"We wanted to respect the individuality of each artist while at the same time project a cohesive image for the HIGHLINE brand. Sophisticated but never stuffy."

BACK TO THE WORK

This classy music venue—former home to dance clubs Power and Glo—has the fairly dubious distinction of being located next door to a Western Beef supermarket. But indoors, the spartan 700-person-capacity space distinguishes itself with exposed beams, lounge-worthy lighting, and a column-free main floor with great sight lines from both the wide downstairs area and the carpeted balcony. (When seats are added to both levels, the place maxes out at 400 people.) Bookings are consciously eclectic, but overall reflect the evolved vibe of the neighborhood with bling- and controversy-free hip-hop acts, mellow songstresses, and veteran critical darlings. Owner Steve Bensusan (of B.B. King's and Blue Note) donates 25 cents of every ticket sold to Friends of the High Line, an organization supporting the conversion of the nearby elevated railway into a public park.