Kemia Bar
New York, NY 10036-3708
Phone: (212) 582-3200
- Cross Street:
- 44th Street
- Directions:
- A, C, E at 42nd St
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 5:30pm-1am, Fri 5:30pm-2am, Sat 8pm-closing
Editorial Review for Kemia Bar – by Sasha Emmons
The Scene
Follow the votive candles downstairs to a sweet hideaway. Simon Oren, of Sushi Samba and the bar's upstairs neighbor Marseilles, has turned what was the restaurant's private party room into a sensuous Moroccan lounge. The dreamy Arabic music, passionate colors and low lighting make you feel like you're meeting a lover. Groups make themselves at home in the couch-filled red room, while couples lean in over candlelit cocktail tables in the pink room.
The Draw
Kemia means "tapas" in Moroccan. But be forewarned: Portions are miniscule. Chicken tagine gratifies as exotic comfort food, while the spinach and goat cheese briouats are perfectly paired with tangy, nutty tahini. The citrus and pear soup, served over mascarpone sorbet, may possibly be the world's best summer desert. There are only four beers on offer, but go for the specialty cocktails--especially the minty signature drink.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoPrim types, take note: The bathroom is unisex.
When to GoThe lounge is closed to the public on Sundays, but is available for private parties.
User Reviews for Kemia Bar
08/30/2008 Posted by joehoya
i've been to two bdays here (a friend's and my sister's), and both times it has been no hassles whatsoever. it's posh enough to attract a good crowd (and good ratio), which has been heavy on indians (they do play some bhangra music). since we didn't order at the bar i can't comment on the bartenders, but the mojitos are really good. the dj is pretty hilarious and plays decent music. both times (months apart) he did this little umbrella dance routine on the bar to rihanna's 'umbrella,' which is funny the first time, but was retarded the second time. there are also hookahs there, which are of pretty good quality (and less expensive than, say, le souk). i probably won't frequent this place on a normal weekend night or to pick up girls, but it's a great place if you want to get a group together and not have a pain in the @ss.
Pros: great for groups, posh but not snobby, drinks
Cons: music just okay, the rest of hell's kitchen is pretty boring
08/12/2008 Posted by Lakufu
If you love arabic music and relatively inexpensive drinks, this is the place. I threw my birthday party here & it was fantastic. There was a belly dancer with a candle lit chandelier on her head and the music was fun. The staff was fun, at one point the waitress even got on the bar to dance, it was super fun. Definately recommend it for people who like arabic music and a nice decor. Will definately go there again.
Pros: Good decor & service
Cons: Could have more dance music after 11pm
Users Like You Also Viewed
Park Blue
158 W 58th St
New York, NY 10019
