Inc Lounge, New York

Tired of Amy Winehouse and Blake Fielder-Civil types? Come to where George Clooney and Sarah Larson lookalikes dwell in the atmosphere of upscale snobbery and chic. The owner of such attested NYC hotspots as Rm. Fifty5 and Ava Lounge, Ric Addison, decided to pamper the Big Apple socialites with 2,500 square feet of glam-soaked plush area complete with abundance of black leather and cowhide sofas, large mirrors, and shiny black bar, as well as a pool table, flower printed wallpapers and flashy chandeliers. Attempting a retro disco look of the 70’s, Inc Lounge does not fall far behind that goal, though you can sense a certain dose of corniness. But who cares—you’re little likely to see a guy in a polo shirt inhere. Getting my breath by the bar (which I could use for fixing my make-up) and feeling finally more like Samantha Jones (only 200 years younger) than Gloria Bunker; I tried to spot eye-pleasing specimen among the suit-clad, money-stinking, but little aggressive individuals who at least try to pretend they glance at my face and not below it. There’s plenty of room to flirt (three rooms filled with soft ottomans), even more so thanks to the dance floor with live DJ on weekend nights. The lounge’s location (The Time Hotel) gives it an extra touch of intimacy and a cosmopolitan aura. The drinks are on the expensive side, but, classy lady as you are (or an audacious usurper like me, sipping one martini for 45 minutes), should not be hurt by it too much. It’s either that or them cowboys in Joe’s pub.