It's Halloween on Friday, and I'm sure everyone's getting their princess costumes ironed at the dry cleaners as we speak. Remember to cut out holes in the boobs so you can be a sexy princess! Just kidding—never do that. In the meantime, it's the question we ask every Thursday: What's happening that you can drink?
Drink of the week: It doesn't matter as long as it's hot. A study shows that new acquaintances will like you more if they're holding a warm drink in their hands, and that you'll like them more if you're holding a warm drink, too. Apparently the warm feelings permeate your cold heart. A round of hot toddies for the table of new friends!
Bar openings:
1. Carroll Gardens: Breaking! We've got the first word on Ophelia (pictured here), a homey-elegant wine-and-cheese bar opening "in two weeks" on the corner of First Place. Although the inside isn't finished, they've already painted the walls a luscious scarlet, hung chandeliers from the ceiling, and glossed up the mahogany bar. Silkily upholstered armchairs and dainty lampshades give off a "Nana's glamorous living room" vibe. Opens "in two weeks." (385 Court St., at 1st Place)
2. Meatpacking District: Don't worry, it's not Cain anymore, it's Cain LUXE (is that like what the Gap is to Old Navy?). They've made it a little smaller and given it a high-class-hooker-on-a-gaudy-safari theme (read: zebra print, red-lacquered bar, tassels and a bed). Open now. (544 West 27th St., between 10th and 11th Aves., 212-947-8000)
3. Park Slope: Just in time for winter (so cold), the escapist Cabana Bar (so warm) offers you palm trees, a tiki-style bar, Latin-inspired food (oyster empanadas, rum-glazed shrimp) and plenty of comfortingly cheesy island drinks, like strawberry margaritas, Cabatinis and the Bonfire Bowl (served flaming, serves four). A turquoise wave mural makes you feel like you're... in a bar, staring at a wall. But A for effort. Plus they're giving out free shots of the Sugarcane Cocktail every hour until Dec. 1 (A+). Now open. (648 President St., at Fifth Ave., 718-399-2161)
4. Flatiron: Street art meets museum vibe meets classy drinking at The Imperial, where the walls are covered in high-concept graffiti, and a guerrilla art gallery features pop art, political street art and sculptural mannequins (not great for spying out of the corner of your eye when tipsy). Three screens and high-tech sound systems make it good for late-night sensory exploration, while plush seating and a waterfall makes it... nice. Opening with a private Halloween party on the 31st. (17 West 19th St, between Fifth and Sixth Aves., 212-352-2001)
5. Lower East Side: Opening up in the shell of Lotus Lounge is the lovely new neighborhood gastropub Donnybrook, serving up hard liquor and (in a few weeks) wholesome Irish fare. Donnybrook's hundred-year-old salvaged wood, bathed in golden candlelight, creates some lovely hearty-historic surfaces, as does a quartz bar offset by a wall of glittering spirits bottles. A pair of flatscreen TVs slightly counter the charm, but not too badly. Open now. (35 Clinton St., at Stanton, no phone yet)
6. Times Square: Opening on Halloween, just in time for the Nightmare at the Dream Hotel party, it's The Crystal Room (formerly Ava Lounge), a heated rooftop bar evocative of South Beach, 15 stories above Broadway. Cocktails like the Gin & Sin and the Midnight Mimosa are to be consumed on cozy couches adjacent to rooftop fireplaces. Rooftop bar in winter? Sure, what fun. Opens on Friday the 31st. (210 W 55th St, at Broadway, 212-247-2000)
And now for your weekend party buzz...
