Head into the woods at this understated, chic hotspot in midtown.

The Scene
Branch, an earthy new bar from the owners of Union Square's swanky Metronome, is the newest addition to a spate of midtown hot spots. The airy space employs a wood-heavy motif--with a dance floor of rich, red Brazilian cherry wood and a dramatic entryway of spindly branches set against backlit, frosted glass.

The music plays at two separate volume levels; so the pounding dance floor music never overpowers the 15 or so tables in the surrounding lounge.

The Draw
The attractive crowd, ranging from mid- to late-20s, is ready to mix, mingle and get down despite its banker/young lawyer professional appearances. For a posh bar, the owners are exceptionally accommodating of private parties.


Insider Tips

Money Matters
Usually a $10 cover charge on Fridays and Saturdays, unless you respond to an advertised special from their email list.

Late Bloomer
If you want to make a dramatic entrance on the weekend, show up after 12am, when the bar gets crowded.

Dressed to Kill
The bar enforces a dress code: no sneakers for guys and anything sexy for ladies.

—Eva Chen, CitySearch