Double Happiness
(212) 941-1282
173 Mott St
New York,
NY
10013
40.7201
-73.9962
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Little Italy
Last updated 4.01.09
What People Are Saying About Double Happiness
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
This super-dark basement lounge retains the secret, illicit appeal that drew crowds during its past incarnations as a speakeasy and Mob-run gay bar. A large Chinese abacus borders the intimate wooden bar, while the rest of the exposed-brick space yawns into a silky blackness flecked with candlelight. Come early to snag one of the plush alcove booths or low tables before they're crowded with regulars, European tourists and cozy couples.
The Draw
DJs start spinning a smooth mix of soul, rock and house most nights after 10pm. In the meantime, the staff plays its own eclectic compilations. The bartenders deftly serve up beer and wine, though martinis are the drinks of choice, whether it's the Double Happiness lemonade, which mixes lemons with vodka and triple sec, or the lusciously tart pink grapefruit-cassis martini. The green-tea martini gives new meaning to "drinking to your health."
User Reviews
one_trick_pony
November 27, 2007
Ruined careers, shattered lives, broken dreams; in its day this place was accused of the works. Looking back, the scope of its influence is nothing short of epic. And now, you, the lost lambs of double happiness, where shall you congregate? Lest the flock be gobbled by the corporate wolves with their eyes on your golden fleece, let us go underground once more! Below the radar of the ogres of the Old World, we shall carve a new space of liberation, where anything can happen. Let us make the end of an epoch into a Happy Ending. Join me there, comrades, and we will once again relive that soft touch of happiness.
read full reviewmoineau
January 29, 2007
Nice and cozy underground bar, you'd definitely miss it if you blinked. I like to cozy up in one of the booths with some friends, but the dance floor is always fun too. The DJ's always play a great variety of music that always seems to tend to the mood of the crowd. Sometimes the crowd seems a little to "sceney" for my tastes, but it's not always like that. Drinks are good and relatively priced. Nice place to go to if you're bar hopping, probably not a place where you'd want to stay all night... sometimes it gets too crowded late in the evenings.
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stlsunshine
January 14, 2007
My husband and I went for the first time last night, I'd heard this was a fun hangout. We had a great time! Tasty unique cocktails, nice staff, VERY mysterious, dimly-lit and cozy atmosphere...not to be missed! We got there at 10PM on a Saturday night and scored seats at the bar, by 10:30 it was standing-room only so we're happy we got there when we did. The crowd was a good mix of people, thankfully missing the overly-drunken early 20-somethings that tend to spoil a mood by staggering and shouting. We will definitely be back, would like to try a weeknight as well. Great music and sound system too!
read full reviewThe Details on Double Happiness
Save Money:
"Happiness" is a good-luck symbol traditionally seen at Chinese weddings, but from 6pm to 7:30pm weekdays, it could also refer to the two-for-one drink special.
Where to Sit:
For extra privacy, push past the curtain of wooden beads to the left of the bar to find a secluded, skylight-topped seating area.
Category:
Bars & Pubs, Nightclubs, Bars & Clubs, Restaurants, Lounges
Payment Methods:
Bar & Pub Special Features:
Bar & Club Special Features:
After Hours, Romantic Nightlife, Specialty Cocktails, Live Music
Smoking Permitted:
No
