SoBro Swank

The Gallery Lounge in Mott Haven has been on my list since it first opened about six months ago. But every time I stopped by, it was closed. Hmmmm....not a good sign I thought to myself. The problem was I was under the very mistaken impression that it was a restaurant, which it is not - it's a CLUB! This past Wednesday, my friend Karen and I took part in the Bronx Trolley Tour and after hitting most of the cultural hot spots of the South Bronx, we stopped in to finally check out The Gallery (again, thinking it was a restaurant). Unfortunately for the staff (but great for us!) an event that was supposed to take place that evening had been cancelled and we pretty much had the place to ourselves (and got tons of Scoop from the very friendly bartender - Joe). Apparently, this place is packed when open and comes complete with all those things that gives most of us over-forties the shivers: rope lines, body guards, disco balls, VIP rooms, ear-splitting music and bottle service (though with prices starting at $200 a bottle, the Bronx once again is a clear Bargain compared to our over-priced neighbors to the south, where the same liquid pleasure (and price of entry) will set you back at least double that amount).

So, lucky us - we were able to enjoy the place in relative peace and quiet, drink a few martinis, eat some great sushi, talk to the staff and just soak in all of the fun (and toned down!) music, local artwork and fantastic LED light displays that brings a little bit of South Beach to the South Bronx!

So, all you young ones out there - have at it! (The rest of us old poops will probably want to stick to Alexander's Cafe, The Bruckner Bar and Grill, Sweetwaters, etc...)

~Simone Davis

http://www.thebronxrocks.com/