A hidden gem in Washington Heights. Tucked around the corner on Bennett Ave away from the bustle of Broadway, this place doesn't get the attention it deserves. Manny, the owner, seems to know everyone in the neighborhood, and for good reason - he makes a mean cocktail, is very attentive and friendly, and makes sure that this place is a great place to relax and have a good time.
Review Source:I was going to 1 star this place, but their server won them the second star!
I went on a Friday night. The first hookah we got we couldn't taste the "flavor" and it felt like there were ashes in the hose. Yuck. But then, my friend blew INTO the hose (to clear it out maybe?) and shit got all fucked up. The waiter told us for another coal, Â he'd charge us for a refill (?!). We said, thanks, but no thanks, bro. And the beer tasted...expired.
So. We were going to head out, but then the server brought us a a new hookah on the house. How nice! It actually was a much better hookah, pulled perfectly, and I guess he just took more care preparing it.
I didn't find the artwork that awful--but art is subjective. It seems more like a place guys go to BS, and it's nice in my opinion because I'm sure I can wear sweatpants there.
First of all, this place has no health code signs or anything. I don't even know how it is legally in business... But maybe the reason they don't have a health code rating is because there is no letter past "Z."
I had a bad experience the first time. However, I went back because it's relatively close to where I live, but the place did not redeem itself.
The place smells like cheap cleaning solution and stale hookah water.
The cheesy red pleather booths patched up with red duct tape made me want to take a shower after I left. The plastic, green, crocodile, diner-inspired tables are covered with a confetti of burn marks from the hookahs. The walls are lined with a 12 year old boy's idea of lounge artwork.
Cash only and the drinks are not cheap enough to justify it. The drinks are served in plastic cups (not a red, solo cup, though). $10 for an amaretto sour made with bad amaretto served in a Collins glass... makes for about 88% sour, 10% amaretto and 2% shame... garnished with a red straw (get it? because it's the Red Room).
The margarita should be called a "tequila sour." Also, they keep the plastic thing to salt the rim of the glass in a drawer... probably right next to some pencil shavings, used batteries, and CVS receipts from 4 years ago.
The owner pounded on the bar and yelled at another customer for asking the bartender to change the song... and who can blame the customer? A girl can only take so much reggae.
$25 for a hookah at this place is absurd; I could get a $15-20 hookah at a place that didn't have a drain duct taped to the floor of the women's restroom.
If you go on a Monday night, you will get to participate in the opportunity of a lifetime. A relaxed night with friends? No. A pyramid scheme. That's right, the owner lets these clowns into his bar to get you to buy into this vacation so you can then get your friends to buy into it so you don't have to pay for it... Because that's how life works. You go to the Red Room for a drink, and you leave feeling like someone just threw up their drink on you and asked you to buy them another one.
Don't worry, though; when you leave, you are sure to be harassed by all the creepers standing around outside telling you about how great you look.
The best part about this place is the pet store about a block away.
Do you ever feel?
What it's like to be out casted
How the negative vibe is directed specifically to you
Where the ill taunts destroy your inner happiness
As kindness and compassion do not exist
Of acrimonious filth
Sincerity is not in one's vocabulary
The pain running through your every vein
How to cauterize the numerous deep wounds
Do you ever feel?
That its not worth to open your heart
Like a thick wall of vulgar smoke to interact with deaf ears
The tears to flow becoming a river every night
Too arrogant to know
Too insincere to care
How very little the victimizer(s) know of their damage
Sending to a deep abyss of despair
A complete and total wash out!
Of specious people who enjoy degrading for their own great pleasure
Do you ever feel?
An alluring live wire to ignite dead souls
Flowing through stationary currents
Where the energy is uplifting and high
My spirit is unbreakable
As I'll sway to send your weary spirit to explode with immense joyous boom
Where the unfathomably nasty is vanquished to the apocalyptic doom
Beam your inner light to the world for a beautiful bloom
Into the nothingness where demons dwell
Alive, happy and alluring!
A poetry and musical jam open-mike for a Sunday night with two upbeat DJ's as "The Machine" will keep patron spectators and open-mike performers entertained throughout the evening. Â There is never a dull moment of dead air at The Red Room where as a first timer I was heartfelt warmly received and welcome with sincere appreciation for my poetry. Â Albeit, size is small and always packed on the last Sundays of each month where featured in New York Times in March 2009:
<a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2F2009%2F03%2F21%2Fnyregion%2F21metjournal.html&s=80f5f5dffdc6200873060ab849f1b2c099f74abd964e5b152cc317c9a621137f" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.nytimes.com/2…</a>
Manny, the owner warmly welcomes me with a Muppet Shot and two glasses of red wine at a moderate price that did not break my ailing bank. Â N.B. Â Cash only bar lounge as credit and debit cards are not accepted in any form. Â Hooks are installed under the bar area for purses and personal belongings. Â Facilities are relatively clean though soppy wet. Â The stall area of the bar is covered in a red cushion panel. Â Sexy red room bring a sleek style that serves the Washington Heights community of artistically diverse creative talent where the vibe is extremely alive of emerging and aspiring young artists. Â I was alluring to be in the presence of such creative poetic and musical talent of appreciation without judgment to freely just be!!
Do you ever feel?
ALIVE, HAPPY AND ALLURING!!
The name "Vinoteca" makes it sound like it's a chill, romantic date spot, when in fact, it's a deafening loud dive bar that plays top 40, where unattractive people smoke weed inside and vomit on the doorstep. Under the new owner, it's turned into a pretty trashy place  - which is fun when you want that. Usually when I want trashy and loud, I want crowds. However, this place is also the size of a postage stamp, so 15 people in there makes it feel overcrowded. There's no room for wine or beer behind the bar, so there isn't really that much of a selection. I think I'm going to stop coming here, and just head further north to Dykeman where the really fun places are.
Review Source:I've been going to Red Room for quite a while now, since their first days actually. Its gone through a couple phases, started off slowly when it just opened and now has a very nice following. Its also been able to get much more of a local following. With the closing of Jesse's place they might even be getting busier on the weekends. Being not much of a wine fan I always get wine there, and $5 Hefenwiezen is a good deal. nice bartenders and most of the patrons are nice also, though I"ve gotten to feeling a bit awkward in there since I don't speak any Spanish... A great neighborhood spot though that is definitely worth a shot.
Review Source:Hooray! Â A hot new stylish bar in the Heights that actually showcases local flavor, great artwork and has a diverse group of patrons. Â Chris, the charming co-owner was on hand tonight, and he definitely grounds what might initially look like a gentrified import firmly into the community. Â He pours a really nice selection of wine and beer, and he's very supportive of local businesses and interests. Â Â I"m really ecstatic this place has opened up and hope it starts a trend...
Review Source:
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