There’s something brewing above 14th Street and south of Macy’s. You’ve probably heard mumblings of new bars with actual style in ‘hoods like Flatiron, Gramercy, and the fratastic Murray Hill. Could this swath be the new downtown? Hey, even East Village-bred Regina Spektor made the move to the Hill just this past summer. And according to Payal Sharma, co-owner of Pranna, the new Asian-inspired restaurant and lounge space in Flatiron, this is the new place to be. “We’re getting the same crowd from Tao and Spice Market,” she tells us. Don’t believe it? Take a tour with us through some of the new spots popping up in these burgeoning ‘hoods and decide for yourself. You might not find the next Pastis, but you won’t have to worry about your stilettos getting caught in any cobblestones either.
Van Diemens
383 3rd Ave. (27th & 28th Sts.)
Murray Hill 212.532.1123
The Digs: Tin ceilings, exposed brick, a glass front, and a private mezzanine—the Irish and Aussie owners made this place look like a palace in comparison to some of its neighbors. Yeah,
Joshua Tree, we’re talking to you.
The Peeps: You will probably find the same Beta Beta Beta bros that the neighborhood is known for, but in this light, they might not look so bad.
The Verdict: A trip well worth making, but more so to throw back a few than for a clubby night out.
Catch-22
4 W. 22nd St. (5th & 6th Aves.)
Flatiron 212.675.0607
The Digs: You’ll find some mixed messages here. This ‘40s-era, WWII-inspired restaurant/lounge/nightspot makes this place feel more Lower East Side than Flatiron, but having to get past the velvet rope seems more Chelsea than anything. And a foosball table? It doesn’t get more Upper East Side than that.
The Peeps: Entry levels that have tossed their kegs, gotten a good shave (or grew something to shave), and have graduated from their old stomping grounds on 30-something and Third.
The Verdict: With $14 drinks, you better find yourself a war hero.
Citrine
59 W. 21st St. (5th & 6th Aves.)
Flatiron 212.367.8309
The Digs: Although they’ve advertised as being located in the “iconic Chelsea,” sorry folks, you’re in good old Flatiron. Lush banquettes and rooms that change colors make up for the false advertising.
The Peeps: When opening week’s lineup includes Richie Rich’s CD launch, Samantha Ronson deejaying, and
Radar’s Halloween party (R.I.P.
Radar), someone’s doing something right. The proof is in the attractive crowd.
The Verdict: “Taxi, take us to 21st Street, please.”
Imperial
17 W. 19th St. (5th & 6th Aves.)
Flatiron 212.352.2001
The Digs: While the idea of a gallery-cum-bar is certainly not news, in this hood, it is. Look out for the street-inspired art shows in this dark club complete with a skateboard ramp and a projection screen waterfall.
The Peeps: Ballers going for the bottle service, but not quite for the art collection game.
The Verdict: A new scene without the hassles of “the scene.”
Bar Milano
323 3rd Ave. (@ 24th St.)
Gramercy 212.683.3035
The Digs: With white marble and sleek furnishings that make this place feel like an airport admiral’s club lounge, Bar Milano has set the standard.
The Peeps: Mingling professionals that like to talk about which hot new restaurants they’ve been to and how many times.
The Verdict: While the food has gotten mixed reviews and prices are steep, this is the place to elbow up to the bar and order a specialty cocktail or a glass of champagne. Sip slowly and enjoy the scenery.
Pranna
79 Madison Ave. (28th & 29th Sts.)
Flatiron 212.696.5700
The Digs: The husband-and-wife owners weren’t messing around by calling this place Pranna, meaning "life force." Crystal chandeliers, champagne curtains, and floating lights bring a little va-va-voom to the otherwise dull Madison Square Park. (Unless of course, scoring a burger at Shake Shack is thrilling enough for you.)
The Peeps: Post-work drinkers, and SoHo Euros making the trek uptown to see what all the hype is about.
The Verdict: Oh, so
this is what flavor tastes like—go for small bites like the ginger lamb satay, and creative cocktails like the Emerald Bay with elderflower liqueur. Spend enough time here and you might forget exactly where you are.
~ Randi Eichenbaum
