Opium Den

29 East 3rd Street,
between Bowery and Second Avenue

by Patrick (5/23/99)

Nothing else says New York like red velvet ropes protecting the door, expensive drinks, loud music and pushy patrons. The Opium Den is one of those weird places that I would not have been caught dead in two years ago. But DJs, couches and beautiful barmaids don't seem as pretentious as they once did. Even thought the small (bar/club/lounge?) gets packed, once you secure a seat, you are able to enjoy yourself. You start to notice the Chinese decorations and the strange "NO DANCING" sign on the Opium Den's brick walls. The music is good, I haven't had any problems with the service and found it a nice change of pace. 

My rating: 15 cigarettes