22 Oct 2009, Posted by admin in L'Epicurien, 0 Comments

the ace hotel is an ace in the hole

The Ace Hotel, while it formally opened this summer, has only recently started to gain momentum in the New York nightlife scene. The hipster hotel attracts a laid back, yet cool crowd. The space, which opened in phases, now boasts Stumptown Coffee Roasters at the front, a trendy bar in the lobby, and any day now, the Breslin Dining Room (above) and boutique, Project No. 8 will open to the public. The restaurant, is owned by the same owners of The Spotted Pig and will operate by the same, no reservations, mantra.

The rear of the lobby bar has a library-esque feel with velvet chairs and wood paneling, similar to other hotel bars such as The Jane and The Bowery Hotel, but with a bit of an artsy twist. Long, slate tables at the room’s center, are multi-functional, despite being a bit chilly. In the early evening hours, some sit on laptops while others are sipping cocktails.

Of the cocktails, a standout is the Bitter Lemonade ($11), a mixture of prosecco, Aperol, and fresh lemon. Also of note is The Flatiron, a mix of Rhum Clement, ginger beer, lemon whiskey bitters and basil ($12) of which one dollar is donated back to Madison Square Park Conservancy for every drink sold. There is also a selection of seven wines by the glass and  several beers on tap. For those who get peckish, nibble on the sweet, caramel popcorn or spiced almonds.

The Ace Hotel

The Breslin Bar and Dining Room

16 West 29^th Street ( between Broadway and 5^th)

–Melissa Matarese