East Village Gets Dark New Roost

Inconspicuously located down a short flight of stairs on Second Avenue in the East Village, the Blue Owl lounge has a speakeasy feel with upholstery in deep greens and burgundy, a copper bar, and seating wrapped in the kind of pressed tin usually found on old-fashioned ceilings. Exposed stone and brick walls reflect unusual shadows, and low lighting comes from small pin spots underneath the banquettes. Mixologist Charles Hardwick (who did stints behind the bar at Pravda, Mercer Kitchen, and Odeon) created the cocktail menu of mainly gin-based drinks—a nod to the popular homemade spirit of Prohibition. The main space holds 100, and a small private room accommodates 20. —Alesandra Dubin
Posted 02.17.06
Photo: Cortney Van Jahnke