After attending the opening of Antik, the semi-private lounge in the old Marion’s Marquee space, we can report that it’s a serviceable after-spot for those who want to keep drinking in a retro setting during the nights when the Bowery Hotel’s lobby bar closes at 2 a.m. (of course it’s not as elaborate or elegant, which might be why the lighting is so dim).
The $10 to $13 cocktails we tried were on the syrupy side, and let’s face it, mixologist Jesse Lee Carr’s suspenders weren’t the most convincing (apparently throwback attire is now requisite even if you’re mixing drinks from inside of a booth), but we enjoyed the Mexican, a woody concoction of crème de mescal, Cointreau, melon, lime juice, and hibiscus. The lounge will be open nightly from 10 p.m., and though bottle service isn’t a must, reservations are recommended since there are only eight tables. The best thing about the place: If the doorman turns you away, there’s a much less self-conscious pub in King’s Cross downstairs (it’s pictured below) and the perfect martini at Marion’s next door.
King’s Cross, the downstairs pub.Photo: Melissa Hom
Antik and King’s Cross, 356 Bowery, nr. 4th St.; 212-388-1655, antiknyc.com
