Once coined “the city that never sleeps,” a sizable portion of NYC now has a sensible, if not yawn-inducing bedtime.
While most Empire City bars, nightclubs, fitness centers and even supermarkets once stayed open until the wee hours, the pall of the pandemic changed the circadian rhythm of the city — shifting some 24-hour hotspots into sundown-to-sunset (or not much later) establishments.
Jessica Heaven, a 33-year-old musician and event planner who’s lived in NYC for 10 years, told The Post that throughout her Gotham tenure, she’s seen the city’s schedule go through shifts: from late-night loaded, to doors closing early, to now slowly re-introducing an array of all-hours options.
“The pandemic shifted everyone’s priorities from the 2010s emphasis on ‘all night’ partying to enhancing the quality of their daily lives through health and fitness,” Heaven said. “But the longing to make connections with others didn’t leave, so NYC businesses have been getting creative with how we cater to this new group.”
For some NYC hotspots — like select speakeasies, “sober bars” and saunas — this creativity has involved inviting DJs into traditionally quieter spaces, offering booze-free libations, and of course, extending business hours.
But as the Big Apple moves further out from under the thumb of COVID-19, Heaven predicts more city establishments of all kinds will follow suit.
“People are staying out late again and trying to make more connections (that way),” said Heaven. “All of the supermarkets are staying open late again, there’s 24-hour saunas, amazing diners and delis. It really opens up more opportunities for those of us with late-night schedules … I have a feeling this summer is going to be one of the best in a long time.”
Below, read a roundup of the best 24/7 (or close-to-it) NYC hotspots that will be open no matter when you choose to call it a night.
Night Bites
Europan Cafe
For those who don’t feel like going home (or back to the hotel) just yet after a fun night in Times Square, the nearby 24/7 Europan Cafe is a prime place to debrief on the night with friends, or even just to grab a sweet slice of their many cakes and desserts, including various fruit tarts and tiramisu.
Located at 672 Eighth Ave. — about a 10-minute walk from the Times Square hubbub — the small bakery/restaurant also serves a selection of smoothie bowls, pastries, sandwiches and salads.
Wi-Fi is available through the nearby hotel The Westin New York at Times Square, and a charging vault is available for phones for a small fee. There are a few outlets available in the dining space, though one Post reporter who visits occasionally says they’re not always the most reliable.
The Donut Pub
“Donut” worry — with the Donut Pub’s two 24-hour Manhattan locations (740 Broadway and 203 West 14th), your night out doesn’t have to end just yet.
Founded by Brooklyn native and former Wall Street trader Buzzy Geduld in 1964, the all-things-donuts, all-the-time shop sells a wide variety of its star treats, including standout flavors like maple croissant. All their donuts and pastries are peanut- and tree nut-free, making it a safe stop for those with nut allergies. Gluten-free and vegan options are also available.
To enjoy your treat, take a seat at both locations’ old-school marble counters and enjoy the retro atmosphere.
Coppelia
For those craving a bit of Latin flavor, be sure to check out the Coppelia diner — a Cuban-American establishment open all hours of the day and night at 207 West 14th St.
Having opened its doors in the West Village in 2011, the Havana-inspired hotspot (operated by partners Beatriz de Armas, Chef Julian Medina and Louis Skibar) fancies itself as a gathering place for “early birds and all-night revelers, lunchtime meetings and dinner catch-ups,” according to the restaurant site.
Guests can travel back in time with the old-school soda fountain, antique fan decor and pastel walls, enjoying an assortment of homemade frozen treats and desserts using both counter service and booth seating. Bonus: Coppelia also has a resident mixologist (Miguel Maldonado).
Gyms
VITAL Climbing Gym
Ever felt the need to sweat it out before going to sleep? For members of the Vital Climbing Gym (which has NYC locations in Brooklyn, West Harlem, Upper East Side and Lower East Side), this is an easy task. As long as you hold a membership — which costs $125 a month, or $1,250 for a prepaid annual membership — you can get your climb on any time of day at any of the four locales.
Additional access to a variety of workout classes (like yoga and Pilates) and community events for members.
For those who want to get their footing before committing to a full-blown membership, day passes are available — though non-members have to climb back down the proverbial mountain by 11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
S&S Strength Gym
Describing itself as “NYC’s home for lifters” on its brand Instagram page, S&S Strength gyms (standing for Squats and Science) are a 24/7 hub for the city’s most serious fitness enthusiasts. With all-hours locations in Williamsburg and Bushwick, each spot has a variety of premium equipment designed for powerlifting, strongman training and regular weightlifting.
Guest passes are not permitted at S&S, but anyone can purchase a day pass, which rings in at $25 (monthly memberships are $139). The gym doesn’t offer group fitness classes but hosts two Strongman and two Powerlifting competitions per calendar year.
Solace Strength & Social Club
Think of Solace Strength & Social Club — say that five times fast — as a step up from a regular gym. The club primarily offers HYROX training (an indoor fitness race featuring 8 km of running and coordinating workout station components) and personal training, placing an emphasis on challenge coupled with camaraderie.
Do note that only all-access members have access to 24/7 training hours — though all members and staff have access to free mental health care, which includes virtual counseling services and crisis intervention through their partnership with Solace House, a nonprofit mental health clinic (donations are accepted).
Bars & Nightclubs
Marquee New York
With its main location at 289 10th Avenue in Chelsea, Marquee New York is where to go for high-energy dancing that goes late into the night (4 a.m., to be exact). The multi-level locale, operated by Tao Group Hospitality, is open to the public on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights, with doors typically opening around 11:00 p.m.
General admission rates depend on the night (with the lowest Tier 1 prices starting at $30), but for those who want to pay a premium for bottle service, prices can skyrocket to $5,500, which includes a VIP table for a center dancefloor table for up to 12 guests.
Marquee plans its lineup of renowned DJs well in advance, with this month’s offerings including Timmy Trumpet and Jessica Audifred.
The Red Lion
Open until 4 a.m. seven days a week, The Red Lion (151 Bleeker St.) is the spot for those who want to keep the party roaring far into the morning hours. Calling itself the “New York City’s home for live rock and blues music,” the British spot offers regular performances by a variety of talented city musicians in a relaxed atmosphere — with no cover charge from Monday through Thursday.
With a loyal customer base of Premier League and Champions League football fans, the pub also opens at 11 a.m. on match days, with over 10 HD screens for superfans to enjoy their favorite game in a jovial setting — complete with a full kitchen for game-day snacks.
Barrow Street Ale House
For those who want to stay up late in a slightly more chill environment, Barrow Street Ale House at 15 Barrow St. is the place to park it, as it’s open until 4 a.m..
While the bar regularly hosts birthday parties, baby showers and office functions, it’s also a great spot to debrief with friends after work — especially considering that happy hour lasts far longer than just an hour (from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., to be exact). Options on the reasonably priced menu (starting from $7 for desserts) include typical comfort food bar fare, like cheese quesadillas and potato skins.
Beauty salons & Spas
Juvenex Spa
All-hours sauna sessions and beauty services may sound like a dream to some, but at Juvenex Spa at 25 West 32nd St. in Koreatown, they’re very much the reality.
The spa, the name of which translates to “the essence of youth,” offers a smorgasbord of services, ranging from traditional Korean scrubs to specialty facials, back and breast treatments, massages, and even “gyno spa” services designed to “irrigate the vaginal passage to restore optimum health.” Beauty offerings like waxing are also provided.
The site states that their main customers tend to be Broadway performers visiting after a long night on the stage, though the facilities are open to everyone. That said, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., the fifth floor of the spa is ladies-only — meaning customers can enjoy the amenities with or without a bathing suit. The fourth floor is co-ed 24/7, and bathing suits are always required.
Kings Spa Salon
Consider this Brooklyn-based beauty retreat, located at 947 61st St., to be your all-hours relaxation oasis. Guests don’t need an appointment to enjoy a variety of spa services, including more unique offerings like a foot spa and ear cleaning.
Most individual services ring in at $40, while general admission (which includes access to the sauna, steam room, lounge, complimentary food, basic gym equipment and a soaking pool starts) starts at $45 for 12 hours of daytime access, $55 for nighttime.
Rama Beauty African Hair Braiding
Beauty sleep is one thing, but at Rama Beauty African Hair Braiding, every hour is one for looking good. With three locations in Harlem, customers have multiple locales to choose from to get their hair looking its best with a wide range of styles — from box braids, to cornrows, to Senegalese twists. Walk-ins are always welcome.
Supermarkets
Morton Williams Supermarkets
Morton Williams Supermarkets, which operates 17 stores in the NYC metropolitan area, has six Manhattan-based locations that operate on a 24/7 basis. The chain features ShopRite products as its private-label brand. They also offer a variety of weekly specials, catering and an online shopping option.
WestSide Market NYC
This family-owned and operated supermarket prides itself on delivering customers high-quality foods and products that are hard to find anywhere else. With two of their seven locations open 24/7, customers have an all-access pass to fresh produce and premium grocery items.
Frequent shoppers can also enroll in the store’s year-old loyalty program, where users utilize a mobile app to earn cash rewards on purchases.
Gastro Market
More of a cafe/supermarket hybrid than a normal grocery store, Gastro Market at 235 West 55th St. is an all-hours place to pick up snacks, drinks, and of course, groceries. Acai bowls and juicy burgers reign supreme on the in-store menu, while groceries (which can also be ordered online) include standard but high-quality offerings.
