NYC Hidden Gem: The Back Room
I pretty much never go out at this stage in the game, so when I do I’m always happy to have a good experience, or least find a cool spot. On Saturday night I was introduced to a true NYC Gem by my brother-in-law, and it wound up being one of the coolest places I’ve ever been to. The place I am talking about is a former prohibition-era speak easy, turned bar and lounge, known as The Back Room. Located at 102 Norfolk St. in New York’s Lower East Side, this is one place that you would never see if you didn’t know it was there. From the sidewalk your ID is checked, and then you walk down a short, narrow staircase to an alley. The most amazing part of the alley is that there are 2 or 3 COOMARRIEDGUY stickers, that I have no idea how they got there! Beyond the stickers is another short staircase, and then a door that’s guarded by a man-beast. That’s when your eyes are exposed to the true essence of Old New York.
This place looks like it hasn’t been touched in 80+ years, but wa somehow perfectly maintained. The walls are covered in elegant wallpaper, and large 1930’s era paintings occupy the negative space. The bar is quaint, but carries all of your favorite spirits. Other than the barstools, all of the seating takes place at large, old school couches and chairs, making it just the right place to catch up with your drunken chaps. Visually, I think it was as close to perfect as a place could be.
The most fun thing about The Back Room is the “prohibition era shtick.” Aside from the awesome decor, all of the liquor is served in plastic teacups with saucers, making even the most douchiest of douche bags appear refined. The draft beer comes in large, plastic mugs, which look more like something that would hold root beer. If you go the beer bottle route, you will get it wrapped in a paper bag. Totally took me back to the days when I used to wear Tims everyday and pretend I was “from the slums of Shaolin.”
The music was all of the “throwback” variety. There was 80’s rock, 90’s pop and R&B, and a couple of new wave hits. Not the best music I’ve ever heard, but I’m always game to move my head back and forth, while dancing like Molly Ringwald. My only complaint: WAY TOO PACKED. I don’t own a bar, but I have to believe that keeping the current patrons comfortable and spending money, is far more important than trying to set a world record for most people in a room. If anyone from The Back Room is reading this, seriously, you have to know when to say when or everyone is going to eventually get turned off. Other than that, no complaints. So if you live in the city, or you’re visiting and want to see a cool piece of history, check out The Back Room. You won’t be disappointed.
