Dark Room
New York, NY 10002-1518
Phone: (212) 353-0536
- Cross Street:
- Stanton Street
- Directions:
- F, V at Delancey St; J, M, Z at Essex St
- Hours:
- Daily 6pm-4am
Editorial Review for Dark Room – by Erin Behan
In Short
In another light, a beautiful bar with atmospheric stonework and deep banquettes could be seen as pretentious. But this basement-level spot keeps the pretension as low as the lights. In one room, a slightly older crowd commands a jukebox on which Johnny Cash shares time with Joy Division and the White Stripes. In the other, a DJ spins pop '80s tracks as hips sway. Both enjoy the comfy leather banquettes and matching ottomans, which can be had for the price of a single can of beer. In a testament to diversity, bottles of Bud, glasses of wine and the remnants of fancy mixed drinks all litter the two packed bar tops.
Hits: It would be hard for anyone to feel out of place at a bar where seasoned night owls with earplugs share space with girls in pointy-toed shoes and local hipsters.
Misses: It can get slammed at prime-time on weekends, so you may have to push your way to the bar (or the bathroom).
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Insider Tips
When to GoYou'll need to arrive well before midnight to nab a banquette.
What to DrinkAll the usuals are on tap--from Stella to Guinness--or opt for a tasty on-the-rocks margarita--it's much easier on the constitution than a shot of tequila.
The ExtrasPlanning a party? Dark Room is a popular venue for birthdays and other non-private events, as they generally don't charge a fee or require a guest list. Still, call in advance to make sure they can accommodate your group.
User Reviews for Dark Room
04/15/2008 Posted by amybabyamy
I'd had quite a bit to drink by the time I got to Dark Room, but the name alone made me want to be there (I'm a photographer). I was happily surprised to find it was a huge bar where anything goes. You can drink, you can dance, you can meet people. The music was awesome pop hits from the last few decades which is great fun to dance to when you're already half in the bag. It was really crowded, so I was glad that I'd already had a lot to drink, but for some reason it didn't seem too packed or too obnoxious. Everyone was just looking to have a good time. Will definitely return.
Pros: Music, Atmosphere
Cons: Probably too packed for a sober person.
03/01/2007 Posted by ayame001
I went to the Dark Room thanks to a birthday party and it was great. The bouncers kept out the teeny-boppers, frat-boys and general riff-raff. Albeit a hipster and weird crowd was in the majority, there were no untoward events, the bartenders were courteous and the music was awesome. None of that trendy pop cr@p. Loved the LES vibe, because why else come to the LES?
Pros: Great music, nice bartenders
Cons: crowded, not great for dancing
