PKNY

About a month ago, I went to PKNY for my 22nd birthday. I was searching for a place that had a tiki theme, and PKNY was the place that often came up in conversation and google searches. My friends and I were ecstatic while walking over to PKNY, so much in fact, we passed it several times on the street. The outside of PKNY camouflaged with the surrounding shops and buildings, for there were no windows or signs, just dark graffiti suggesting the name, "PKNY." We finally found the place (the body guard standing outside helped) and we excitedly entered. When I first entered PKNY, I was claustrophobic to say the least. The front door leads to a narrow space filled with large groups of people holding drinks larger than their heads. Luckily, the body guard sent my group and I to an open space in the back, which is perfect for smaller parties. We made it to the back, which happened to be more of a lounge area. Before even having a drink, my friends and I were tipsy from the decorative palm trees, fruity drink smells, and the easy going energy of the bar goers and bartenders. I ordered a drink called a "Scorpion Bowl" (which can be spilt between two people.) The "Scorpion Bowl" is similar to a giant margarita and has a shot in the middle, which is served with a tiny flame. Note: PKNY is a place to drink, there are no appetizers or food here. PKNY was the ideal place for a birthday party. It was fun to socialize with friends in the back room of the bar, while enjoying drinks that looked as if they were plucked off of tropical trees. However, I think it would be difficult to casually go to this bar, since it is very narrow and overwhelming. If you are looking for a paradise within New York City, this is the place to check out! Since PKNY has no windows, you seem to forget the crazy world that is going outside of PKNY's chill atmosphere.

It all came together when Giuseppe Gonzalez and Richard Boccato (one of Sasha Petraske's most notable mixologist prodigies) teamed up to create a tiny tiki hot spot in Manhattan's east side. Every detail of the bar is channeled to make the guests enjoy a miniature holiday in the Caribbean, and forget all of their day-time troubles sipping on a freshly hand-crafted cocktail by some of New York's best mixologists. The prices for the drinks are semi-moedrate, as is the wait on a crowded night. It is all forth it, though, because the drinks are certainly worth it. My personal recommendantion: The "Suffering Bastard"

Who doesn't love a tiki drink. Such a fun time in what appears to be a non-descript locale. Enter a tiny bar with some amazing bartenders making drinks that are worth the wait. If you are looking to forget the rest of your evening try a Zombie. They will only serve you one, because I think even the straw is made of 151. Fun vibe with an ecclectic crowd.