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NIGHT+DAY Ins and Outs (IOs)

Whether you are keeping a dogeared Night+Day guide as your bible to exploring a city, or just relying on NightandDayGuides.com, you’re in the right place for the latest and greatest happenings. Herewith are hotels, restaurants, nightlife, and attractions that have been open long enough to be tested and earn our recommendation.

February’s Top 5 Nightlife Recommendations

CHICAGO • LINCOLN HALL • Performance
This rocking live music hall fills—and renews—the premises of the vacated and decrepit Three Penny Cinema, which sold cheap popcorn and was frequented by indie kids who didn’t care about sagging seats. Newly minted and polished, Lincoln Hall brings in on-the-verge and nostalgic bands (Soul Coughing played opening weekend) to its standing-room-only space. It’s owned by the friendly folks at Schubas Tavern, another live music joint a few minutes west, so management knows how to keep things friendly and flowing nicely. The front-of-the-house bar welcomes ticket holders only. Hours and performance schedule vary.
2424 N. Lincoln Ave. (Fullerton Pkwy.), 773-525-2501
lincolnhallchicago.com

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LOS ANGELES • MI-6 • Nightclub
Sam Nazarian is back, reviving a shaken nightclub scene that’s seen its fair share of closures. The ever-evolving space along the border of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills is now called MI-6 after the British Secret Intelligence Service (aka MI6) and conjures up James Bond–style wish fulfillment. The two-level venue retains the layout of its Foxtail predecessor, but the redesigned futuristic décor is now laced with LED dance floors, strobe lighting, and massive mirrors that double as video screens, giving the illusion of the sexy silhouettes in the James Bond franchise’s opening credits. SBE is synonymous with a For Your Eyes Only velvet rope, and bottle service that only Goldfingers could afford. Hours vary.
9077 Santa Monica Blvd. (Doheny Dr.), 310-859-8369
clubmi6.com

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MEXICO CITY • EVE • Nightclub
A shrine to vanguard design, this über-hip hangout feels more like London or New York than DF. Expect DJs spinning pop and lounge and an eclectic, candlelit-library feel, complete with a fireplace and a pool room. Outside, the terrace features a stylish retractable dome, so smokers aren’t left out in the cold. Located on the gastronomic corridor in the city’s affluent south side, the place has heavy-handed bouncers with a preference for beautiful and wealthy patrons, including entertainment industry types and young professionals. Celebrate your arrival inside with a strut on the catwalk-like dance floor, then try the star of Eve’s extensive cocktail list: the Bufanda, or Scarf, an energy drink cocktail mixed with Hpnotiq and a local herb infusion. Thu–Sat 10pm–4am.
Av. De la Paz 39 (Insurgentes Sur), 55.2646.5292

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NEW YORK • SPiN • Lounge
Just when you thought you’d seen it all, New York nightlife manages to surprise you again with yet another concept bar. At SpiN, it’s all about ping-pong. This massive nightspot features 15 ping-pong tables, Olympic matting, and locker rooms—along with a long bar where you can imbibe and nibble between serves. The founding backer of this zany spot? Susan Sarandon. The sleek but practical interior brings to mind a SoHo lounge crossed with a ‘70s rec room, and the crowd is equally varied, from cocktail-clutching scenesters to ping-pong fans in designer athletic gear. If you’re looking to improve your game, go for a group or private class. Sun–Wed 11am–2am, Thu–Sat 11am–4am.
48 E. 23rd St. (Park Ave.), 212-982-8802
spinyc.com

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TORONTO • SWIRL WINE BAR • Wine Bar
Hidden on a second floor, this wee boîte feels like a friend’s house party, with eclectic décor sourced from local vintage shops and friendly faces from the area. A wide selection of old- and new-world wines in the $25 to $65 range are on offer, as well as tasty accompaniments (marinated goat cheese, charcuterie, pâté) served in mason jars from the favorite neighborhood gourmet shop, the Leslieville Cheese Boutique. Simple and intimate, Swirl is the new secret spot for the local creative community to meet up and kick back postproduction. Tue–Thu 5pm–midnight, Fri–Sat 5pm–2am.
946 1/2 Queen St. E. (Carlaw Ave.), 647-351-5453
swirltoronto.com