Question: The Cotton Club in NY...what is the area like around there? Is it safe at night for 2 ladies out for the evening? I know, I'm still a newbie but I really don't know.
Hmm... I'm not really sure anything happens at the Cotton Club anymore. It's easy to get to: You just take the 1 Train to 125th Street. Take the escalators down to street level, and the Cotton Club is on 125th Street - about a block west of Broadway (toward the river).
For some reason, I think it's actually closed right now.
There is a number on their
WEBSITE you can call for info and reservations, so... Give 'em a call!
The neighborhood could be considered a little sketchy by some people by appearance, but it's actually quite safe. There's a very busy McDonald's at that intersection, and you're also just right about Columbia University, so there is usually lots of regular pedestrian traffic. -And a few blocks west of the Cotton Club is Dinosaur BBQ and the huge Fairway Supermarket.
I live a few blocks away from the somewhat famous St. Nick's Pub - which could also be considered a little sketchy at times, but once you step through the doors, everyone is just a jazz lover. If you are looking for jazz, there's also the
Blue Note down in the Village, as well as
Cleopatra's Needle on the UWS. And, of course, there is
Birdland and
The Village Vangaurd.
OH! If you want something close to the Algonquin - although, I'd also check to see who's playing at the Oak Room while you're there - there is the
Iridium Jazz Club right off of Times Square.
*And if you want a really cool place to hang for a set of jazz and some good food and drinks,
Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola - which is part of Jazz at Lincoln Center in the Time-Warner Center.
