Cafe Carlyle -- Cabaret doesn't get any better than this. First of all, this is where you'll find Bobby Short -- and that's all those who know cabaret need to know. Nothing evokes the essence of Manhattan more than an evening with this quintessential interpreter of Porter and the Gershwins. You might want to catch him while you still can; I've heard rumblings that he has been considering retiring soon. When he's not in residence, you'll find such rarefied talents as Eartha Kitt and Betty Buckley. The room is intimate and as swanky as they come. Expect a high tab -- admission is $60 with $30 per-person minimum; dinner and two people could easily spend $300 -- but if you're looking for the best of the best, look no further. Value-minded cabaret fans can save by reserving standing room (which usually results in a spot at the bar) for just $35. On most Mondays, Woody Allen joins the Eddy Davis New Orleans Jazz Band on clarinet to swing Dixie style ($75 cover).