by Jamel Thach on You and I have both been to theme bars that bring Satan's abyss to mind. Horrible costumes, stupid shows, and prices that would make a Rockefeller blush. Jekyll & Hyde comes to mind, now that I think about it... This bar is not one of them. Okay, the prices are high ($6-7 for bottled beers, $10-20 for their signature drinks), but the atmosphere couldn't be more fun. There are over seven or eight carnival games (dunk tank, test-your-strength, knock-the-bottles, etc.), pool, traditional carnival food, and upscale munchies for those of a more delicate palate. Conveniently located off of Union Square, this is a great place to come with a group of friends for a fun time. It's not an everyday place by any stretch, but BEER/DRINK SELECTION: Four-five microbrews. They make their killing on the delicious (but expensive) mixed drinks. FOOD SELECTION: From hot dogs to pretzels to sliders to Wolfgang Puck serving you foie gras with caviar from a Ming-dynasty platter. Okay, it's not nearly THAT extensive, but for a bar, it ain't half-bad. SERVICE: Good. It gets crowded, but the crew does their best to keep it moving. They WILL try to sucker you into some of those games, though, and at $4 a pop, that can hit the ol' pocketbook mighty hard. A tip: check out the "Funhouse". It's really a dance floor with a small bar inside. When the front house gets way packed, this place tends to be less jammed. Course, you might not be up for dancing after climbing the five flights to the bar itself...
by Mohamed Yater on I might be obsessed with this place! Every time I happen to drive past XIV on Sunset Blvd I can't help but turn my head to sneak a peek at whatever is going on in the patio. All it does is remind me of the amazing times I've had there and how I can't wait to go back. My roomie and I always talk about going in just for "a bite at the bar" but we know once inside and swallowed up by the energetic vibe and eye candy surrounding the entire place that we'll want to sit at a table and spend the three or four hours we usually do eating our faces off and getting drunk. Love my Prix Fixe menus what can I say. Every dish is pretty much a hit, the flavor either melts or explodes in your mouth. I could probably go and order a 1000 of the Foie Gras Terrine with Rhubarb Mostarda alone, F***ing amazing!!! And the decor... what's not to love? It's like dinning in your rich uncles cozy yet trendy library room. Go and request to sit Ernell's section if you don't have a favorite server yet. He's awesome knows the menu like the back of his hand and will make sure you are taken care of. Make sure you don't have too much planned for the night when you eat here... you might not make it out! This place is almost a night out in itself if you do it right.
by Talib K. on Live music, live music, live music! The owner is hangin' her hat and bettin' the farm that the draw of live music will be enough to pack the house at Kat's Cafe. The performances typically feature local jazz artists and on Saturday nights they feature the latin sounds of Salsa. The space is small but cozy. They have a full service bar and a kitchen that serves appetizers (e.g., small pizzas). I like the vibe they are trying to create and the Midtown location is a good one (despite being tucked under Helmet Salon). Honestly, I think the jury is still out on this place until they develop a more consistent clientele and vibe.
