The Best Tuesday Night in NYC: Two Vibes, One Epic Night at Saint and Record Room

Two Black-owned spaces. Two different vibes. One unforgettable Tuesday.

Two Tuesdays ago, something magical happened—one of those rare after-work nights that hits every note just right. You know the kind: where the drinks are flowing, the music is vibing, and you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

It all started with an invitation to the one-year anniversary celebration of SAINT RestoLounge in Hell’s Kitchen, and ended across the East River, two espresso martinis deep at The Record Room. Here’s how the night went down—and why you should definitely add both spots to your NYC hit list.

7:00 PM – Prosecco at the Door, Energy in the Air

I pulled up to SAINT with my best friend right around 7 PM. The moment we stepped inside, we were greeted with glasses of prosecco and a room full of grown-and-sexy energy. We grabbed a seat by the bar and soaked in the vibe—smooth R&B playing, passed hors d’oeuvres floating by, and a stylish crowd that knew what kind of Tuesday night they came for.

If you know me, you know I don’t just show up for a celebration—I show up for the food too. We had my best friend’s birthday dinner at SAINT last November, and the food was fire. So I came with expectations, and they didn’t disappoint.

A Toast to the Visionaries

At one point in the evening, the owners—four Black men who saw a gap in NYC nightlife—stood up to thank everyone for supporting their vision. They didn’t want another club. They wanted a space for people who’ve outgrown bottle service but still want a night out that feels luxe, sexy, and fun. That’s SAINT in a nutshell.

Then James Jones, one of the owners, started passing out shots, followed by the lounge’s new specialty cocktails. Each one? A whole experience. [Cocktails recipe below]

It was good vibes, good cocktails, and better people. But we weren’t ready for the night to end.

8:45 PM – Where To Next?

Here’s the thing about NYC—finding your next move on a random Tuesday isn’t always easy. But we had seen this spot on TikTok called The Record Room, conceived by ex-NFL player Aaron Weaver, in Long Island City and figured, why not? No reservation, no expectations—just two guys chasing a vibe. We hopped on the 7 train, and 30 minutes later, we were there.

10:30 PM – Espresso Martinis and ‘04 House Party Energy

At the door, the hostess asked if we had a reservation (we didn’t). But my best friend flipped into full PR mode and a few charming lines later—we were in. (Side note: don’t count on charisma alone. Definitely make a reservation.)

Inside? Instantly lit. Music bumping, bodies moving, drinks in the air. It felt like a 2004 house party—the kind where everyone knows the words, everyone’s dancing, and nobody’s too cool to two-step.

At the bar, we met two women ordering espresso martinis. They told us it was the drink of the night, so we followed their lead. My best friend isn’t into coffee, so after one sip he bailed and got a sidecar instead. I, on the other hand, happily took both.

Midnight – A Night to Remember

The Record Room was packed but never overwhelming. The energy was effortless. Nobody on their phones. Everyone in the moment. Between the music, the drinks, and the crowd, it was the kind of night that made me fall in love with New York all over again.

So here’s the move:

Start your Tuesday at SAINT RestoLounge for a luxe, relaxed vibe and stay for the cocktails. Then, if the night calls for more, slide over to The Record Room in LIC and lose yourself in a house-party-turned-lounge energy.