The Back Room

03/05/2008 Posted by sersim25

When I heard there was a bar that was housed in a former toy company that was semi-secret, I was definitely interested. I brought some friends and I did like the place. The bouncer in the front was friendly. After he lets you by you go down a flight a stairs and then up another before walking in. The decor is really great. You feel like you're a Victorian living room. There's a fireplace and big chairs. They serve you liquor in a tea cup, which might sound 'cute' but I think that they do this to skimp out on the drink. The tea cups are small and the drinks are more expensive. That doesn't add up to me. It's called the Back Room because in the back corner there is a back room behind a bookshelf but there was a bouncer standing in front it if so you couldn't get in there. It's a fun place to check out but I would go after I've already had a few drinks somewhere else.

Pros: Cool decor, semi-secret

Cons: Drinks served in tea cups means less liquor at a higher cost

02/22/2008 Posted by kneering

I love hidden places ... they're just cool, especially when you go down the stairs and have no idea where you'll end up. It's a big space, and the teacups and brown bags are an interesting twist. The decor is welcoming ... a place to unwind. Thumbs up.

Pros: Cool spot, affordable, relaxing

Cons: None really!

01/13/2008 Posted by larsheat

Really great spot, nice ambiente, hard to find this place, no name outside. Drinks served in coffee cups and beer in paperbags. Go early to get a seat if not stand.

Pros: hard to find

Cons: dark restrooms

01/07/2008 Posted by bitterprincess27

I recently discovered this place and I was very impressed with the decor and couldnt get over how cute and cozy the place was the whole time I was there! However, don't expect to go there without spending alot. The drinks are pricey and served in teacups so they're smaller than usual. Service is slow but with all the specialty drinks they have I am not too surprised. Definitely worth to check out!

Pros: Awesome decor and atmosphere. Good specialty drinks. Cute and cozy!

Cons: Drinks are small and expensive.

01/06/2008 Posted by frednwilma

Love the decor, fun place if you can find it! Friends birthday party was here- a little pricey but still my new favorite LES bar.

01/05/2008 Posted by masterflash

What's the deal? It's a popular spot! It has a fantastic atmosphere that stays true to the speakeasy times of it's heyday. Go alone or bring someone to talk to and have a good time. The place has great energy. I question how bored the other recent reviewers are.

12/06/2007 Posted by ericwag

I used to go here a lot, but lately the staff has been exceptionally rude. They've refused to let my friends in, and have rushed us out to get more people in to fill tables. The crowd on the weekends also gets obnoxious.

11/01/2007 Posted by qtgurljny

First went to The Back Room in its days as Lansky Lounge and it has much improved since then. The entrance is still that cool, nitty, gritty secret door way but once inside you realize that the secret is definitely out. Patrons are young, hip and cool. Place is crowded. Decor is plush- victorian and cocktails are served up in tea cups and saucers. A very nice place to catch a few drinks. Not really a dancing place more of a relaxed lounge vibe but very cool as a lounge.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

10/13/2007 Posted by sunnyside34

The atmosphere at this place on a Friday night was fun but the drinks ended up being disappointing. I ordered the Ritz Cocktail three times and each time it turned out to be a different color and taste different. The first one was clear (and very good), the second was brownish and tasted different and gross, and the third was pink (although did not taste as bad). I didn't complain further because the bartender was nice enough to make me the third drink to replace the second, but the inconsistency put a sour taste on an otherwise fun night.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

08/03/2007 Posted by ppatrelli

Went here on a Wednesday night and had a great time. The music was very good, and the place had an old world feel. The drinks were good and reasonable, and the bartender went out of his way to please. Where else in the city can you drink a bottle of Grolsch out of a paper bag? This is one of the coolest bars I have been to and will definitely be back.

Pros: Atmosphere, music, space, drinking out of paper bags

Cons: None

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful