A piano bar that doubles as a restaurant. Behind the façade of ACME restaurant lies one of New York’s hottest spots.

Red velvet on the walls, leopard-print carpeting on the floor, subdued lighting, a fireplace, a bar and of course, a piano. All the ingredients for a perfect old New York atmosphere.

On the menu are excellent cocktails, American-French cuisine: shrimp cocktail (3 pieces… but very good), endive and hazelnut salad, incredible burgers and fries and a delicious crème brûlée.

For those who want to show off, there’s also caviar and potatoes on the menu.

A piano bar means music: there are two sets every evening, and the pianists are truly talented. There’s nothing like it for a memorable “very New York” moment.

The team behind The Nines also owns le Dive.

PLAN B: if you can’t get a reservation, go super early or in the second half of the evening. But don’t forget to dress to the nines.