The bar often features some of the best international DJs and acts from around the globe.

A mainstay of the SoHo area, 1911 has been standing for 15 years. Paying tribute to the year in which contemporary China began, the bar is decked out with plenty of Chinese motifs; the hand-painted art and stained glass windows…

Located in a tiny alleyway, this quirkily decorated bar is frequented by liberals and academics. It features a seating area spilling out to the street; note that licensing issues dictate that patrons must carry their own drinks outside after ordering them inside…

This diminutive bar has the most open-minded, progressive music policy around, plus unadvertised superstar appearances, an outdoor beer garden and a super-funky crowd.