Spring Nights and City Lights

One of my college friends who lives in Boston came to visit me this past weekend! It's always so much fun having friends visit and being able to catch up with them, but I'm sure many of you feel the pressure to show your guests a good time. You definitely want to take them to all the coolest spots in town, and especially for those in your early 20's, the trendiest bars and/or clubs to go out to at night. On top of that, NYC is known as the city that never sleeps, so you know we're bound for a couple of late nights this weekend!

We wanted to snap some pics before heading out, so we decided to get them on my rooftop. NYC is also known as the city of lights, and the famous Manhattan skyline is always illuminated in dazzling lights. Read on for some of the best bars in NYC for those in their early twenties.

The 13th Step: A lot of younger people go to this bar, but I've found that the crowd has become more and more interesting (not in a good way). I think it's gotten a little too ratchet for my liking.
The Belfry: The Belfry is a bar near Union Square specializing in picklebacks and was one of my favorite spots as an intern. I would say it's still one of the vibiest bars. I love lights, and the lighting around the storefront and inside the cocktail bar are sooo beautiful.
Bowery Electric: Bowery Electric in the East Village is known as an intern bar, but a lot of people still come back here when they move to the city until it starts getting phased out. You need to pay a cover to go to the basement but it's a lot of fun with the throwback tracks and dance floor.
The Gem Saloon: Murray Hill is a popular neighborhood for recent college grads and young professionals, so the bars along around Lexington and Third Avenues are usually packed with this crowd. The Gem is a trendy tavern and is often frequented by new analysts working in the finance industry especially on Thursday nights.
Hair of the Dog: Hair of the Dog is your classic new grad dive bar.
No Fun: My friends hate when I make this joke but No Fun is actually a spot that is so fun.
Please Don't Tell: PDT is a speakeasy, and you have to enter the cocktail lounge through a phone booth in Crif Dogs, an East Village hot dog joint, next door.
Solas: Solas hosts Latin events but is not that special as a going out spot; it feels barely nicer than a dive bar and without the charm (in case you can't tell, I actually tend to prefer dive bars).
Whiskey Tavern: This is a good spot to go for dancing.

OUTFIT DETAILS

T-Shirt Dress

I am so into the T-shirt dress trend this season but forgot that I have pretty wide shoulders for someone my height, so it's not the most flattering look for me, but this one from Aerie is just so comfortable. Now that it's spring, and the weather is getting warmer, I can pull out all of my dresses to wear (although I still need to throw on a jacket). I love wearing them during the day with a denim jacket and sneakers or sandals then transitioning from a day to night look by switching into a leather jacket and booties or heels.

Similar Styles

ASOS DESIGN Nipped in Waist Mini Dress ($45 - currently 20% off for $36)

Lulus Buenos Aires Black Shift Dress ($54)

Sleeveless

Aerie Knit Tie Dress ($39.95 - currently 40% off for $23.97)

Leith Ruched Body-Con Tank Dress ($56 - currently 25% off for $39.90)

Boots

My sock booties are from Marc Fisher, and I like how unique the smooth satin material makes the booties look. The heels are a bit too high though which makes it a little hard to walk around for too long in.

Vagabond Shoemakers MYA Stretch Bootie ($159.95)