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Tue / Apr 13
Party Earth Review Hidden below the swanky Darby restaurant, The Darby Downstairs is a stylish speakeasy where models and mixology collide – a tenuous union seeing as models usually break when they crash into stuff. It’s not unusual to... ... read full review
244 West 14th Street
New York, NY 10011
1, 2, 3: 14th Street / 7th Avenue; A, C, E: 14th Street / 8th Avenue; L: 8th Avenue / 14th Street
212-242-1776
Tu–Su 10:30pm–4am
Chelsea / Flatiron, New York –
Hidden below the swanky Darby restaurant, The Darby Downstairs is a stylish speakeasy where models and mixology collide – a tenuous union seeing as models usually break when they crash into stuff.
It’s not unusual to see collections of spindly twenty-somethings gathered outside the venue’s separate entrance, stomping out smokes beneath six-inch stilettos before descending into a gold-hued space where the walls and ceiling are dressed in fake honeycombs.
The regular early crowd tends to be groups of moneyed Wall Streeters who pop in to snack on items from the abridged upstairs menu and knock back a few $18 classic cocktails, but it doesn’t take long for the doorman to start getting über-choosey.
DJs stick to an eclectic mix of 60s funk and old rock with some contemporary hip-hop woven in, though the vintage beats are usually enough to convince the older suits and their younger dates to set down their Tin Lizzy’s and dance.
Nearly the entire back wall is taken up by the bar, where Nylon editors and A&R reps clamor for drinks, while expansive patterned-leather sofas provide lots of room for the after-party crowd to wind down with a few bottles.
Promising a mellow vibe, pretty patrons, and a hefty bar tab, The Darby Downstairs is a basement party that‘s downright elevating.
Moneyed Wall Street types, models, wealthy tourists, celebrities, and glitzy types looking for a chill after-party, 20s to 40s.
DJs usually spin jazz early in the evening but transition to 60s funk, rock, hip-hop, and a some contemporary dance hits as the night progresses.
Small plates from Darby restaurant, including crab cakes, beef skewers, and spare ribs.
Beer $9+, wine $20+/glass or $45+/bottle, cocktails $18+, bottle service $450+/bottle.
Dressy: traditional Meatpacking uniform of designer jeans, button-downs, color block minis, Herve Leger bandage dresses, glittering array of Louboutins, Rossis, and Kirkwoods.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the biggest local crowd, and Friday nights for a party packed with A-listers.
The Darby is a beautiful supper club on street level, with regular live jazz and a gorgeous set of regulars to match the stunning interior.
The Darby Downstairs User Reviews