Dance Theater Workshop and Lucky Star Cafe, W. 19th Street

Occupying a dramatic contemporary building at 219 W. 19th St. (212-691-6500; for tickets call 212-924-0077), Chelsea's esteemed Dance Theater Workshop is one of lower Manhattan's cultural gems and a renowned performing arts center for contemporary dance. Performances are staged here throughout the year, and there are also visual-art installations in the lobby, which is home to the superb Lucky Star Cafe, a wonderful spot for coffee, cocktails, and light food. It's just around the corner from the similarly esteemed Joyce Theater, which also hosts a number of fine dance concerts, and it's next to the swank gay bar, G Lounge.