We didn't think much of this subterranean lounge bar at first, located under Casanis on the Lower East Side. A run-of-the-mill French eatery serving a decent Moulles Frites, the restaurant's owner debuted a new underground VIP den located through a velvet rope entrance just around the corner. It was a shaky start with mid-week night luring no more than a few drifters and wine-sippers that make you want to go home by 10pm. But suddenly things turned hip after a few star sightings and lengthy articles in the NY Times. Alas, Chloe 81 is no a hit.
Visitors arrive to a chatty doorman that now encourages weekend visitors to arrive early with a table reservation or face a 30-minute wait at the door during prime 11pm-1am hours. Once inside, visitors discover a sexy urban pub that mixes elements of '20s Berlin with exposed beams intersecting a raw concrete ceiling above industrial tile floors. The bar is lined in shiny red banquettes, some reserved for bottle service, amongst amber lighting and thump of '80s rock. The main bar is no bigger than five barstools long with well-trained staff pouring signature cocktails like The Chloe and a superb Gimlet. The crowd varies between professional partiers that roll from Beatrice to Submercer to local artists and fashion elite.
Tips
If visiting on the weekend, call ahead for a reservation that ensures entry and private booth between 7 to 10pm for around $250.
Last Word
Sexy underground dance bar under Casanis Restaurant lures star following and fashion elite.
