Chaos
Trendy East Village club has a different crowd and a different theme each night. The decor is slightly Goth, and sometimes the patrons are, too. You'll also have to stand the whole night -- unless you prefer to shell out a couple hundred bucks for the champagne that allows you to sit in a booth near the dance floor. Wednesday-Saturday from 10 pm. Cover US$20. 225 E. Houston St., Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-475-3200.

China Club
Beautiful people and aging rock stars. Live rock and dance music. Nightly from 10 pm. Cover US$20. 268 W. 47th St. (between Broadway and 8th Avenue), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-398-3800. Fax 212-398-1495. http://www.chinaclubnyc.com/main.html.

Don Hill's
Both deejays and gay/lesbian bands provide the sound track at this popular SoHo spot. There's nothing subtle here, just loud and raunchy good times for people of all orientations and proclivities. Nightly from 10 pm. Cover US$12-$15. 511 Greenwich St. (at Spring Street), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-334-1390. Fax 212-219-2850.

FUN
In spite of the silly name, this edge-of-Chinatown club hosts an enjoyable and boisterous scene for all kinds of gussied-up beauties and fellows. Lighted floors and projected video images lend a slightly futuristic decor. FUN is also considered a hot spot for singles -- so go alone if you can. Thursday-Saturday from 10 pm. Cover US$5-$10. 130 Madison St. (practically under the Manhattan Bridge), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-964-0303.

Lotus
One of the most popular restaurant/clubs that have sprouted in the Meat Packing district, Lotus is a cozy, sleek, multilevel affair that's become quite popular with celebrities and other trendsetters. Practically the only way for common folk to get in is by making dinner reservations and hanging around when the (pricey) meal is over. The menu is very good Asian-influenced food, but it's practically beside the point at this place. Tuesday-Saturday from 6 pm. Club cover varies. 409 W. 14th St. (between 9th and 10th Avenues), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-243-4420. Fax 212-243-4422. http://www.lotusnewyork.com.

Rainbow Room/Rainbow Grille
There are two different Rainbow experiences to choose from. The Rainbow Room, a bit of art-deco elegance high above Manhattan, is a romantic place to dance to big-band sounds on a revolving dance floor. Dinner and dancing, featuring a 12-piece orchestra, Monday-Saturday 7 pm-1 am. Dinner required; jacket also required. The 1930s-style Rainbow Grille provides romantic views from the 65th floor. This club is less formal than the Rainbow Room supper club, having no dress code (other than no shorts) and featuring a three-piece band for dancing 8 pm-1 am Monday-Saturday. Also open for lunch, except Sunday, when there is brunch noon-3 pm. 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 65th Floor (between 49th and 50th Streets), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-632-5000.

Roxy
This enormous club is the place to go on Saturday night. Popular gay/lesbian spot. Friday and Saturday from 11 pm, and there's roller skating on Wednesday. 515 W. 18th St., Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-645-5156.

Webster Hall
This huge place is no longer a hipster-only hangout, having in recent years attracted a much wider and more democratic crowd. Four deejays on four floors play everything from rock and pop to disco and reggae. Thursday-Sunday 10 pm-5 am. Tuesday is gay night from 11 pm-5 am. US$30 cover. 125 E. 11th St. (between 3rd and 4th Avenues), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-353-1600. Fax 212-614-0420.