprit de Courvoisier, Ruinart Champagne and a special syrup made of passion fruit, forest berries, wildflower honey and brown sugar, is bound to make someone weak in the knees—although we’re sure, with its $1,500 price tag, that it’s bound to be the poor sap who orders it.
Click here for more info on Duvet New York.
Pravda
281 Lafayette St., 212-334-5015
Though the model-gorgeous clientele that used to frequent this Keith McNally-owned Russian caviar and cocktail den have long moved on to newer pursuits, the subterranean space remains a pick-up hot spot thanks to 70 different vodkas (including 10 house infused kinds) that continue to pack the crowds in. A limited number of leather club chairs surrounding tiny tables get scooped up quick, which isn’t such a bad thing since it’s easier to strike up a conversation with the person standing next to you when they’re virtually smushed against your face to begin with.
Click here for more info on Pravda New York.
Joshua Tree
513 Third Ave., 212-689-0058
Okay, so there’s nothing sexy about this frat-tastic bar populated by recent college grads living in Murray Hill and their B&T friends visiting for the weekend, but we’re pretty sure this is one of the last places where “want to watch a movie at my place?” suffices for a pick-up line. As such, this 80s-themed bar should also be your last resort, and only after 3am when the underage kids out past their bedtime have already cleared and gone home.
Click here for more info on Joshua Tree New York.
