Nightlife

Party Down

The Hot List: 2012 Holiday Parties

It’s happening. The lights. The trees. The... careful monitoring of who’s stationed under the mistletoe (hint: timing is everything). On that note: we’ve sussed out the city’s five primest spots to host your private holiday/New Year’s/delayed World Series championship party. Without further ado...

THE TURNABOUT

The Jade Room at Hakkasan

You Require: Opulence. Also: Chinese food.
You’ll Receive: In traditional Chinese fashion, a huge lazy Susan. In nontypical Chinese fashion: this one’s made of pure Italian marble. And hey, it wouldn’t be Christmas without Caviar Peking Duck.

THE FAST LANE

A Lane at Mission Bowling Club

You Require: Some friendly competition—and funny shoes.
You’ll Receive: One or two of their six bowling lanes; all kinds of food on a stick (hello, corn dogs), plus fried chicken and the infamous Mission Burger; the priceless opportunity to go full Daniel Plainview on that weasel in accounting. (Okay, maybe not.)

THE MEXICAN

Mosto Tequila Bar

You Require: Your own bartender specializing in all things agave.
You’ll Receive: Upwards of 315 tequilas and mezcals served in flights, as shots or in cocktails like the fiery Margarita Picante. Plus, mini tacos and pescado tostadas to help keep you upright-ish.

KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

Flour + Water’s Various Kitchens

You Require: A kitchen—everyone ends up there at a party anyway.
You’ll Receive: One of two kitchens or a deli/larder. Keep it casual with an Italian feast in the Salumeria, surrounded by housemade charcuterie. Or go all out in the Test Kitchen with a customized, eight-course tasting menu. The holidays demand bespoke dining.

LIKE A CIGAR ROOM

The Back Room at the Armory Club

You Require: A modicum of privacy—ideally with a side door.
You’ll Receive: A room with a private entrance on 14th and its own doorman. Also: a private bar outfitted with whatever spirits you require; vintage chesterfields; crimson walls adorned with Kink.com’s, um, trademark art. Basically, your HR department’s worst nightmare.