12/20/08

Usually quite solid

by What2Know

Here's the deal with Socialista. Winter 2007-2008 it had one of the toughest doors in NYC. You had to be somebody to get in. This winter (08-09) they have relaxed the door much more. It's no longer run by a celeb-status doorman (he was interviewed by the NYTimes) and being nice goes a long way. I started my forays at Socialista by going to Stan's, the small bar in the basement. Generally getting into Stan's isn't hard. The little guy who does the door is named Anthony and he is extremely nice. You just have to be charismatic and talk to him. The same goes for the other guy, Fernando. The trick is to not come at them directly requesting to get in. Start a conversation, just break the ice somehow. If you're nice and they like you they'll let you in. No reservations no cover to nothing. At this point I have no problems getting in either of the places at all. I like Socialista more. It has nice high ceilings and a less hipstery crowd. The usual DJ (bald guy) plays a very good set and doesn't get into the super ironic hipster stuff but at the same time isn't only mainstream. The drinks are usual NYC prices. All in all it makes for a good time. The key is playing it cool at the door. If it doesn't work out leave it, don't sweat Fernando and Anthony. If they say no it means no. Your money is no good to them so don't try to buy your way in. Just walk away and come back the next night or next weekend and try again. Make it seem like going in isn't important to you...

• Pros: Space, music, not too pretentious yet not too unpretentious
• Cons: None that I can think of, just that it's gotten slightly boring cause I go there so frequently

09/15/08

RUDE

by west2east

ABSOLUTELY unprofessional.

Door guys think that they're the *HIz

once you get in the crowd is boring. lame. just not a good representation of the culture there

08/10/08

Overrated!

by Elianita

My friends and I went to celebrate my friends 26th birthday. Wish we went elsewhere........When we finally got in the place, it was pretty much empty! They try and make it look as though it is a high end "exclusive" place.....well its not! It is ugly, small and stinks! Wish we would have read the other reviews before going to this trashy "lounge"! Please don't WASTE your time at this place!!! I think is it seriously overated by the owner himself the ex doorman!