decoRATING with Jason Kontos

I'm noticing a number of intriguing little night spots making headlines lately. These aren't the big flashy clubs I used to frequent growing up, but more like chic spaces within (or atop) a space.

The lobby bar has risen of course and it will only continue to ascend, but it's not just hotels that are rallying the young and hip. Moody little cocktail lounges, or little tucked away "dens," are sprouting up everywhere. And while I might not be young anymore, I'm DEFINITELY still hip. So here's a few picks of mine from throughout the city that you should grab a drink -- and who knows what else -- at, before they start to cool off.

The Lobby Bar at the Ace Hotel has landed itself on many a hot list recently, making it a much coveted New York Space at this point.

Designed by the hotel owners in conjunction with Roman and Williams, it opened in May 2009, finally luring a crowd over to the Madison Square Park area. If you're looking for a straight-laced kinda guy, contradicted by their graffiti wall, this is your place. Not my type really, but don't take it from me. Here's a review by Jane Feltes at blackbookmag.com.

If you like the graffiti (and the manicured men) head over to The Surrey's Bar Pleaides, also just off Madison. Just as at the Ace though, it's perfectly mixed with sophistication. It offers intimate little sitting arrangements and I love the black and white lacquer finishes, mixed with French doors and quilted walls.

A prize goes to whomever can find this one. Mayahuel is hidden behind an unmarked door in the East Village and offers up searingly-sexy interiors, designed by Ravi DeRossi, one of the owners. See for yourself and here's hoping you make it out alive:

For the finale, I'm taking you over to the West side and 18 floors up to the Top of the Standard Hotel. I saved the most difficult for last as it seems it's no easy task to get in here during primetime (what I would say is after 10 p.m.) This place was previously known as the Boom Boom Room. Need I say more?

This little number is also credited to the masters at Roman and Williams.

But seriously though, The Standard is located on The High Line, a former raised train system, that was turned into a park and promenade not too long ago. If you can't get in at "the Top," just take a stroll down it. It will be a good consolation prize.