Every week we bring you the latest news in bar openings and this upcoming weekend's parties, and this is the day we do it. First up: bar openings.
1. Greenwich Village: Opening under the radar this week—and literally underneath the restaurant Kingswood—the subterranean lounge Baddies NYC brings a dose of retro, red-lit lounginess to Greenwich Avenue, complete with black ostrich-leather sofas, white cowhide chairs and a cocktail list of throwback classics like White Chocolate Russians and Tequila Sunrises. But just because they're goofy doesn't mean they're cheap and sloppy—drinks'll run you about $12 or so, and the bar's natty, sexy and slinky décor matches the price range. Open now. (20 Greenwich Ave. at W. 10th St., 212-645-0044)
2. Tribeca: Ward III, the bespoke—but unprissy!—cocktail lounge we previewed a couple weeks ago, is soft opening on Friday and opening to the public next week (Monday, June 29) with drinks tailored to visitors' palates ("I want something bubbly, maybe with gin, but also with a hint of spice because I feel tired, and also I generally like strawberries") as well as a more-straightforward cocktail list. An internationally leaning menu of small and large dishes, like Moroccan deviled eggs and a brie, apple and chutney panini, complements all those well-fitting and finely tailored cocktails. Soft open Friday, June 26; open to the public Monday, June 29. (111 Reade St. at West Broadway, 212-240-9194)
3. Union Square: The lovely little unmarked and underground lounge Raines Law Room now has a 20-person backyard garden, adding to its loveliness. And its capacity. Open. (48 W. 17th St. between Fifth and Sixth Aves., 212-242-0600)
4. East Village: The scrappy but inventive keg bar Superdive is opening to the public today (Thursday, June 26) at 6 p.m., at which point you and any other rowdy dive bar enthusiasts can show up with a group of friends and buy a (rolling) keg to drink at your booth (if you can score one), or just mix your own drinks behind the bar. Or you can order them from a cocktail waitress. The rules are a little vague, and we imagine this loosey goosey approach to booze might get confusing, but best of luck to them. More soon! Open Thursday, June 26 at 6 p.m. (200 Ave A between 12 and 13 Sts., 646-448-4854)
And bars that are not opening:
5. Williamsburg: The latest and long- (long, long) anticipated addition to New York's bowling scene, Brooklyn Bowl, is NOT open now and won't be anytime in the very immediate future, despite Thrillist's recent announcement. A call to the place informs us: "Soon. Maybe in a few weeks." Decidedly not open. (61 Wythe Ave. between N. 11th and 12th Sts., 718-963-3369)
And now for your weekend party buzz...
