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20982
The Raines Law Room
Nightlife
19
Well-Coiffed
AMBIANCE
Glamorous SpeakeasyHOURS
Mon.-Thurs.: 5:00pm-2:00am; Fri.-Sat.: 5:00pm-3:00am; Sun.: 7:00pm-1:00amRESERVATIONS
Only accepted by email (before 3:00pm) for Sun.-Tue.DOOR POLICY
Restricted by how many people are already insidePRICE (COCKTAILS; BEER; NIBBLES)
USD 13-23; USD 7-14; USD 15YEAR OPENED
2009SIGNATURE DRINK
Any of the listed cocktails; the Old Cuban is a favoriteBAR
Yes - full bar "kitchen" serving seasonal, fancy, and signature cocktails, aperitifs, etc.FOOD SERVED?
Yes - two assortments: olives and cheeses; chocolatesNOISE
LoudOUTDOOR SPACE
YesPRIVATE ROOM AVAILABLE?
NoSUBWAY
14th St.-Union Sq. (N, Q, R, L, 4, 5, 6)
VIBE
This sexy, subterranean parlor is so tricked out with glamorously aged Victorian furnishings (vintage trunks, musty books, antique chessboards, shadowy mirrors) that it’s hard to believe it only opened in 2009. Raines has quickly attracted quite a following of Manhattan’s poshest, who make sure to snag a spot on one of its private tables’ luxurious velvet ottomans or dimpled leather armchairs well before dinnertime (no reservations means this spot place fills up fast). If you can manage to tear your eyes away from the provocatively pretty wallpaper, the tin ceiling’s golden sheen, or the gorgeously dust-trimmed décor, you’ll find the mixology nigh unbeatable. (Its cocktail list includes many old fashioned numbers along with a fair few new inventions.)
WHAT WE WOULD WEAR
Stylish elegance will make you feel most comfortable here. Dress it up with a vintage black cocktail dress, statement heels, and your best jewels. Guys here are often done up with ties, blazers, and just-shined shoes.
GO HERE WITH
A friend; a date; a close client or colleague
CROWD
Quiet conversers, first dates, cocktail connoisseurs, and true adorers of aesthetics.
WHY WE LIKE IT
Where do we begin? First, despite its gorgeous surrounds and dress-up clientele, the service is friendly and gracious. Once the bar hits capacity, guests are turned away until a seat opens up, preventing overcrowding or over-noisiness, as well as ensuring that wait time for drinks never exceeds more than five or ten minutes (a big plus). And did we mention the decorations? To. Die. For. And how about that faux-discerning and mood-setting French maître d’ at the door? Genius.
WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE
After seats are fully occupied, this bar closes its doors (don’t worry–they’ll call you once a spot opens up). Unfortunately, though, space tends to go quickly and showing up here after 6:00pm (especially on weeknights) can be a shot in the dark.
GOOD TO KNOW
A bit of history: the bar is named after an 1896 New York law meant to control liquor consumption. (Lucky for us, they enforce nothing of the sort here!) In true speakeasy style, this bar is unmarked save for a small plaque beside the door. Ring the doorbell to announce your presence and a doorman will attend you. No phone number is listed and reservations are only taken by email for the first three nights of every week. A private outdoor back garden is open during warmer months.
CLOSEST COMPS
Angel’s Share (New York); Milk & Honey (New York); The Campbell Apartment (New York)
Read more about The Raines Law Room in The Diary
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