Velvet Lounge, New York

Velvet Lounge -

In a city where the storefronts are constantly in flux and restaurateurs jump ship at the first sign of sinking business, Velvet Lounge—proudly serving SoHo for over nine years—is a New York anomaly. The ground level restaurant and bar provides comfortable seating and a warm environment. The east Asian-vibe décor – including red walls and a bamboo room divide -- adds to the environs. Meanwhile, the vast and windowless upstairs lounge, which opens at 10 p.m. each evening, is equipped with a fabric-draped ceiling and small corner bar and seems more like a venue for wedding receptions rather than a night out with friends.