Nomi Ruiz has that quality—that je nes sais quoi, in fact—that doesn’t allow you to look at anything else when she is on stage. It isn’t just her gorgeous looks or the way she simply melts sex appeal; it’s also her voice and her big eyes pleading with the crowd as she purrs, wails, and beckons over the Italo-infused tech-house of her band, Jessica 6. From Lady Gaga stylist Nicola Formichetti to Antony Hegarty, Ruiz has played muse to some of music’s biggest influencers. With her non-stop tour, modeling, and DJing schedule, she is a New Yorker worth knowing. She shared some of her favorite late-night secrets with us.

Best bar when money is tight:
The Holland. Best dive bar in town!

Place or bar whose name immediately induces hangovers:
Trophy Bar. To be honest, I’ve had many a walk of shame after night there. 

Best place for a covert makeout session:
Bembe. Great place to take your mistress and do a little dancing. 

My favorite guilty pleasure venue:
Pacha. I secretly love to fist pump and hook up with gorillas on the down-low.

My favorite jukebox/DJ/bartender who plays great music:
Honey Dijon at Cielo. I always wind up in a dance battle at her off-the-hook parties.

Alcohol you won’t see me drinking:
Hypnotiq

Where you might find me a night off:
Shopping on 5th Ave in Sunset Park, back home in Brooklyn

Hands down, best drink in NYC, and you can quote me on it:
A sazerac at Williamsburg‘s The Richardson.

[Photo by Marco Ovando]