All I can say from my experience here the other night is that if Raines Law Room in NYC were a porn star she would be Jenna Jameson – one of the hottest and highest paid performers in the biz. Extremely sexy, alluring, and intoxicating. If you can get past the doorman after buzzing in you are greeted by a speakeasy decor of plush elegance and cool chicness.
I assume we were lucky to get right in on a Saturday evening around 11:30 at night with not so much as a reservation or even dressed properly. Plus, we had just come from a Belgian beer festival and were pretty much in the bag by then. We were told we could not get a seat in the lounge area but were welcome to hang out in the “kitchen” area. Walking past the couples and groups resting comfortably on the vintage couches enjoying thier cocktails I was more then looking forward to sampling a few of these classic concoctions myself.
Plus, being a former bartender I had no problem hanging out where the mixoligists were showcasing their talents. We had ringside seats right up by the action, and the bartender working this evening, Theo, was an affable gent who engaged us in coversation while mixing up drink after drink. We let him choose a few different options for us and he did not steer us wrong. Bourbon based, strong, bold, and smooth all at once. After a few delicious drinks each, and by this time feeling no pain, we were totally taken in to the idea of the secret aura of this place. Dimly lit, shadowy, fun, and very James Bond-like. A classy joint.
The bar tab here was surely not cheap, but the ambience and quality sure made up for it. I do so look forward to my next enounter with this sexy secret den of cocktail mixology. Definitely a more adult-like place to enjoy a “civilized” evening of quiet partying. If looking for a suave spot to take a date and impress one has to look no further than Raines Law Room. Just remember to ring the doorbell first and tell the doorman you’ve arrived. Then hope you gain quick entrance into this subterranean world of sexy cocktail fun. If not, it’s worth the wait. Tell them Jenna sent ya.
Raines Law Room – http://www.raineslawroom.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/raines-law-room-new-york?nb=1
What a ride; you had me at sexy, lost me with the whole Jenna thing (yuck) but got me back with “strong, bold and smooth”. Flavors, of course.
Sounds like a great place. I’d CHOOSE to hang out where you ended up.
Hey Karen!
It’s one of those sexy spots that’s worth spending a few extra dollars on! A panty dropper!
Oh wow! I actually have been here, but completely forgot the name of it. Ambiance is unbelievable.
Hey Dave!
It’s one of those spots that you just don’t forget! Cool that you were there.
Ooooh! This looks so sexy. I want to go there right away with my New Yorker boyfriend. I used to be a bartender too, and I love watching the “mixology.” Plus bartenders are usually hot…
If I were a porn star, I’d want to be Jenna. She might be the only intelligent one out there. Plus, she’s made an empire for herself which doesn’t happen without a lot of hard work (no pun intended), and she’s gorgeous.
You find the coolest places. Makes me want to book a trip to NYC. I love your city.
Hey Mandi!
Then you would like this spot. Dress sexy and make your guy take you there for some great cocktails.
Jenna is one of the smart businesspeople in the biz. She has made millions where most others end up with very little. Lots more cool reviews to come!
You know I’m talking about Adrian, right? I’m a married lady. I don’t really have a NY boyfriend….yet. But I still want to go to this place.
Oh, don’t worry, we’ll keep your secret boyfriend just between us and my readers. That Adrian guy will never find out.
Hey Phil, love those places with creative mixology and craft type specialties. Looks nice.
Hey Peggy!
I love these places too! My liver doesn’t but my mouth does!
“Adult-like”.
Booze.
Jenna J.
What’s not to like?
Hey Fearless!
Booze, porn stars, and adult fun all go hand in hand!
Oh, I *want* to go to a sexy, smooth, bourbon-based club. I love to read your posts, but they make me SO jealous and I end up wanting to grab the next flight to NY. Keep up the torture.
Hey Barb!
One day you just might lose your mind, jump on a plane, and find yourself sipping a cocktail in a speakeasy by that evening. Sounds like a fun plan!
A raft of cocktails on top of gut full of ale; a recipe for late-night puking?
Looks a classy place, one where I’d have to dust off my best pair of trousers before a visit.
Hey Gary!
As long as you don’t puke on those classy pants you’ll be just fine!
Hot.
Sexy.
Exotic.
Posh.
Elegant drinks.
Sounds like my kind of place, Phil.
– minus the Jamison, of course! x
Hey Kim!
I’ll send over some hot firemen and policemen instead to entertain you with some cocktails. Enjoy!
Sweet. This looks like a party where you put your keys in the bowl!
Hey Joy!
Ha! I remember a few nights where my keys should have been in that bowl. Vaguely.
Funny, those same three words could be used to describe me.
Lol
Looks like super swanky and cool place!! Me LIKEY.
Hey Beth!
Oh baby! I’m sure they could be. Slip on that little sexy black dress to go out and saunter up to the bar. It’s cocktail time!
Um, I kind of want your life. How’d you get so damn glamorous! <— not just a feminine adjective, promise 😉
Hey Aussa!
I’m also fabulous! Stylin’ and profilin’. I live the glamorous life here in NYC what can I say?
Nice place! I’ve already put it on my to-do list for the next time I’m visiting New York
Hey Mitzie!
Next time you come to NY you might have a bunch of spots to check out reading my posts! Don’t blame me if you get drunk and gain weight!
Wow! So sophisticated. I want a mixologist to mix my drinks. Ah. New York.
Hey Shelley!
I wish I had a personal mixologist to mix all my drinks too. All the time!
Sounds like a helluva time! It’s hard to find swanky places like that here in the mountains. Mathair and I are more custom to the sawdust, peanut shells, beer swillin’, juke joints, but this definitely a must visit for us. Thanks for the share.
Hey Inion/Mathair!
I love those down and dirty sawdust places too. We have one in my hood that makes a great burger too! Sawdust on the floor to soak up the beer. Fancy is fun, but being casual is just as good if better!
This sounds amazing – adding it to my date night list. It’s been ages since we went somewhere fancy!
Hey Jenny!
It’s a great spot especially if you like a cool speakeasy. Hard to get into unless you go right when it opens but worth the wait. Check out Death & Company too as I think you would also like it. Again, go early.
Anywhere I can wear an LBD too, I’m in! And Theo looks nice. ;0)
Hey Hazy!
I’m sure you would get a lot of attention in that LBD from more than just Theo. 🙂
It does sound like it would be a fun place to take a date!
Hey Christy!
It’s a panty dropper for sure! 😉
I would so love this place. It’s on my list if I ever come that way again.
Hey Cindy!
There are a bunch of hidden cocktail spots like this in NYC. I love these joints. Like a blast from the past. A better crowd in them too. No meathead frat boys!
Now this is what I call a cool dive with interesting drinks and cocktails. Phil, I didn’t know that you used to be “at the bar”, no wonder you know your stuff. No messing with your drinks, that’s for sure!
Hey Victoria!
I do love a good cocktail joint. Even if I used to tend bar or not these spots call out to me!