Venue Review: Socialista - Lounge & Restaurant (NYC - New York City)

Socialista, the popular recently opened lounge in the West Village, has got some impressive backing. Socialista is the brainchild of former Bungalow 8 doorman Armin Amiri, and if that's not enough to pique your interest consider that he's got financial backing from Giuseppe Cipriani and Sting, among others.

So what exactly sets Socialista apart from your usual bar/lounge/restaurant?

Socialista is modeled after a Cuban pharmacy bar and other dusky habitats from the pages of Havana by photographer Robert Polidori.

...you'll find colonial-architecture-in-decay touches like peeling green-sherbet walls, slowly circulating ceiling fans, rickety wooden shutters and distressed leather Ralph Lauren couches. (Urban Daddy)

The NY Observer has the details on the restaurant, which is downstairs:

The ground floor of Socialista will be what Mr. Amiri calls a “peasant-style” café, featuring simple Cuban cuisine “infused with an Argentine influence.” Among other things, there will be steaks and Cuban sandwiches, rice and beans, and corn on the cob. Mr. Cipriani—the 41-year-old scion of his family’s eponymous restaurant empire—is taking care of the food. The bottom floor will be open to the public, abiding a “first come, first served” policy—no reservations.

So, you want to get in to Socialista? According to the Post you'll need to make it past "a dwarf named Anthony."

Check JoonBug for more information about Socialista.

Comments

[mymymichl]

I live right up the block from the place, mostly young cute guys stand outside, so if it doesn't become a gay venue, charging lots less for their drinks, and making the food edible, it hasn't got a hope of a chance. Good riddance. The days of "54" are past. At least "54" was a great time.

[Mike]

Socialista is quite possibly the most annoying and underwhelming establishment I've ever been to. Had it not been for the AMAZING live band (Grupo Irek,) it would have been a complete loss. It's the kind of place where patrons are made to wait outside in the cold while a doorman with the most severe case of tiny-penis complex I've ever witnesses does his best job of seeming relevant and important. I get it. It's New York and Socialista certainly isn't the hardest door I've fenagled myself through. The disapointment really came when I finally stepped in from the cold only to find that the interior is 30 degrees colder in terms of character and soul. Save yourself the hassle. If it's the AMAZING band you seek, they have a myspace page and perform at various locations throughout the city. They are a MUST see! If it's just another fabulous New York City night that floats your boat... stick to B8!

[bengoshi]

Hmmm Socialista: I ate there twice, the first time, and the LAST time.

[jim]

I think the financial backers were duped to think that "Socialista" means "socialite".... o, the irony of this place....

[Anatasio]

Making a buck off the misery of millions of Cubans trapped amid the Castro dictatorship is not only offensive, it wreaks of callous indifference. Those of us who have suffered jail time as political prisoners on the island will never forgive those who open bars and restaurants meant to celebrate the crimes committed against us, the Cuban people.

So, while your enjoying your Mojitos and Cuba Libres, take a moment to reflect on the thousands of Cuban men, women and children murdered by the Castro regime. This is beyond sick. Its as if the owners view the Cuban people as nothing more than sub-human animals, bred for their enjoyment like some sort of sick circus sideshow. For shame.