SPiN New York, New York

Black lights illuminate your opponent as electronic music pulses in the background. You raise your paddle, and swing. The Ping-Pong match begins. This unusual scene unfolds nearly every day and night at Spin New York, a self-described "Ping-Pong social club." Lauded in a range of [media](http://gr.pn/1ajiweN), this now-international franchise was created with a firm vision in mind. In an interview on [_Anderson Live_](http://gr.pn/18sQKXo), co-owner and actress Susan Saradon explains her love of Ping-Pong: "it cuts across age, body type, gender; little girls can beat their fathers." In an [_NBC News_](http://gr.pn/1a7nms0) segment, co-owner Jonathan Brickland adds that their mission was to marry the social nature of the sport with the atmosphere of a country club, except "more inclusive ... silly, and frivolous," and ideally with fewer golf-cart crashes. Spin New York certainly takes this fun-focused mission seriously. The sprawling hall houses 17 Ping-Pong courts, including a central court where professional players compete in regular tournaments. These same professionals are on-hand for private instruction, though players are more than welcome to keep things casual. Meanwhile, an on-site restaurant and bar serves seasonally changing plates alongside cocktails made from fruit purees and blended Teaologie teas. From the seats or the courts, visitors may see one of the old building's original features: a giant window that looks out onto the passing subway train. On most nights, a DJ provides a soundtrack to dining and play, although [live bands](http://gr.pn/19iHZ3m) are often a weekend fixture. Adding to its socially-focused mission, Spin also gathers people to support charitable causes; recently, Ms. Sarandon used her club to host a [benefit for the victims of Hurricane Sandy](http://gr.pn/17v4Aq7).