Area Lounge

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  I remember when this was the awesome Empire Billiards. Came here once shortly after the change of name to play pool and have never returned since.
  
  Right off the bat, pricey for Queens and a very shady crowd. Staff is the antithesis of friendly, and that's putting it in nice terms.  
  
  Plenty of other places to go in Queens with reasonable prices and friendly people.

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  Posted on 07.22.13 Michael P.

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  Two drinks on my cc $31.00. Gratuity included for no fuckin reason. $240 for 1 liter of ciroc. $65.00 for a cheap bottle of moscato. Seriously, this has got to be the most pretentious, fake baller spot in the universe.  I'm not cheap but damn it if I'm willing to spend $14 on one oz of ciroc! Never again.

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  Posted on 02.12.13 Nafeesha P.

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  I don't know who complains about spending money at a club. And this is definitely more of a nightclub than it is a lounge. Don't expect a large NYC crowd. This place is off the beaten path and a little out of reach, at least for a LI girl who's used to hanging in the city. But, I'm not looking for huge uncomfortable crowds when I go out. And the venue is VERY nice.
  
  First time here was during a friends birthday, food and drinks were good in VIP. And still decently priced if you're not a cheap ass. Crowd was small, DJ average. At least for a Saturday night, and I was there easily till 3 am.
  
  2nd visit was VERY different. It was kompa night, a Sunday, and jam packed. Reggae and hip hop played in the smaller room, which to me was more fun and less stuffy than the crowd in the larger main room. Haitians never know when to relax and just have a good time!
  
  Either way, thoroughly enjoyed both visits. But, that was probably more due to the company I was with than the club itself.

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  Posted on 02.05.13 Cynthia P.

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  The layout is nice. Very spacious. But the people who work there are awful. DJ was the worst I've seen in a long time. Played a lot of songs 3 and 4 times. And after I got out the club with my girls, there was a shoot out. Never coming back to this place again.

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  Posted on 12.08.12 Christina P.

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  i really do not know what everyone is talking about in their reviews. first off i just want to say that i do agree that it was a bit pricey to get and so are the drinks. However, dont go out if youre not willing to spend money. im pretty sure this was not your first time coming to a club. i actually enjoyed my time at Area. when i hear of "lounge" i dont typically think of a calm laid back setting because this is 2012 hunny. we came here on Satuday night memorial day wekend, they had botle specials for $120 for any botle and that was with tax and gratuity, 4 ppl per bottle which i thought was great. the vip section is huge the club is gorg. the music couldve been better. he food is good. i really dont get stp your money up before you go out. if you didnt want to pay theny ou should've arrived before midnight.

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  Posted on 06.01.12 Steph S.

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  Pay attention to the majority of negative reviews and you will save yourself the heartache.  I WISH I had read the reviews first, because I would have chosen to go to a different party that my boyfriend and I were invited to that night.  But we choose Area because we both had never been.
  
  We went on a Friday night (last night to be exact) and we got there a few minutes before midnight - $20 PER PERSON to get in.  I almost fell out; I expect to pay $20 for a CLUB in Manhattan, not at a LOUNGE in a seedy part of Flushing.  Mind you, the only people standing outside were three bouncers - there was no line.  Next up, you have a male and female security card who pat you down after you pay the ridiculous cover charge.  You walk down the hall, turn right and proceed down a ramp to check your coat - $3 per person.  
  
  The space is very nice, and what I think you are paying for are the renovations they had to do in order to make this place look nice, and their rent.  I've recently learned that the club business is extremely tough, so now I understand why they charge you $600 for a bottle of Henny for only four people even though you can go to brotha man on the fifth flo to get you a sippy sip of Henny for FREE.  Anyway, for a lounge there is a decent amount of dance floor space.  The VIP area is such a joke to me compared to nice CLUBS I've been to. I mean think about it like this:  me: on the dance floor with my 2 step, paid $20 to get in.  You: on the other side of the "velvet rope", only a couple of steps away, sitting in a space with some couches who just dropped $200+ for bottle service.  What's so special about that??  NEXT!
  
  When we walked in I saw about six people standing around - a couple of minutes later I realized THEY WERE STAFF.  Why am I paying $20 to come to a club that is DEAD at midnight??  About 30-45 minutes later, we turn around and it was like they let the flood gates open.  About 15 people walked in at the same time - turns out it was the birthday girl and HER peeps.  Wow.  An HOUR after that, I turn around again (my back was to the entrance) and like 50 people came out of nowhere.  We found out that when the members of the birthday girls' party came, they kept them waiting outside.  So that was why an influx of people just came in as if a tour bus dropped off a bunch of tourists.
  
  I found it to be a hood crowd mixed in with guys with muscle shirts (are those still in style?) with Pauly D hair.  At first there were older people there (mid-30s and up), but then it seemed to attract a crowd that just turned 21 the day before, with more men than women.  Oh, and the night could not be complete without a herb or two wearing sunglasses.  Unless you have cataracts take the d*mn sunglasses off.
  
  When my boyfriend came back with my drink, and he told me it cost him $23, I almost passed out.  We are by no means cheap and broke, but it was ridiculous that in under an hour, collectively, we spent $69.  SIXTY-NINE DOLLARS?!?!?!?!  If I had known it was going to be like that I would have had a glass of Henny White in my home before I left the house (since I wasn't driving - safety first).
  
  Lastly, and most importantly - the music.  I have an eclectic mix of music on my iPod - Jay Z to The Irrepresibles.  Lady Gaga to Machel Montano.  Don Omar to Chrisette Michele.  But the sh*t I heard last night?!  Even my boyfriend who is a hip hop head had never heard of some of the crap the DJ was playing.  To top it off, he was pulling a Funkmaster Flex - playing songs for about as long as an iTunes music preview.
  
  My LONG review is meant to SAVE YOU from going to this place.  The only way I would say it's okay for you to go is 1) you get in for free, 2) you don't drink or someone buys you one or 3) a VERY close friend or family member is having their birthday party there and you are forced to go unless you are terminally ill.  If you're not dying, shoot yourself in the foot.  OR, as some other reviewers have mentioned - stand outside long enough, maybe someone will do it for you.

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  Posted on 12.17.11 Dara J.

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  You can find the same group of drunk and sweaty Puertoricans and Dominicans here EVERY week.  Throw in a few Colombians here,  some ecuadorians there, maybe a black person or two, possibly an Asian--and you have yourself AREA LOUNGE! Got the same HERBS up in VIP, the "machismos" who sit where there big old super expensive bottle of Hennessy, and expect the nasty birds to give them lap dances.  If this doesn't sound fun enough it gets better.  Every time you hit up Area, bring your boxing gloves or popcorn, because you will likely get to see a fight or if your play your cards right you might even just be lucky enough to get caught in the middle of one!
  
  Still not convinced you on how great this place is? Darn!!! Let's see what else.... the DJ plays THE same music every week which is 95.95858484% Spanish music (even though its supposely a different DJ), and oh yea did i mention the SAME crowd is here every weekend?
  
  .....and to think i considered having my birthday here!!!!!
  
  I give Area 2 stars because the place itself is a nice venue, and has so much potential;  It's the atmosphere that totally kills the experience!

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  Posted on 10.18.11 Sonny G.

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  If you want something to do on a Saturday night, you're a guy or celebrating a birthday locally, and you don't mind spend $16 per drink,  and $5 on Poland Spring bottled water, and you don't mind the DJ previewing every song every 2 minutes until the end of the night, make sure you go here before 12 so that you can get in free.  If you're a smoker, they have an enclosed "hole" similar to those in prison movies where inmates are allowed to look up at the sky. Great way to market a night club environment to smokers.  JaJa and Chloe (Saturday Promoters) make it worthwhile for fellows/ladylovers to go.  These divas have belly dancers and gogo dancers dancing on the elevated platforms.

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  Posted on 08.30.11 Crystal P.

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  Had a VIP area in the club in November compliments of Terrence & must say all my invited guest as well as myself had a really nice time. Would trully reccomend it.

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  Posted on 02.28.11 Dawn H.

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  Went here for my birthday in November and had a blast! Went on a friday night, music was great, and there was a variety of people there. Drinks were also  good, not watered down at all. All together everyone enjoyed themselves and we'll definitely be hitting up this spot again.

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  Posted on 01.05.11 Nicole R.

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  If you want to have a good night, this is not the place- trust me. i went here- got overcharged, plus the bouncers are disrespectful & rude. (as are the cashiers) & then by the end of the night, im waiting for my coat check, they give me a problem- i try to call a cab- nobody knows theaddress... so i go to the front of the club, to ask behind the desk.... they dont know it either? so i go out front to read the awning (without my coat yet) as soon as i open the door, i see 3 uys with wooden batts swinging at everybody next to him. & with a turn of the face, somehow i get cracked in the face with a bottle?! my face is gushing blood & the bouncers have the nerve not to let me back in the lub? after i ghad nothing to do with that fight n i got injured? uh, def. not worth it. If you guys can do yourself & i a favor, do NOT waste your time at this ghetto & reckless place. its in the middle of no where & unless you have an army behind you "just n case" its def. not safe for girls OR GUYS! I've already contacted my lawyer & he's working on a potential lawsuit... hopefully i get this place closed down before 2011.

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  Posted on 11.21.10 felicia o.

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  this place was horrible. Don't waste your time coming here. The inside looks like a truck loading dock with the lights off. Only difference is there is a Dj booth and a bar.
  
  Went on a Friday night, and was actually looking for a good Spanish club...but this was not the place!!!. Music selection was weak at best.
  
  All staff from bouncers to waitresses were all rude. Stayed in the "lounge" a total of 30 minutes and got the Hell out of there. Don't make the same mistake I made and waste your time and patience on this place.

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  Posted on 09.22.10 Steve R.

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  lmfao @ the fool who said the place isn't "Webster Hall" lol. Webster Hall has been DEAD for a decade. Anyone who quotes Webster Hall is clueless and should be laughed at. The Friday party is pretty much new and the only night worth going to if you're a serious clubhead that likes Hip Hop, Merengue, Salsa, Bachata and some Spanish Rock. The promotion they offer must be reserved via the promoter. Five or more females get a bottle of Goose before 11:30. There's no puzzle here. If you come under-dressed, you won't get in. This is a nightclub. If you're dressed with sneakers or anything that resembles sneakers, the promoters won't allow you in. You should have asked before going. This AINT your local BAR! HELLO! The owners don't want to cater to those who don't know how to wear shoes....very simple. And I credit them for trying to clean up a club scene where people are coming into a club dressed like they're going to a picnic. To "Rosa R"-Take your bottle buyers to a place that caters to people who want to dress accordingly.

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  Posted on 05.14.10 Jimmy C.

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  This is a nice place, it's new so it's clean and well decorated. However, they do not know how to treat patrons.
  
  My friend celebrated her birthday at Area this past Friday and it was a nightmare. When she called to make reservations she was told that they had a promotion going on: she was going to get 2 free bottles of vodka (Grey Goose) if she showed up by 11:30pm with at least 10 girls (she ended up making a reservation for 20 people). Additionally, she was promised a third bottle of Hennessy for $150, which of course, was a discounted price. We showed up at 11:10 with 10 girls and a guy and when my friend went up to the bouncer and told him that it was her birthday he said that she had to wait in line like everyone else. We patiently waited, once we are inside we wasted another 15 minutes going through coat check-which is mandatory. By the time we actually get to go up to the hostess it's 11:51pm and she informs us that we can't get any of the promised deals because we weren't inside by 11:30pm. Are you kidding me??!!!
  
  They were also not letting in some of our friends because they were wearing black sneakers-even after they had promised to buy bottles once they were inside. And the place wasn't even crowded!!! Seriously, if i was a club owner I would not turn down business, it's common sense!!
  
  Finally, we get 2 tables at one of the private areas (by now our group had grown to over 20 people) and they screw up our order: they give us 2 bottles of champagne instead of vodka. It took an additional 45 minutes to get those 2 bottles replaced and we ended up getting Absolut instead of Grey Goose-like they promised.
  
  We had to argue with them for almost 2 hours to finally get everything straighten out. This place is not worth the headache!!! The drinks at the bar are expensive and watered down. The only reason I'm not giving them one start or zero, it's because the DJ actually played good music and vallet parking was free.
  
  Save yourself all the trouble and go somewhere else.

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  Posted on 04.26.10 Rosa R.

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  A friend of mine asked me to go check out this place so I said OK.  He said to just mention his name at the door and that I am on his list.  So one Saturday night, another friend and I decided to check it out.  
  
  This place is located on the north side of Northern Blvd in the Flushing area.  But it is basically in the Whitestone neighbourhood.  While walking there, at some point, I think my friend and I crossed over an invisible line between where the Asians are and where the white people are.  When we got inside, my friend and I immediately noticed we were the only Asian people there.  My friend remarked that we looked like the waiters, hahhah!
  
  Despite the name, this place is not a "lounge" like I was expecting.  And as such, I was kind of under-dressed in my jeans and long-sleeve t-shirt.  Area Lounge is basically a nightclub.  It has a fully stocked bar, seating area, a dance floor, and good looking hostesses and waitresses.  The music was loud and upbeat.  By all accounts, it's a pretty nice nightclub.  I think if I was still in my 20s, I would have appreciated it a lot more.  But I've done all the clubbing I needed to do in my younger days, and on top of that, all the raves I've been to when the rave culture was still going strong has left me without much of a desire to go clubbing anymore.
  
  We left after about 45 minutes there.  I think people who like to go clubbing will appreciate this place, but it just wasn't for me and my friend.

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  Posted on 02.01.10 Radford T.

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  I went for Happy Hour on a Friday, before the official Grand Opening.
  
  I have to say, I like what I see..
  
  A few pool tables in the back..
  
  Glass cubical smoking lounge which is actually outdoors, sort of..
  
  Spacious bathrooms..
  
  Full bar..
  
  Good food, we only had the steak on garlic bread, and fried calamari. .
  
  A lot of lounge space with seating..
  
  A good sized dance floor..
  
  This is the old Empire Billiards.  They have a small parking lot, don't know if you can park on the SPA's side..
  
  It wasn't busy when we went, because it wasn't officially open yet, so we shall see.  I will update when I go back for an all out party.  Looks like it will be a good alternative for partying in the city.

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  Posted on 01.19.10 Eddie T.

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