Café Carlyle (at the Carlyle Hotel)

Dinner, drinks and a show in this glittering room can feel like an evening that only an oil sheik could afford, but commit to it: With its airy murals by Marcel Vertès, this elegant spot in the Carlyle Hotel is the epitome of New York class, attracting such top-level singers as Judy Collins, Chita Rivera and Christine Ebersole. Woody Allen often plays clarinet with Eddie Davis and his New Orleans Jazz Band on Monday nights; call ahead to confirm. To drink in some atmosphere without spending quite as much, try Bemelmans Bar across the hall.