The financial downturn has everyone a little stressed, but an outing at these new activity venues can revive a weary group—without making headlines about their over-the-top lavishness.
1. For avid Rock Band fans and amateur singers there’s Pulse Karaoke Lounge & Suites. The site, which opened in mid-February directly below Midtown event space Arena is designed specifically for groups. In addition to the main room, Pulse offers six private rooms equipped with their own karaoke gear, a programmable LED lighting system, and a Nintendo Wii. Also available for meetings and events, Pulse has a menu of comfort food as well as cocktails, spirits, and beer.
2. For less active gatherings there's SalonTea's Tea Bar on the Upper East Side. Inspired by 19th century tea houses—although styled after more modern cafés—this small spot from Tracy Stern serves a variety of herbal infusions as well as lattes and hot chocolates. Available for tastings as well as other functions, the 16-seat space, which can hold as many as 25 for receptions, also offers scones, madeleines, and macaroons.
3. Bowling enthusiasts will dig Brooklyn Bowl, a 20,000-square-foot alley in Williamsburg slated for an April opening. Designed to be more than just a place to knock over pins, the venue will have a stage for live entertainment acts, a lounge, a restaurant with food from the operators of Blue Ribbon, and the capacity for 800 people.
4. And around the corner is the Brooklyn Brewery, which opens its bar every Friday night and offers tours on Saturdays and Sundays.
