08 Jun 2009, Posted by admin in L'Epicurien, 0 Comments

new york’s new speakeasy

It’s worth the hunt and a walk down a flight of stairs to discover the underground locale that is Raines Law Room (the newest bar to join the slew of prohibition style lounges that have opened in New York recently.) The aura at Raines is warm and welcoming despite the living room set up. Club chairs and chez lounges are ideal for couples looking for an evening alone.  Tables towards the rear are designed for larger groups and can be closed off with a black translucent mesh curtain, creating a quasi-private enclosure.

Compared to its speakeasy cousin Milk and Honey, Raines is certainly less uptight, allowing decibel levels to rise above the whisper mark. Chatter and conversation fills the room at a comfortable level and 1920s jazz echoes quietly in the background.

My cocktail, a $13 dollar champagne cocktail with fresh juices, was good, though not stellar. I would like to hope it was merely a poor choice on my part.

There is no phone, so just show up.

Raines Law Room

48 West 17^th between 5^th and 6th

–Melissa Matarese