Iguana New York
Mexican dance house Times²
Geoffrey from New York
Transiting the Bermuda Triangle aboard Queen Mary 2 one night, I’m eating dinner with the photographer Louise Millmann. We’re showing each other our iPhone photographs over the tomato salad and since I see hers, I experience serious credibility in her voice when she tells me about the aluminum bass fiddle she hears being played during a Night Hawks performance at the New York nightclub Iguana, in particular by the Hawks’ bass player Joe Tarto. That, and leader Don Giordano’s bass saxophone. To not hear such a rare pairing feels unfaithful to the whole New York music scene.
Iguana is a Mexican-themed club on 54th Street, the same street as Flute at the uptown edge of the theater district and there, on Monday and Tuesday nights you’ll find the Night Hawks jazz age style big band playing the tunes of King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Fletcher Henderson, Duke Ellington and many others.
Chances are the band members are reincarnated musicos that hang out at Flute when it is Texas Guinan’s speakeasy serving Damon Runyon and even more certainly Dutch Shultz.
You’ll hear 1920s and 30s tunes like Puttin’ on the Ritz, Maple Leaf Rag, Deep Purple, My Baby Just Cares for Me, In the Mood, and Duke Ellington’s Mood Indigo, Sugar Foot Stomp, and Drop Me Off in Harlem.
Woody Allen uses the Night Hawks band in plenty of his films' underscoring.
A sleeper at a big city, big band, good times, dance-your-ass-off kind of joint. Enjoy!
New York Spotter Geoffrey
About this spot
Our New York City Guide
Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
Bund on Broadway
Soup dumplings
"Bund on Broadway" is one of the most popular restaurants on Astoria's restaurant row in New York. I always go straight fo the famous pork soup dumplings.
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
Conference House
Pre-Revolutionary history
The "Conference House" in New York is a perfect place to escape modern life if you're interested in what life was like in the 1600s...
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
Vite Vinosteria
My special occasion spot
"Vite Vinosteria" in New York is the Italian restaurant where, ever since I moved to Astoria, I've celebreated nearly every birthday & anniversary...
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
Hunter's Point Library
Waterfront reading room
"Hunter's Point Library" in New York, on Long Island City's waterfront, is definitely for you if you're a fan of books, architecture and skyline views!
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
House of Yes
Uninhibited fun
"House of Yes" is a colorful, eclectic space in New York that houses everything from roller skating to trapeze artists. Free entry on Fridays before 11pm!
by
Victoria
Yang
Jajaja Plantas Mexicana
Vegan Mexican food
"Jajaja Plantas Mexicana" in New York is a creative joint that has vegan versions of traditional Mexican food. It's delicious, affordable & healthy!
by
Victoria
Yang
Star Polish Bakery
Best mak
"Star Polish Bakery" in New York makes the best Polish desserts and cakes, especially the makowiec. Here they make it exactly the way I like it...
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
Art Gallery Hopping
A cultural way to explore NYC
New York City is ideal for Art Gallery Hopping, and opening & closing receptions occur frequently. Here are my go-to spots when I'm thirsty for some art...
by
Victoria
Yang
Brooklyn Heights
Promenade views
"Brooklyn Heights" in New York along Montague. I love going there for a stroll after a visit to my dentist. Just relax, soak in the ambience and history...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Harlem Shake
Old school/new idea
"Harlem Shake" in New York is a small, nondescript, inexpensive burger place. It makes a difference though by employing mainly local Harlem residents...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Icon Style
Second-hand estate jewelry
"Icon Style" is an antique jewelry and vintage fashion boutique located in New York's historic Upper West Side. For me it is a museum of the city's finery.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Widow Jane Distillery
Whiskey distillery
"Widow Jane Distillery" in Red Hook, New York is housed in what used to be a cocoa factory. There are many 150-year-old factories housing businesses here.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 308 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Bars
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
