Will Every Bar Soon Be Hidden in New York?

[daniella]

Will Every Bar Soon Be Hidden in New York?

There seems to be a trend popping up all over Manhattan. First it was speakeasies and bars that needed passwords for entry, now it's underground lounges in the backs of restaurants and basements of clubs in midtown. The latest is Covet.

The Real Housewives of NYC's very own Ramona Singer and husband Mario lounged at the hidden lounge on Tuesday night and sipped cocktails from mixologist Orson Salicetti. It's a good thing she was there because customers will need to borrow money from Miss Ramona when it comes to ordering "Covet-ed" cocktails like the $160 Icarus, made with Louis XIII cognac and "hand-chiseled ice." Nice.

But don't fret just yet. There are other drinks to be drunk at the lounge's multiple bars and street level restaurant. The Cupid, a vodka, strawberry and rosemary concoction sounds yummy. If you're looking for a new flavor combo in a restaurant, the Asian Mediterranean-inspired dishes by Chef John Keller (on left with Ramona), who boasts Nobu and Le Bernadin on his resume, will draw you in. But if you're thinking of dining there, arrive late and head underground for after-dinner drinks. The real party is down below, where the nooks and crannies of the room's design will be perfect for whatever the occasion may be. Oh, and in one dark corner you'll find an area complete with a mirrored ceiling and a bed. Need we say more?

It's a great place to hang after work in midtown, especially if you're looking for a classier joint to take a date (minus the bed portion). The mood lighting, heavy doors and European flair will impress that special someone. Promise.

Covet Lounge, 137 East 55th Street

By Kim Kaufman