Home Sweet Home
Lower East Side
131 Chrystie Street (b/w Delancey and Broome Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-226-5708
www.homesweethomebar.com
First of all, every time I come here (usually Fridays) one of my friends loses something, so you know that means you had a fun night. Home Sweet Home is what would happen if your mom's basement had cool lighting, a great DJ, and 300+ of your closest friends ready to get drunk and dance. The decor is randomly chic including mismatched vintagey furniture, stuffed animals (not of the teddy-bear variety), and kick ass chandeliers. This underground bar with cement floors with a low ceiling definitely is reminiscent of a dingy basement, but that's a good thing because it feels like you're...well, at home. Find Home Sweet Home by the unmarked entryway with a staircase and fancy chandelier, and don't be surprised or frustrated if they charge a teensy cover, it's worth it. A narrow bar area leads to a dance floor in the back where hipsters, downtown fashionistas, and other creatively dressed twenty-somethings wiggle around to Motown, early rock and roll, and a few carefully selected tracks from the 70's-90's. Because there's probably over 300 people packed into this tiny basement, space is pretty tight and a fight has been known to break out...but within 2 minutes that fight will probably just turn into a dance battle so no need to worry. Load up on the cheap drinks, dance to music that you probably don't know but will become your new favorite, and use the lack of space to "accidentally" grope one of the many cute guys at Home Sweet Home.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Showing posts with label lower east side. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lower east side. Show all posts
5.07.2010
4.14.2010
Real Housewife reveals her "Secrets" at party in LES
One of New York's most famous yentas is spilling her secrets in a new book, and this time her whole family is getting in on the act. Last night I attended the book party for Secrets of a Jewish Mother by Real Housewife Jill Zarin, her mother Gloria Kamen, and sister Lisa Wexler (released tomorrow, April 15). The party was held at Zarin Fabrics in the Lower East Side and most of the usual suspects were in attendance: Bobby and Ally Zarin, Ramona Singer, Kelly Bensimon, the Countess LuAnn des Lesseps. No Bethenny in case anyone thought there was a smidgen of a change she'd be there. Also noticeably absent, much to my dismay, was Ginger! Other guests included Jersey Housewife Caroline Manzo (who is surprisingly prettier in person) with daughter Lauren, and new NY Housewife Jennifer Gilbert who seemed to fit into the group quite well.The setting of a red carpet event in a fabric store was slightly cramped and awkward, but somewhat made sense given the family values of the book (not to mention the dollars saved on a venue fee). Another nice touch were the Jill, Gloria, and Lisa themed specialty cocktails with X Rated liquor, but I stuck with the personal bottles of Pop Champagne drank through a straw which obvi makes it very classy. I got a short preview of the book when meeting Jill at work a month ago and loved the familiar, direct, heartwarming voice and sage advice. Secrets of a Jewish Mother is released tomorrow and I can't wait to read the whole thing. Mazel, Jill!
3.29.2010
Bulgarian dancing, merriment, and shots shots shots!
Mehanata
Lower East Side
113 Ludlow Street (b/w Rivington and Delancey Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-625-0981
www.mehanata.com
One thing is for sure about this Bulgarian bar: you'll never be bored. There are so many facets to this bar/tavern/club that even your most A.D.D. friend will constantly be amused. (Not to mention there's pretty shiney L.E.D. lights on the ceiling of the lower level!) Start out in the upstairs tavern where most nights you can enjoy a live Bulgarian band while dancing, enjoying light food and...smoking hookah? Slightly mismatched but fun none the less. Downstairs turns into a total dance club, but keeps the same Euro vibe. Expect one popular song for every five European folk/techno dance songs, and then expect to inevitably get swept into the circle dances whether you know the steps or not. Other fun distractions include a stripper pole open to any and all patrons and Mehanata's main attraction: the Ice Cage. $20 per person grants you and your friends admission into a porta-john sized booth lined with shelves of vodka. You have two minutes to consume up to five shots, including many top-shelf options. Even better than the drunkenness is that to enter the cage you must play dress-up in an authentic Russian military uniform and hat...stylish. Expect good and raucous times at Mehanata, but also expect a pretty dense crowd and not much range of movement. Drinks are moderately priced and Mehanata does charge a cover if not with an organized party, but in this case it's all about the atmosphere and engrossing yourself in the culture.
Rating: 4 stars
Lower East Side
113 Ludlow Street (b/w Rivington and Delancey Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-625-0981
www.mehanata.com
One thing is for sure about this Bulgarian bar: you'll never be bored. There are so many facets to this bar/tavern/club that even your most A.D.D. friend will constantly be amused. (Not to mention there's pretty shiney L.E.D. lights on the ceiling of the lower level!) Start out in the upstairs tavern where most nights you can enjoy a live Bulgarian band while dancing, enjoying light food and...smoking hookah? Slightly mismatched but fun none the less. Downstairs turns into a total dance club, but keeps the same Euro vibe. Expect one popular song for every five European folk/techno dance songs, and then expect to inevitably get swept into the circle dances whether you know the steps or not. Other fun distractions include a stripper pole open to any and all patrons and Mehanata's main attraction: the Ice Cage. $20 per person grants you and your friends admission into a porta-john sized booth lined with shelves of vodka. You have two minutes to consume up to five shots, including many top-shelf options. Even better than the drunkenness is that to enter the cage you must play dress-up in an authentic Russian military uniform and hat...stylish. Expect good and raucous times at Mehanata, but also expect a pretty dense crowd and not much range of movement. Drinks are moderately priced and Mehanata does charge a cover if not with an organized party, but in this case it's all about the atmosphere and engrossing yourself in the culture.
Rating: 4 stars
3.03.2010
Best drunk food EVER
A fine food establishment has taken two of the greatest cuisines ever and combined them into the perfect drunk food. I stumbled into Philly's Original Cheesesteak (191 East Houston Street, near Orchard) on Saturday night after having passed it by a million times and ordered their Egg Roll Cheesesteak. Spoiler alert: it's exactly what it sounds like. This treat of juicy perfectly cooked chopped steak and cheese encased in thin crispy fried dough is so simple, yet a creatively genius creation, especially for Philly's prime location in LES drunk country. Philly's also serves all the traditional sandwiches and apps that a drunk 20-something could want at very reasonable prices, but the eggroll has pretty much changed my life. Calorie wise though, maybe not for the best...
2.03.2010
LES in the front, Jersey in the back
*under new name and ownership since review*
200 Orchard
Lower East Side
200 Orchard Street (b/w Houston and Stanton Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-673-5350
Recently re-opened, 200 Orchard brings a unique vibe to this ever-changing LES location. Though it has many of the makings of a dance club, I'm hesitant to label it that for fear of scaring many people away who would actually really like this bar. 200 Orchard is flashy spacious Jersey shore club in the back, and tiny gritty rock/hipster bar in the front...but somehow it works. A rotating schedule of DJs spin word-less techno music (though not much dancing actually ensues...unless you start your own mini dance party), but the music is not so overbearing as to ruin the night for your more laid back friends. Drink prices are surprisingly reasonable, especially considering that they sometimes charge a small cover. 200 Orchard may be taking itself a little too seriously for being the new kid on the block, but they back it up with a fun time and some spontaneous tongue-in-cheek fist pumping which I am all about.
Rating: 3.5 stars
200 Orchard
Lower East Side
200 Orchard Street (b/w Houston and Stanton Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-673-5350
Recently re-opened, 200 Orchard brings a unique vibe to this ever-changing LES location. Though it has many of the makings of a dance club, I'm hesitant to label it that for fear of scaring many people away who would actually really like this bar. 200 Orchard is flashy spacious Jersey shore club in the back, and tiny gritty rock/hipster bar in the front...but somehow it works. A rotating schedule of DJs spin word-less techno music (though not much dancing actually ensues...unless you start your own mini dance party), but the music is not so overbearing as to ruin the night for your more laid back friends. Drink prices are surprisingly reasonable, especially considering that they sometimes charge a small cover. 200 Orchard may be taking itself a little too seriously for being the new kid on the block, but they back it up with a fun time and some spontaneous tongue-in-cheek fist pumping which I am all about.
Rating: 3.5 stars
11.11.2009
Not to make a cliche of myself, but...
Mason Dixon
Lower East Side
133 Essex Street (at Rivington Street)
New York, NY 10002
212-260-4100
www.masondixonnyc.com
As regular readers know, I love me anything with a lil country flavor. While Mason Dixon may not be the most authentic, it certainly tries to bring this flavor with a southern style food menu, horns, and wood everywhere that can be seen. Pun intended. A large portion of Mason Dixon's patrons are male, and quite attractive if not a bit fratty. As for the females, they're mostly pretty drunk and letting loose gyrating against either the men or Mason Dixon's main attraction, the mechanical bull! One of I believe only two mechanical bulls in NYC, riders pay $5 for their chance at being thrown around by el toro, but only after waiting in line for twenty minutes or more. The music isn't what I wanted or what you'd expect at a country bar in Manhattan (or maybe it is...) with way more classic rock and hip hop than honky tonk. But I suppose honky tonk doesn't necessarily please the masses, and to stay in business in the over-saturated LES the masses must be pleased.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Lower East Side
133 Essex Street (at Rivington Street)
New York, NY 10002
212-260-4100
www.masondixonnyc.com
As regular readers know, I love me anything with a lil country flavor. While Mason Dixon may not be the most authentic, it certainly tries to bring this flavor with a southern style food menu, horns, and wood everywhere that can be seen. Pun intended. A large portion of Mason Dixon's patrons are male, and quite attractive if not a bit fratty. As for the females, they're mostly pretty drunk and letting loose gyrating against either the men or Mason Dixon's main attraction, the mechanical bull! One of I believe only two mechanical bulls in NYC, riders pay $5 for their chance at being thrown around by el toro, but only after waiting in line for twenty minutes or more. The music isn't what I wanted or what you'd expect at a country bar in Manhattan (or maybe it is...) with way more classic rock and hip hop than honky tonk. But I suppose honky tonk doesn't necessarily please the masses, and to stay in business in the over-saturated LES the masses must be pleased.
Rating: 3.5 stars
8.07.2009
Gettin my culture on (while boozing, obvi)
Gallery Bar
Lower East Side
120 Orchard Street (b/w Delancey and Rivington Streets)
New York, NY 10002
347-767-2045
www.gallerybarnyc.com
Combining two staples of the Lower East Side, art and bars, seems like a way to rock the nightlife scene in a creative and innovative way, right? Maybe not so much considering that the true LES "artsy" types aren't the ones flocking to Gallery Bar, but rather just typical trendy mid-twenty-something New Yorkers. As the name suggests, Gallery Bar displays a large amount of artwork from local up and coming artists and functions as a true gallery by day. By night this place tries to become a club with hip hop music, dark curtains to almost black out the venue, and a faux strict door policy, but unfortunately misses the mark due to the lack of actual space for dancing (despite two levels). The reasonably attractive crowd barely notices and definitely does not care about the art, and people are packed so tightly that I lost track of my friends within minutes and was left to fend for myself in what turned out to be a sea of sketchy men. Gallery Bar tends to be a popular place for birthday parties (I've been to two already this year) and seems hospitable to planning ahead for groups, but without an occasion I probably won't be returning on my own.
Rating: 2.5 stars
Lower East Side
120 Orchard Street (b/w Delancey and Rivington Streets)
New York, NY 10002
347-767-2045
www.gallerybarnyc.com
Combining two staples of the Lower East Side, art and bars, seems like a way to rock the nightlife scene in a creative and innovative way, right? Maybe not so much considering that the true LES "artsy" types aren't the ones flocking to Gallery Bar, but rather just typical trendy mid-twenty-something New Yorkers. As the name suggests, Gallery Bar displays a large amount of artwork from local up and coming artists and functions as a true gallery by day. By night this place tries to become a club with hip hop music, dark curtains to almost black out the venue, and a faux strict door policy, but unfortunately misses the mark due to the lack of actual space for dancing (despite two levels). The reasonably attractive crowd barely notices and definitely does not care about the art, and people are packed so tightly that I lost track of my friends within minutes and was left to fend for myself in what turned out to be a sea of sketchy men. Gallery Bar tends to be a popular place for birthday parties (I've been to two already this year) and seems hospitable to planning ahead for groups, but without an occasion I probably won't be returning on my own.
Rating: 2.5 stars
4.02.2009
Yes, it's YOUR lounge!
People Lounge
Lower East Side
163 Allen Street (b/w Stanton and Rivington Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-254-2668
www.peoplelounge.com
There aren't too many bars that pull off subtle, classy sexiness. People Lounge does. The lounge is decorated beautifully in rich red and mahogany hues, and the glass waterfall that separates the upstairs loft from the main floor is stunning. Comfortable couches encourage lounging, but a great soundtrack of dance music from the DJ makes it hard to stay sitting for very long. If the music doesn't want to make you dance then the drinks certainly will. People Lounge has a great selection of specialty cocktails reasonably priced at $10 (even if they didn't have the ingredients on hand for a decent portion of the menu). Seeing the slight Asian influence on the decor, drinks and food, it's no surprise that their unofficial signature cocktail seems to be the lychee martini. After three of these and two lychee champagne concoctions I forgot all about the aforementioned missing ingredients. Who needs pomegranate anyway? My girlfriends and I quickly made friends with the super cute bartenders and sociable security staff and proceeded to dance and flirt the night away like VIPs in a place where approachability is the trend-of-the-mo.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Lower East Side
163 Allen Street (b/w Stanton and Rivington Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-254-2668
www.peoplelounge.com
There aren't too many bars that pull off subtle, classy sexiness. People Lounge does. The lounge is decorated beautifully in rich red and mahogany hues, and the glass waterfall that separates the upstairs loft from the main floor is stunning. Comfortable couches encourage lounging, but a great soundtrack of dance music from the DJ makes it hard to stay sitting for very long. If the music doesn't want to make you dance then the drinks certainly will. People Lounge has a great selection of specialty cocktails reasonably priced at $10 (even if they didn't have the ingredients on hand for a decent portion of the menu). Seeing the slight Asian influence on the decor, drinks and food, it's no surprise that their unofficial signature cocktail seems to be the lychee martini. After three of these and two lychee champagne concoctions I forgot all about the aforementioned missing ingredients. Who needs pomegranate anyway? My girlfriends and I quickly made friends with the super cute bartenders and sociable security staff and proceeded to dance and flirt the night away like VIPs in a place where approachability is the trend-of-the-mo.
Rating: 4.5 stars
3.09.2009
Dark Room=not as sexy as it sounds
Dark Room
Lower East Side
165 Ludlow Street (b/w Houston and Stanton Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-353-0536
Is it an indie lounge? Is it a club? Dark Room itself seems to not know, and neither do I. After walking down an almost-hidden concrete staircase and entering this basement bar, I was left feeling confused and underwhelmed at Dark Room's general vibe, or lack there of. Admittedly drinks are cheap, but the bar is dark (shocker) and under-decorated with diner-esque leather booths and scarily low ceilings. The music is good by "credible" standards if not predictable in terms of mainstream indie rock (think MGMT, Ting Tings, M.I.A.), and would be much appreciated in a laid back bar as compliment to catching up with friends. However, actual conversation is next to impossible at Dark Room as the DJ seems to have missed the memo that he's not exactly spinning dance music, and thus should turn the volume down about 50 decibels. Drunken wannabe indie girls awkwardly dance anyway, and guys seem more than happy to watch them gyrate to the latest dope beats from Feist. However, for the rest of us standing around not knowing whether to join in the forced fun or down our cheap beers and bounce, Dark Room is just one hot mess.
Rating: 1.5 stars
Lower East Side
165 Ludlow Street (b/w Houston and Stanton Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-353-0536
Is it an indie lounge? Is it a club? Dark Room itself seems to not know, and neither do I. After walking down an almost-hidden concrete staircase and entering this basement bar, I was left feeling confused and underwhelmed at Dark Room's general vibe, or lack there of. Admittedly drinks are cheap, but the bar is dark (shocker) and under-decorated with diner-esque leather booths and scarily low ceilings. The music is good by "credible" standards if not predictable in terms of mainstream indie rock (think MGMT, Ting Tings, M.I.A.), and would be much appreciated in a laid back bar as compliment to catching up with friends. However, actual conversation is next to impossible at Dark Room as the DJ seems to have missed the memo that he's not exactly spinning dance music, and thus should turn the volume down about 50 decibels. Drunken wannabe indie girls awkwardly dance anyway, and guys seem more than happy to watch them gyrate to the latest dope beats from Feist. However, for the rest of us standing around not knowing whether to join in the forced fun or down our cheap beers and bounce, Dark Room is just one hot mess.
Rating: 1.5 stars
7.18.2008
This past weekend brought me to the East Village/Lower East Side for a string of birthday celebrations. (Isn’t it just wonderful to have a fall birthday and spend your summers bouncing from party to party where the birthday girl gets to look hot in her skimpy little birthday dress, while you practically have to wear a snowsuit when your own finally rolls around? Yah, I thought you felt my pain and jealousy…)
First stop:
Lunasa
East Village
126 First Avenue (b/w 7th Street and St Marks Place)
New York, NY 10009
212-228-8580
www.lunasabar.com
On my way to meet up with a friend at Lunasa, I’m already getting a text saying that prospects are low and we may switch locales soon. Translation: no cute guys. Surprising, considering I had heard Lunasa had quite the beer selection. This proves to be true…along with the fact that despite the no-frills atmosphere, there were indeed very few men worth pursuing. I’m lonely, single and on the prowl tonight, so this is not what I wanted to find. However, despite the lack of eligible gentlemen at Lunasa, I was able to enjoy myself while there. The music was good but not overpowering, allowing socialization with the group I was meeting up with at Lunasa (obvi not making any new, um, “friends”). They have an outdoor patio in the back which can be reserved for private events, and despite considering themselves an “Irish Pub”, the crowd is young and there’s no signs of spillage or bodily fluids on the floor…bonus! Anywhere in Manhattan that has a $7 glass of house champagne listed in chalk writing next to an extensive beer list is worthy of my seal of approval.
Rating: 3 stars
After making a long and unnecessary trek alllll the way to the LES (don’t mock me, I’m in heels) to another birthday party only to discover the line is long and unworthy of our time and energy, we stop for a hot second each at:
Libation
Lower East Side
137 Ludlow Street (b/w Stanton and Rivington Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-529-2153
www.libationnyc.com
Tonight the line at Libation was long and we couldn’t bat our eyelashes to get out of the $10 covercharge ($20 for guys). Were we going in? Hells to the no! It’s my personal belief that nowhere in the LES should charge cover, but I digress. However, I have been to Libation in the past, so I shall report. Once you get in and navigate your way through the confusing labyrinth of hallways and staircases housing the coatcheck and bathroom, you’ll be faced with something totally new and different for the Lower East Side…a club *gasp*. I hate to admit it because this place takes itself way too seriously and is going to eat up any compliment I give them, but I actually had a great time! The DJ was playing a great mix of old and new danceable songs, accompanied by a live drummer adding his spin and giving the pop hits an interesting and unique intensity. We danced all night, stopping only to let potential suitors buy drinks (and there were a plenty…just not any worth talking to for more than the obligatory 5 minutes). Despite the B&T girls dancing on the couches and showcasing dance moves that only 10 cranberry vodkas can induce, Libation is a good time…if only it can get over itself.
Rating: 4 stars
Local 138
Lower East Side
138 Ludlow Street (b/w Stanton and Rivington Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-477-0280
When I say we were in Local 138 for a “hot sec”, I’m not exaggerating. First impression: loud and lots of wood…and not in a good way. I personally am willing to stay for a beer, but my friends were so not feelin it. Despite the “manly” décor and pub atmosphere, the clientele seemed to be mostly sorority girls in too much eyeliner and too little dresses. Admittedly I was in Local 138 for no longer than 3 minutes, so I’m willing to be open minded and not completely write it off. But…I’m not exactly going to make a special trip to give it a second chance.
Rating: 2 stars
Pianos
Lower East Side
158 Ludlow Street (b/w Stanton and Rivington Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-505-3733
www.pianosnyc.com
I’ve read many other reviews which have described Pianos as “trendy”, “spacious” and my personal favorite “a live music club that makes fashionistas feel at home.” Don’t believe these. This place is one step above a total mob scene. They feature live bands which thank goodness were between sets when we made our appearance. None the less, the music was way too loud to even have your drink order heard clearly. Most of the clientele were in need of a good shower…gross. When I saw one patron spit on the floor (and it was a nice juicy one too), I knew it was time to leave. But if hanging out with dirty, spitting, degenerates is your thing, then by all means…
Rating: 1 star
The Sixth Ward
Lower East Side
191 Orchard Street (b/w Houston and Stanton Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-228-9888
www.sixthwardnyc.com
The Sixth Ward is a great standby for when all other bars in this highly dense area fail to please. Though admittedly there’s nothing standout about this place, it has a lot working in its favor: good beer selection, good music, a cute little outdoor patio in the back, pool table, dirty-sexy bartenders, and most importantly: an overwhelming guy to girl ratio. Score! You will never want for male attention at The Sixth Ward. You may have to fight off a few skeezers, but I’ve never walked out of this bar with less than 7 new digits in my phone from an eligible prospect. The crowd can be hit or miss, ranging from “OMG I can’t move or breathe or make it to the bar/bathroom” to “Where did all the hotties go?”, but none the less, The Sixth Ward has never disappointed.
Rating: 3.5 stars
First stop:
Lunasa
East Village
126 First Avenue (b/w 7th Street and St Marks Place)
New York, NY 10009
212-228-8580
www.lunasabar.com
On my way to meet up with a friend at Lunasa, I’m already getting a text saying that prospects are low and we may switch locales soon. Translation: no cute guys. Surprising, considering I had heard Lunasa had quite the beer selection. This proves to be true…along with the fact that despite the no-frills atmosphere, there were indeed very few men worth pursuing. I’m lonely, single and on the prowl tonight, so this is not what I wanted to find. However, despite the lack of eligible gentlemen at Lunasa, I was able to enjoy myself while there. The music was good but not overpowering, allowing socialization with the group I was meeting up with at Lunasa (obvi not making any new, um, “friends”). They have an outdoor patio in the back which can be reserved for private events, and despite considering themselves an “Irish Pub”, the crowd is young and there’s no signs of spillage or bodily fluids on the floor…bonus! Anywhere in Manhattan that has a $7 glass of house champagne listed in chalk writing next to an extensive beer list is worthy of my seal of approval.
Rating: 3 stars
After making a long and unnecessary trek alllll the way to the LES (don’t mock me, I’m in heels) to another birthday party only to discover the line is long and unworthy of our time and energy, we stop for a hot second each at:
Libation
Lower East Side
137 Ludlow Street (b/w Stanton and Rivington Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-529-2153
www.libationnyc.com
Tonight the line at Libation was long and we couldn’t bat our eyelashes to get out of the $10 covercharge ($20 for guys). Were we going in? Hells to the no! It’s my personal belief that nowhere in the LES should charge cover, but I digress. However, I have been to Libation in the past, so I shall report. Once you get in and navigate your way through the confusing labyrinth of hallways and staircases housing the coatcheck and bathroom, you’ll be faced with something totally new and different for the Lower East Side…a club *gasp*. I hate to admit it because this place takes itself way too seriously and is going to eat up any compliment I give them, but I actually had a great time! The DJ was playing a great mix of old and new danceable songs, accompanied by a live drummer adding his spin and giving the pop hits an interesting and unique intensity. We danced all night, stopping only to let potential suitors buy drinks (and there were a plenty…just not any worth talking to for more than the obligatory 5 minutes). Despite the B&T girls dancing on the couches and showcasing dance moves that only 10 cranberry vodkas can induce, Libation is a good time…if only it can get over itself.
Rating: 4 stars
Local 138
Lower East Side
138 Ludlow Street (b/w Stanton and Rivington Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-477-0280
When I say we were in Local 138 for a “hot sec”, I’m not exaggerating. First impression: loud and lots of wood…and not in a good way. I personally am willing to stay for a beer, but my friends were so not feelin it. Despite the “manly” décor and pub atmosphere, the clientele seemed to be mostly sorority girls in too much eyeliner and too little dresses. Admittedly I was in Local 138 for no longer than 3 minutes, so I’m willing to be open minded and not completely write it off. But…I’m not exactly going to make a special trip to give it a second chance.
Rating: 2 stars
Pianos
Lower East Side
158 Ludlow Street (b/w Stanton and Rivington Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-505-3733
www.pianosnyc.com
I’ve read many other reviews which have described Pianos as “trendy”, “spacious” and my personal favorite “a live music club that makes fashionistas feel at home.” Don’t believe these. This place is one step above a total mob scene. They feature live bands which thank goodness were between sets when we made our appearance. None the less, the music was way too loud to even have your drink order heard clearly. Most of the clientele were in need of a good shower…gross. When I saw one patron spit on the floor (and it was a nice juicy one too), I knew it was time to leave. But if hanging out with dirty, spitting, degenerates is your thing, then by all means…
Rating: 1 star
The Sixth Ward
Lower East Side
191 Orchard Street (b/w Houston and Stanton Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-228-9888
www.sixthwardnyc.com
The Sixth Ward is a great standby for when all other bars in this highly dense area fail to please. Though admittedly there’s nothing standout about this place, it has a lot working in its favor: good beer selection, good music, a cute little outdoor patio in the back, pool table, dirty-sexy bartenders, and most importantly: an overwhelming guy to girl ratio. Score! You will never want for male attention at The Sixth Ward. You may have to fight off a few skeezers, but I’ve never walked out of this bar with less than 7 new digits in my phone from an eligible prospect. The crowd can be hit or miss, ranging from “OMG I can’t move or breathe or make it to the bar/bathroom” to “Where did all the hotties go?”, but none the less, The Sixth Ward has never disappointed.
Rating: 3.5 stars
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