APT

In a nondescript building on an anonymous stretch of West 13th Street behind an entrance that is easily mistaken for a butcher shop, those in the know found APT. Honored as New York's best bar and a "nightlife masterpiece" in Zagat's 2001 guide, this two-story Meatpacking District loft cross-references high style with homey comfort, creating an atmosphere that is exclusive yet friendly.

Inside, the decor suggest an almost naughty sense of voyeuristic intrusion. A long, dark corridor bathed in soft light and gilded wallpaper leads into the main room of the apartment - where the walls are a sophisticated deep purple, but the room is spacious and airy and accented with touches of cream and orange. Here guests find a plush bed, wet bar, open kitchen, dinner table, and inviting sofas.

But through the hallway, into the foyer and down a set of dark stairs, the gentrified air shifts to one of electricity. This is a place where music comes alive. Djs like Bobbito, Rich Medina, Ursula 1000, Chairman Mao, and Citizen Kane and Metro Area can be found spinning grooves downstairs alongside their dancing disciples. Even here, the clubby ambience is offset by a certain sense of ease - excluded by the affable pairing of the DJ and bartender working side by side - one mixing records while one mixes drinks.

Despite its air of rarified exclusivity, APT often plays host to a diversified blend of uptown socialites and downtown socializers. The charm of APT is relaxed and effortless.