2009: The Nightlife Year in Review

Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

Every week, New York Nights strives to explore the business and culture of New York nightlife. If you have missed any of the over 45 newsletters posted in 2009, click on any of the links below to get caught up on the City That Never Sleeps.

If you want to stay connected to the nightlife news covered by New York Nights, sign up for our free newsletter. We look forward to offering you new information, insights and inspiration in 2010.

I’ll see you at the bar.

Have fun.
G

January 2009
The NYN Insider for January 13th, 2009
The Inauguration Issue
The Super Bowl Issue

February 2009

The Safety Issue
The Spring Awakening Issue
The Native New Yorker Issue
The Nightlife District Issue

March 2009

The Balanced Budget Issue
The Interview Issue
The Tax Scam Issue
The Joy of Drinking Issue

April 2009

The Smoking Ban Issue
The Bottle Service Issue
The Corruption Issue
The Jobs and Dating Issue

May 2009

The Nightlife Death Issue
The Social Issue
The Dance Parade Issue
The Summer Kickoff Issue

June 2009

The NPC Issue
The New Bar Issue
The Nightlife Murder Issue
The Health of New York Nightlife
The Pride 2009 Issue

July 2009

The Size Matters Issue
The New Trends Issue
The Struggle for 2 A.M. Issue

August 2009

The Single Life Issue
The Next Big Thing Issue
The Liquor Reform Issue
The Alcohol Abuse Issue

September 2009

The Taz Pagan Issue
The NYC Primary Issue
The Reputation Issue
The Female Safety Issue

October 2009

Keys to a Good Club Night
The Political Force of Nightlife
The New Venue Issue
The Daniel Squadron Issue

November 2009

The Election Day Issue
The Liquor License Issue
The Motivation Issue
The Thanksgiving Issue

December 2009

The New Year's Eve Preview Issue
NYN Insider for December 14, 2009
New York Nights Insider: The First Look Issue

The Sexual Cycle of New York Nightlife

By Gamal Hennessy

Nightlife is an atmosphere that revolves around sexuality. It is, in fact, a metaphor for sexuality on a city wide scale. You can understand the energy and flow of a New York night by examining it through the lens of a single sexual encounter. Looking at the night this way can help you figure out where, when and how you want to fit in.

Flirting: 4 - 7 p.m.
A typical New York night starts here with office workers moving directly from their boardrooms and cubicles to booths and bars stools. Drinks are normally cheaper during this period and the nightlife population skews to an older out of town set. Bars and some lounges are open, but the clubs will still be closed. Corporate events often start during this period, since it is relatively easy to get commuters to stop in for a few drinks before they need to catch their train home. Everyone here gets to play a little without doing anything that might make them feel really guilty.

Foreplay: 7 - 10 p.m.
As the drink specials end, many venues develop a vibe that is more about entertainment than social interaction. People park themselves in front of huge flat screens and watch different sports depending on the time of year. The musically inclined can catch live shows from every style of music in venues ranging from tiny piano bars to huge clubs. Late night oriented patrons often start their night here as well, eating, grabbing the first few drinks of the night and scoping out potential playmates.

Intercourse: 10 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Lounges are often in full swing now. You’ll find couples there who have transitioned their dinner date into drinks. Post game and post concert crowds will be basking in the after glow of their respective events. People start to loosen up as the drinks flow and the energy increases. Many clubs open their doors at 10 p.m., but the spaces are often empty for the first couple of hours, especially on the weekends. This is the time when serious dancers get the floor to themselves while hustlers and operators settle in for a night’s work.

Climax: midnight – 2 a.m.
If the promoter, doorman, DJ, bartenders and other operators have done their jobs then the venue is full by 12:30. This is the period when the population of the nightlife environment is at its height. You can see it inside the clubs and in front of many venues as people smoke and stand on line still trying to get in. Whether the main activity of the night is dancing, drinking, flashing cash, flirting, hooking up or just watching, it’s happening now or it might not happen at all. This is the period of release that often makes the whole experience worthwhile. The energy of the city is on full display here, stripping away any illusions about why we go out.


After play 2 a.m. – 4 a.m.
At a certain point in the evening, the energy starts to ebb. While many spots are still in full swing, a large number of patrons start to make their way for the exits. Maybe it’s because the Red Bull starts to wear off. Maybe it’s because her feet start killing her from dancing in four inch stilettos all night. Maybe he’s too drunk to stand up. Maybe it’s because questionable sexual decisions are being made through the haze of beer goggles. Maybe it’s because 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. are the periods when venues are required to close according to the terms of their liquor license. Whatever the reason, the message is clear; you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here. Warning: This can be a clumsy, awkward and ugly time if you don’t really know what you are doing.

Separation: 4 a.m. – 8 a.m.
Nightlife fragments in the early morning hours. For those who still have some party left in them, this is the time to hit the after hours spot. For those who have a long commute back home, this is the time to make your way back to the outer boroughs and adjacent states. For operators and the very hungry it’s time to hit the diner. For anyone who left the club with someone they shouldn’t have, it’s time for the walk of shame. By the time this period is over most, but not all, nightlife people have given the city back to the working world. The night is over and its time to head back to reality.

Brunch: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The rising sun doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the party. Brunch is the new nightlife in New York. Whether you are just getting started after a good night’s sleep or you are still out from the night before you can find breakfast, bloody marys, music and mimosas. At this point, nightlife brunch isn’t a huge phenomenon. Many people allow trivial things like sleep, work and normal life to intrude on what would otherwise be a 24 party. But if you don’t have to work, you might as well keep playing.

Of course, these are guidelines not rules. Some people start the pre-game drinking at noon. Some people are doing the walk of shame at 9 p.m. As with actual sex, some people decide to leave out some steps. But the majority of nightlife flows in this pattern. A nightlife native can jump in or out at any point of the night on any night of the week. She could even engage in the 24 hour marathon that is New York’s continuous nightlife cycle, but this isn’t recommended for most of us. Nightlife is a metaphor for sex and sex can be amazing all the time, but we all need our beauty sleep.

Have fun.
G

Simyone Lounge, CB4, Le Souk and the New York Nightlife Hall of Fame

The New York Nights Club Report for October 1, 2009

Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

Opening
Simyone Lounge
(Urban Daddy)
An underground lounge opens on the border of Chelsea and the Meatpacking District

Community Boards
New Chair of CB4 on nightlife
(Chelsea Now)
John Weis offers up his views on the future of West Chelsea nightlife.

Le Souk
(Eater)
The successful and controversial lounge is trying to renew its liquor license.

Awards
New York Nightlife Hall of Fame
(Good Night Mr. Lewis)
Recognition is coming for the people and places that made New York nightlife legendary.

Have fun
G

Female Safety in the Nightclub Environment

By Gamal Hennessy

There are 65 million entries into nightlife venues every year. The vast majority of the patrons who go into our bars, clubs and lounges make it home safely every night. Unfortunately, on rare occasions, predators and fanatics prey on the isolated and the defenseless. The results are terrible for the victims and negative for the industry as a whole. The recent case of Luis Zambrano highlights both the need for awareness in an adult environment and offers guidance on the best way for ladies to protect themselves at night.

Last week, Inside Edition ran a story about a man named Luis Zambrano. Mr. Zambrano went to Marquee, isolated a 23 year old girl, dragged her out of the club in full view of the crowd and the operators, took her back to his apartment and raped her. Because the entire incident was caught on Marquee’s security cameras, Zambrano was arrested and pled guilty to kidnapping and rape charges.

Experts state that this contained several elements that predators look for. First, the victim was separated from her friends. Second, the victim was either drunk when Zambrano met her or she accepted drinks from him that were laced with GHB or similar substances. This combination gives predators the ability to overpower and move a victim out of the venue. If she is too drunk or drugged, she’s not conscious enough to resist or even speak. Other random patrons can’t tell if the man carrying a woman out of a club is her boyfriend or her rapist. The bouncers can’t tell if they are best friends, if they just met or if they never met. The predator preys on animosity and isolation.

There is no practical way for women to alter or eliminate predators or fanatics in nightlife. It is often very difficult to even identity a potential threat in the chaotic environment of a club. But there are five steps that women can take to deter and avoid assaults while they are out; group movement, designated watchers, deterrence images, retained awareness and responsible indulgence.

Group Movement: Lisa Friel is an ADA for the sex crimes unit in Manhattan. She has experience with cases of sexual assaults that begin in clubs and end in the predator’s apartment or car. She advocates that women use the concept of group movement, meaning that the ladies go out together, remain in the same general area and leave together. This prevents any one woman from being isolated and abused. Ms. Friel isn’t saying you shouldn’t dance, meet boys, exchange numbers and generally have a good time. She isn’t saying that the whole night should be one huge exercise in cockblocking. She is saying that there is strength in numbers when it comes to preventing sexual assault.

Designated Watcher: Ms. Friel also supports the use of a designated watcher. Similar to a designated driver, the watcher drinks less than the rest of the group and makes sure that no one falls unconscious, gets overcome by a group of fanatics, or stumbles out of the club at 4:15 without any idea of where they are or how they are getting home. Again, this isn’t an invitation for a wet blanket to play morality cop and ruin everyone’s night, but if you go out in a group and the whole group gets blind drunk, then the security of the group isn’t that effective.

Deterrence Image: If you are separated from your group, or if you are the designated watcher, you will need a way to drive off people who might cause problems. Sexual criminals in nightlife are similar to predators in nature. When choosing someone to attack, they often choose the person who appears the least likely to protect themselves. They target the weakest of the herd. In a nightlife context that means they will target people who are drunk, preoccupied, confused, or who project weakness through non verbal signals in their body language. Victimology experts Chuck Hustmyre and Jay Dixit suggest that attackers are less likely to choose targets that are organized in their movement, confident in their posture and comfortable in their surroundings are less likely to be singled out. The evidence supports this theory. Zambrano didn’t target the women who were full of energy and dancing around him. He went after the one passed out on the couch.

Retained Awareness: The Zambrano crime also shows that it is very hard to get out of a situation that you are not aware of. If you are surprised, caught off guard or blindsided, you are more likely compound your problems. If you’re going to get so drunk that you don’t know where you are, you are more likely to wind up someplace that you don’t want to be. A stumbling drunk identifies herself to every fanatic in the room as an amateur and a potential victim. Maintaining awareness of your surroundings as you party is an integral part of being a nightlife native. You can have a good time and keep your eyes open, but you have to make that choice up front.

Responsible Indulgence: The basic concept that women can use to protect themselves is responsible indulgence. It isn’t about being afraid to go out or going out looking for trouble. It is about knowing your limits and being familiar with your environment so you can deal with a potential problem if it arises. There is such a thing as too much to drink. There are activities that aren’t worth the risk. You can enjoy everything nightlife has to offer and still remember it in the morning. Predators seek out nightlife amateurs and avoid nightlife natives because the amateur is easy prey. As more women become natives, sexual assaults against women will be even more atypical.

Sexuality is at the core of the nightlife experience. Women are the linchpin to the majority of nightlife business and culture. But that doesn’t mean that they need to feel uncomfortable, threatened or afraid when they go out. It does mean that they need to take some precautions to deter the Zambrono’s of the world.

Have fun.

G

Zagat Takes the Pulse of New York Nightlife

By Gamal Hennessy

The first name in restaurant reviews moves into its 40th year with its annual nightlife guide today. In addition to a broad based look at venues in all five boroughs, the book looks at the trends emerging in both patron behavior and new venues. While some of the data reflects the impact of the recession, the overall picture shows that New York remains a prime location for nightlife.

Zagat started in 1979 as a collection of reviews for New York restaurants. Over the next four decades the company has expanded to dozens of cities and offers books and websites on shopping, dining and nightlife. The 2009/10 Zagat Nightlife Book used a survey of 6,000 nightlife patrons to determine that while people have changed their behavior because of the economy, nightlife as an industry has proven resilient to the downturn.

According to Zagat, New York City currently has more than 1,300 nightlife venues, including 100 new venues added in the past year. This finding is supported by our own Club Report that has continued to track new venues opening almost every week in spite of the economy. While there is no mention of how many venues were lost in 2008, the number of new venues is remarkable considering the economy and the stiff competition for drinking dollars. When you look at the contraction of other local industries in the past year, the Zagat data shows the strength of nightlife as an economic force in the city.

When it comes to the behavior of nightlife patrons, there is a definite shift toward less extravagant evenings. People are opting to go to less expensive venues, ordering fewer drinks when they go to their normal venues, or going out about half as much as they used to in an effort to save money. There was no information on the impact on bottle service, but anecdotal conversations I’ve had with promoters and other operators back this up this finding. In 2007-8 the average spent per person on liquor used to be $50-75 per night, now that number is down to $25-40.

The Nightlife Book also tracked other trends. It found that rising areas of popularity for nightlife include LES, Harlem, Park Slope and Williamsburg. It found that more new venues are underground speakeasies as opposed to the rooftop bars that have been in vogue for the past two years. It also found that the speakeasy trend is supporting a parallel rise in mixology in both new and established venues.

The 2009/10 Nightlife Book is available today and www.zagat.com has updates that can be delivered to your handheld.

Have fun.
Gamal

Rooftop Bars, The Bar Show and The Grand Ballroom

The New York Nights Club Report for June 11, 2009

Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

Opening

The Grand Ballroom

(Urban Daddy)

The Jane Hotel brings a new event/ drinking space to the West Village...

Opinion

Rooftop Bars

(Thirillist)

If it ever stops raining, you can check out these open air venues...

Events

The New York Bar Show (June 14th and 15th at the Javits Center)

Visit the place where professionals discuss new ways to get you drunk...

Have fun.

Gamal

Angels and Kings, Avenue, The Gates and Le Souk

The New York Nights Club Report for June 4, 2009

Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

Opening
Avenue
(Urban Daddy)
The successful Marquee crew bring a new lounge to Chelsea

Re-Opening

Le Souk
(The Villager)
A judge decides to give the Alphabet City lounge another liquor license.

Closed

Angels and Kings
(People)
Pete Wentz’s East Village bar was closed for serving liquor to minors again

Review
The Gates
Address: 290 8th Avenue
Website: http://www.thegatesnyc.com/default.asp

Space: 3
The interior design of the Gates is upscale and luxurious. Everything from the bar fixtures to the seating looks expensive. The minimal space is maximized for bottle service and being seen. The physical location of the space is isolated from other nightlife venues. It’s between the West Chelsea strip and the Flatiron venues which will either raise its exclusive status or hinder its attraction for club hoppers.

Service: 4
The doorman, host and bartenders were quick, courteous and professional. But keep in mind I saw the place during a press party, so everyone might have just been on their best behavior to avoid bad reviews. Still, I’ve been to press parties will poor service, so we’ll give credit where it’s due.

Sound: 3
The music selection of the evening seemed to be Top 40 hits from the 50’s and 60’s. While some of the men in the crowd might have been alive or recognized this music, I’m sure almost none of the twenty something women in attendance knew any of those songs. Having said that, the DJ worked the system enough to fill the room but not too much to keep people from talking…and he scored points for being different.

Cost: 2
I paid $16 for a Black and Coke. I’m under the impression that all the drinks cost $16, no matter how simple or elaborate.

Overall: 3 out of 5
The Gates might succeed as a high end lounge if enough the patrons want to get away from the other club areas and enjoy opulence behind an impressive façade.

Have fun.
G

Black Betty, Catch 22 and Littlefield

The NYN Club Report for May 28, 2009
Complied by Gamal Hennessy

Opening

Littlefield
(Thrillist)

Park Slope gets a new art/ music space…

Closing

Black Betty
(Examiner)

Williamsburg loses one its staple music spaces…

Closed

Catch 22
(New York Nights)
Nine months after it opens, the Flatiron lounge fizzles out…

Have fun.
Gamal

Cooper Square Hotel, Warren 77 and Mixology Degrees

The NYN Club Report for May 19, 2009
Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

Opening
Warren 77
(Urban Daddy)
A sports bar that isn’t worried about tonight’s game opens in TriBeCa.

Conflict
Cooper Square Hotel
(Curbed)
Local residents have decided to disrupt lounge patrons with a bull horn. Now that’s classy.

Recession Effect
Rise of Mixologists
(Wall Street Journal)
Diego and Zagat team up to train unemployed I-bankers to be the next generation of bartenders.

Bell House, Hudson Terrace and Scores

The New York Nights Club Report for May 13, 2009

Opening
Bell House
(NY1)
The brains behind Union Hall bring a spot to Brooklyn with something for everyone.

Reopening
Scores
(Good Night Mr. Lewis)
West Chelsea gets its strip club back.

Update
Imette St. Guillen Case
New York Times
The murder case for the woman allegedly killed by a bouncer began this week…

Review
Hudson Terrace
Address: 621 West 46th Street
Website: http://www.hudsonterracenyc.com/

Space: 5 The rooftop lounge across the street from Pacha is a good sized open air space designed for mingling and drinking. There isn’t a distinct dance floor, but there is enough space for spontaneous gyrations when you’ve had enough to drink.

Service: 4 HT is exclusive, which means the door is tougher than most of the spots in the city. Unlike other exclusive spots, the staff can be friendly, courteous and professional even when they are rejecting you.

Sound: 3 The music vacillated erratically from chill out to house to Top 40 to 80’s all in the space of 45 minutes and the volume was a little too high considering the focus of the crowd was mingling and flirting as opposed to dancing. The DJ knew his trade, I just wish he made up his mind.

Cost: 3 A Jack and Coke cost me $13 on a Tuesday night. Plan accordingly.

Overall Score: 3.75 out of 5

If you want a piece of the Hamptons or SoBe without the trip or the cost, come here. The transplant is a success.

675 Bar, Mayahuel and Plumm

The New York Nights Club Report for April 15, 2009

Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

Opening
Mayahuel
(Urban Daddy)
A New York speakeasy with a Mexican twist opens in the East Village on May 1st.

675 Bar
(New York Magazine)
The former bottle service friendly Level V will be reincarnated as a not so bottle friendly bar.

Closed
Plumm
(New York Nights)
Man about town Carnell Hayes gave us a tip about legal troubles for this Meatpacking Lounge.

If you have information about a new spot or a spot that’s closing or any information about the changing nightlife landscape, drop us a line and send us a link. We will share it with the world.

Have fun.
Gamal

Above Allen, Private Loft and Santos Party House

The New York Nights Club Report for April 1, 2009


Opening
Private Loft
(Thrillist)
Strippers unite to create an alternative erotic entertainment location

Review
Above Allen (Inside the Thompson Hotel)

Location: 190 Allen Street(Corner of Allen and East Houston )

Space: 4

In any other hotel this lounge would be an after thought that guests of the hotel probably wouldn’t use. But with nice views of uptown and two balconies an otherwise average spot becomes pretty nice.

Service: 4

I expected a much more surly and obnoxious service. I didn’t get that at all. They might not have been nice, but they were professional and sometimes you can’t ask for more than that.

Sound: 3

I didn’t get the impression that AA was designed for constant performances from DJ’s or musicians. They have space to set up a DJ system and they allowed the DJs free reign on the night we went, but don’t expect that every night.

Price: 3
I paid about $12 per drink, which is pretty normal for a hotel bar but it might not be what you want to pay on a Wednesday night

Overall: 3.5 out of 5

AA is a cool spot for a little conversation and a little skyline watching, but you can skip it if the two doormen give you a hard time.

Review
Santos Party House
Location: 96 Lafayette St (Corner of Lafayette and Walker)
Link: http://www.santospartyhouse.com/

Space: 5

Santos has taken a large space in Chinatown and tries to make the most of it. VIP areas are available that don’t limit the dance space on either floor and the multiple bar set up means you don’t have to wait long for a drink

Service: 4

If you’ve spent any time at Crobar, APT, or Lotus then you’ll recognize a lot of the staff. I got the impression that all of them are laid back, professional and maybe just a little bit jaded, but that won’t stop you from having a good time.

Sound: 4

People go to Santos to dance to old school hip hop. Because Q-Tip is attached to the spot they lean heavily on tracks from him and his contemporaries. My only caution is that sometimes the DJ goes off on a obscure tangent that knocks you off your rhythm.

Price: 3

Friday night prices hover between $12 and $15. If you work up a sweat on the dance floor, quenching your thirst can get expensive in the long run.

Overall: 4 out of 5

It is easy to go to Santos and have a good time. If you can dance, it’s great. If you can’t dance you can still bob your head and appreciate the music

Have fun

Gamal

Four Square, Minetta Tavern, Spin and 205

The New York Nights Club Report for March 18th, 2009

Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

Opening
Spin
(Urban Daddy)
Susan Sarandon opens the best (and probably only) ping pong club/ lounge in Gramercy.

Minetta Tavern
(Thrillist)
The old school bar and grill returns to the Village.

Stillborn
205
(Eater)
Community Board 3 is hard at work trying to prevent this venue from opening…

Product Launch
Jose Cuervo Especial Silver

Cuervo add a new premium silver to its line. If you don’t know what silver tequila means, check out our article; Tequila the Mexican Treasure.

Four Square
(Urban Daddy)
The creators of Dodge ball create a mobile social network for nightlife. Hopefully fanatics don’t use it to keep score…

Have fun.

Gamal

The Sally Shan Interview

New York Nights caught rising nightlife icon Sally Shan between parties to talk about creating unique experiences, standing out from the crowd and how promoters get such a bad rep...

Vital StatisticsName: Sally Shan
Group Affiliation: Solo
Hometown: New York, NY
Latest Project: World Domination
Next New York Performance: To Be Announced

NYN: I've heard being a promoter is like being a real estate broker. Do you agree with that analogy?

SS: I don't usually think about it like that, but I guess there are similarities. Both of us act as a bridge. I connect the patrons looking for a place to go and the clubs looking for people to come and party, brokers connect buyer and sellers. We both take care of a lot of the details behind the scenes so our 'clients' don't have to worry about them. And both a good promoter and a good broker can give you a much better experience than if you did things on your own.

NYN: You haven't been doing this long, but tell me the perception people normally have about promoters.

SS: I think the perception that people sometimes get about promoters is that they care more about numbers and email lists than taking care of their people. The biggest complaint I've heard about promoters is that they make going out more painful than it needs to be. First, they'll send you an email about a party and give you a great deal on the phone when you contact them. Then when you and your friends get to the club, they’re not there and you can’t get in. You were so excited to go out and you drove all the way to the club and you’re embarrassed that your friends are standing out in the street. All of a sudden the great deal they offered you turns into a really expensive night that is nothing near what you were looking for, but you take it because you feel like you have no choice. I’ve been on that side of the equation so I know exactly what NOT to do.

NYN: There are a lot of people out there promoting. How do you set yourself apart?

SS: I think there are two parts to standing out. First, you have to connect with the people you are entertaining. You’ve got to try as much as possible to interact with them beyond just getting them into the club. I can’t possibly call everyone I work with, but things like Facebook keeps me connected to them through updates and announcements and things.

The other thing that helps you stand out is offering a different experience. I’ve seen promoters try to sell the same bottles in the same clubs with the same music every week for months. I try to have different types of themes and invite different types of people to different venues every week. That way people have something new to look forward to and I don’t get bored either.

NYN: How does a person tell a good promoter from a poor one?

SS: A lot of it is word of mouth and referrals, so I guess it’s similar to a real estate broker that way too. If I throw a party and people have a great time, they tell their friends and post the pictures online and start asking about the next party. That encourages other people to contact me to help them create the next party experience they want to have. At the end of the day we’re providing a service, a unique experience, so the best marketing I can have is doing a great job for all the people on my list.

NYN: What kind of work do you have to do behind the scenes to prep for a party?

SS: There are several different components that go into a great party. It doesn't work if you just update your Facebook page, show up and get drunk. There is a creative element where you develop the theme or the vision behind the event. Then there is a coordination element where you work with the venue to nail down the specifics of what is going to happen. There is a marketing element where you let people know about the party and figure out who is going. Then there’s the execution, where you take care of people and make sure they have a great time.

NYN: You had a birthday recently. What advice would you give someone looking for a party?

SS: Well it’s great if you have an idea of what you want, that way it’s easier for the promoter to give you what you’re looking for. If there’s a certain type of experience, music, vibe or space you want to be in, let the promoter know. I have relationships with some of the best venues in New York so if you come to me with some idea of what you want, I’ll make sure you get it.

Have fun.

G

Photo by Stephen Shadrach

Minibar, Café Wha? and Cutting Room

The New York Nights Club Report for March 5, 2009

Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

Controversy
Café Wha?
(PR-Inside)
The underground bar that helped Dylan and Hendrix rise is being sued for performing the songs of Dylan and Hendrix…

Stillborn
Cutting Room
(Tribeca Trib)
The former Flatiron performance space is delayed because of violence at Deco…

Review
Mini Bar (Downstairs at Delicatessen)
Location: 54 Prince Street (Corner of Prince and Mulberry)
Link: http://www.delicatessennyc.com/

Space: 4
It’s a nice spot for a one on one affair, and the skylight will be a big hit in the summer, but they don’t call it ‘mini’ for nothing.

Service: 5
All the food from the upstairs restaurant is available downstairs and the attentive staff is always close by.

Sound: 3
Mini Bar has the right kind of music for a laid back lounge, it just needed a little more energy…

Price: 3
The food prices are very reasonable. You won’t even remember that you’re in SoHo until you start ordering the specialty drinks…

Overall: 3.75 out of 5
Mini Bar is a good place to go for an intimate get together and a solid addition to the current trend of hidden, out of the way lounges.

Have fun.
G

Studio B, Cipriani and Local 269

The New York Nights Club Report for February 26th, 2009

Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

Opening
Local 269
(Thrillist)
Vasmay gets a new coat of paint but keeps its unpretentious attitude…

Staying Alive
Studio B
(Gothamist)
The ‘best club in Greenpoint’ refuses to go quietly into oblivion…

Controversy
Cipriani
New York Politics
A state aide was fired for influencing the iconic venue in keeping its liquor license…

WTF?
Nightlife Reality TV
(Down by the Hipster)
Do we really need a reality TV show about promoters? (Here's a hint...no)

A&A, White Slab Palace, and Pulse

The New York Nights Club Report for February 21st, 2009

Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

Coming Soon
Abe & Arthur
(Grub Street)
The minds behind Tenjune plan to reopen the doors to the former Lotus space in the spring…

Opening
White Slab Palace
(Urban Daddy)
A Scandinavian lounge slides into the Lower East Side…

Pulse
(Thrillist)
Move your Guitar Hero set out of your apartment and into this midtown lounge.

Mercury Lounge, Marfa and Vino 313

The New York Nights Club Report for February 13th, 2009

Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

Opening
Marfa
(Thrillist)
A West Texas bar opens next to a transvestite restaurant. Only in New York…

Vino 313
(Martini Boys)
A wine bar for Murray Hill with a strong food and cocktail element

Closing
Lola
(Village Voice)
The soul lounge and eatery succumbs to its legal troubles.

Changing
Mercury Lounge
(Gothamist)
The LES live music spot is on the market for a new owner.

Above Allen, Raine’s and M2

The New York Nights Club Report for February 4th, 2009

Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

Opening
Raine’s Law Room
(Thrillist)
A Flatiron speakeasy complete with outdoor garden (something else to look forward to in the spring)

Above Allen
(Urban Daddy)
A rooftop lounge pops up on top of the Thompson hotel. The roof is retractable, so you don’t really have to wait until spring

Changing
M2
(In the Mix)
Ministry of Sound, the legendary UK dance brand, has come to New York to push bottle service…just when bottle service is declining. Is the move brilliant or banal?

Opinion
Best Happy Hours
(Shecky’s)
Looking to make your money go farther every day of the week? Check this out…

Bar 108, Woodson and Ford, and Socialista

The New York Nights Club Report for January 28th, 2009

Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

Opening
Bar 108
(Thrillist)
A high end sports bar opens downtown just in time for the big game…

Woodson and Ford
(Urban Daddy)
A new private speakeasy that might actually be private…

Closing
Socialista
(New York Post)
One of the early entrants in the exclusive downtown speakeasy category is closing its doors…

Opinion
Super Bowl Spots
(Barfly)
A short list of spaces to watch a very long game…