Team Party Crash: Blue Owl Lounge
The Blue Owl lounge (or "Cocktail Room"), a slick-looking spot on the upper edge of the East Village, had a shindig Tuesday night to further celebrate last week's grand opening. While the historically grungey area has classed up several notches in recent years, the Owl probably best represents how far the neighborhood has come since Lou Reed was waiting for his man down the street. Exposed brick and stone walls and gold-accented benches and tables make for an attractive place to sip the speakeasy-themed bar's namesake cocktail, made with Magellan blue gin, fresh lemon juice, and a wee bloop of maraschino. My Blue Owl can be seen on the friendly and fetching server's drink tray above. Gin-based drinks are pretty scary territory, to be sure, but this one was decidedly yummers. More gin and juice after the jump.
Check out the warm lighting and comfortable benches. Remember not to throw your head back too hard when downing a shot, lest you get stonewalled.
Owners J. Ashley Smith (left) and Jim Bulgatz welcome you with open arms and natty suits. When guys across the city start wearing Roaring Twenties-style white spats over their shoes again, let the record reflect that the trend started with Jim.
Chief mixologist Charles Hardwick (formerly of Mercer Kitchen and Pravda) created a repertoire of cocktails befitting the elegance of the establishment. Also, they get you nice.
You insist I have another drink? Oh, I never, I couldn't, I ... okay, but this isn't like me at all.
Here's the secret back room, available for private parties and veeps of all stripes. Leave a trail of bread crumbs to find your way out at the end of the night.
Blue Owl Cocktail Room [Official site]
Previously: Blue Owl Lounge, Wildlife at Galapagos Art Space, Eastern Bloc Bar, Bowlmor Lanes, G Spa Lounge (& Spa)
