220 Twelfth Ave at 27th St (212-695-4682)
Subway: C, E to 23rd St. Fri 10pm-6am, Sat 11pm-noon, Sun 10pm-4am.
A stunningly massive place with equally impressive decor–there’s a unisex bathroom complete with a bar and banquettes, a coffeehouse and the mind-blowing, psychedelic Cosmic Cavern, designed by pop artist Kenny Scharf (floor-to-ceiling fake fur, Lava lamps, Internet terminals, black-light paintings and a fountain). The 1996 police raid dealt a blow to Tunnel’s spirit (not to mention its trendy cachet) from which the club hasn’t fully recovered. The place looks shabby these days; the main dance floor isn’t very conducive to disco epiphanies, and the crowd is mostly quite mainstream. It’s such an incredible space that it deserves at least one visit. Head for one of the many smaller rooms, which feature more interesting music, decor and people.
