Above Allen Hotel Bar / Lounge

Lower East Side, New York –

There’s no beating around the bush when it comes to getting into Above Allen – patrons either have the look or they don’t.

Those who do make it past the double doormen will find themselves in an airy greenhouse lounge where a diverse clientele of everyone from local moneyed hipsters to European hotel guests mingles over drinks.

A retractable glass roof and two open-air patios lined with tropical trees provide panoramic views of the city skyline, while amber-shaded floor lamps and glowing cocktail tables cast a warm glow over the sea of Vuitton-upholstered sofas.

Weekends see groups of hotties in cocktail dresses enjoying table service or breaking into impromptu dance parties, as a unique mix of local artists, skaters, and well-dressed bridge and tunnelers vie for space at the modern black bar to order jalapeño-infused margaritas and try out their pick-up lines.

The flirtier and slightly rowdier weekend atmosphere gives way to a more laid-back feel on weekdays, when groups of friends take over the booths to chat and indulge in champagne and Asian-inspired nibbles, while couples and hotel guests sip cocktails on the veranda.

One of the ideal places in Manhattan where guests can drink, smoke, and enjoy a great view all at the same time, Above Allen is a good bet for patrons in the market for a downtown hotspot with an uptown vibe.