
When thinking of New York’s nightlife arena, iconic names like The Box, Little Sister, Paul’s Casablanca, and Le Bain in Manhattan—or Public Records and Good Room in Brooklyn—often come to mind. These legendary spots attract nocturnal city-goers who thrive after dark. Now, a new player on Bowery is joining this esteemed collection. Tucked beneath Ainslie, the wildly popular pizza and beer garden, Cosmo New York stays quiet during the weekdays—until the weekend rolls around and the crowds begin to flock.
Despite its winter debut, Cosmo already has a line—and a no-nonsense bouncer ready to turn you away (hello, it’s New York City!). But that won’t stop you from trying. Styled by the Paris Hospitality Team, Cosmo feels like the exclusive haunt of a true Parisian diva—sultry red walls and velvet carpets set the scene, while purple velvet couches and daring art pieces grace the quieter corners. Drawing inspiration from Bowery’s boisterous nightlife, the savvy entertainment group nods to Sammy’s on Bowery, the unruly nightclub that once catered to Manhattan’s elite crowd during the post-Prohibition nightlife boom.
Co-founders AJ Bontempo and Sergio Riva of South Village Hospitality, alongside nightlife entrepreneurs Mathieu Demenge and Vladimir Perez, aimed to make their first nightclub unforgettable—securing its place as the only venue in Manhattan with a state-of-the-art Funktion-One sound system. Top-notch house beats pulse through the underground space, spawning a lively yet intimate atmosphere designed for dancing all night long. The layout strikes the perfect balance—spacious enough to mingle from the bar to the DJ stand and meet new people, yet cozy enough to easily find your way. For those craving a quieter moment, a sultry lounge area tucked across from the cocktail bar offers a more laid-back spot to relax and chat.
While you might be tempted to order a default vodka or tequila soda—priced between $15 to $18—beverage director Jessica Duré has crafted an inventive menu worth exploring. We indulged in the quintessential Cosmo, a blend of chilled vodka, tart cranberry, and a whisper of orange essence. The Chapeau Melon delivers a spirited mix of gin, melon, chili verde, pineapple, and ginger, while the Diva Sour highlights Agua Mágica, kalamansi, egg white, and a bright touch of orange bitters. It’s not your typical nightclub menu—just another notch in its belt.
When the night gets buzzy, espresso martinis—listed as the Midnight Café—are served in sturdy bar cups instead of traditional martini glasses. It’s a thoughtful touch—because any dancing queen knows the pain of spilling a martini on a crowded floor.
There’s one thing anyone who’s been to an elevated nightclub in New York can agree on: once you push past the sea of people crowding the entrance and the bouncer who guards it like a fortress, you feel unstoppable. Inside Cosmo, a fashionable crowd is ready to dance, mingle, and chase a night they’ll never forget.
Top Takeaways
Location: Bowery, New York
Address: 203 Bowery, New York, NY 10002
Cuisine: Cocktails
The vibe: A quintessential New York nightlife spot where fashion, art, and dancing collide, transporting you to another world from the moment you step inside—a perfect recipe for a night to remember.
Pricing: $$
Takes reservations? Walk-ins only, or you can book a table on their website – Cosmo New York.
The attire: Bring your A-game, folks—this is New York City nightlife, after all. Show up as your best-dressed self because here, style is everything. And you know what they say: look good, feel good.
Hours: Open Fridays and Saturdays from 11 PM to 4 AM. (Let the weekend begin!)