JoonBlog New York

Venue Review: Blue Seats - Sports Bar - (NYC - New York City)

The Blue Seats, a soon to open sports bar (August 6th), has been generating a lot of buzz around their 62 plasmas. (See Around Town 7/26). Most of those sets will be scattered about the bi-level venue, but some of the flat screens will be in the two private rooms--the Mezzanine and the Dugout.

UrbanDaddy was by recently, and they've got info on the setup:

Opening next week on the LES, the two-level, 62-flat-screen, leather-encased sports palace is like the den of your summer house, only with a lot more TVs, a better sound system and a superior raw bar. To fully use it, you'll want to grab one of the four private leather booths, which feature five flat panels (three on one end of your booth, two on the other) that can be set to five different games selected from the place's extensive satellite cache.

NYMag.com has the menu, which is seriously raising the bar for, um, your local sports bar. We're talking Bacon Wrapped Scallops, Raw Bar selections, and Veal Marsala.

Check JoonBug for more information about The Blue Seats.

Venue Review: Asbury Lanes - Bar / Bowling / Club - New Jersey (NJ)

Asbury Lanes
209 4th Avenue
Asbury Park, NJ 07712
(732) 776-6160
www.asburylanes.com

Down in Bruce Springsteen land, this rock 'n roll venue also doubles as an active bowling alley!

A favorite venue for local and touring punk bands, this establishment is also known to host legendary acts like surf-rock grand daddy's, the Ventures. They've also got a punk rock Wed night with cheap bowling and punk rock DJs playing everything from obscure 60s garage rock to staples like the Clash and Social D. Every other day of the week they are a home to an assortment of bands in the vein of rockabilly, punk 'n roll and roots rock.

There's nothing better than drinking $2 Pabst and twisting with rock roll friends and fans in a desolate shore town. So if you're in the mood for a night of retro, mod-style, and fun, grease your hair back, dust off your leather jacket, and trek down to this south Jersey hangout.

Venue Review: The Quays - Restaurant - New Jersey

The Quays
310 Sinatra Dr
Hoboken, NJ 07030
(201) 656 2521
website

Right on the waterfront and with a great view of the Manhattan skyline, The Quays has slick modern décor, yet warm and full of personality.  The ceilings are draped in metallic mesh resembling fishing nets.  Dramatic, curved wood and metal beams resembling ship’s ribs line the walls, and the sleek crisp lines are matched with vintage seafaring photos.  The innovative seafood menu shows off Irish influences.

Here’s what Digital City had to say about The Quays

For photos from events, click here

For a list of upcoming events at The Quays, click here

Has anybody been to The Quays recently?

Venue Review: Blend - Bar - Lounge - Restaurant - New Jersey

Blend
17 Chestnut St
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
(201) 251 4343
website

Blend accommodates a lot of different aspects of nightlife.  Sleek, ultramodern décor with loads of cushy leather sofas, gleaming surfaces, and the usual bells and whistles you’d come to expect of an ultralounge are here, but Blend also features a downstairs lounge perfect for live music & dancing as well as a bistro area with a seasonal back patio garden.  The kitchen whips up some interesting and tasty combinations like their Kobe Beef short ribs served with Yuca fries or their Coconut Shrimp served over Pineapple-Jalapeno Basmati Rice.

Here’s what Digital City had to say about Blend

For photos from events, click here

For a list of upcoming events at Blend, click here

Has anybody been to Blend recently?

Venue Review: Lua - Bar - Lounge - Restaurant

Lua
1300 Sinatra Drive North
Hoboken, NJ 07030
(201) 876 1900

Perched on the edge of the Hudson River, Lua shines as a lush, atmospheric hotspot.  Sleek, ultra-modern décor and furnishings are well complimented by a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline.  The bar serves up a tasty variety of Margaritas & Mojitos served up with great care.  The bar also boasts 22 different kinds of Tequila.  The kitchen whips up some incredible dishes like the short rib taquitos with farmer’s cheese.  The ceviches alone are exemplary.  When the energy gets higher, a sectioned off room to the side serves as a private lounge.

Here’s what Digital City thought about Lua

For photos from events, click here

For a list of upcoming events at Lua, click here

Has anyone been to Lua recently?

Venue Review: Studio 9 - club restaurant - New Jersey (NJ)

Studio 9
570 King George’s Road (at Rte 9)
Woodbridge, NJ 07095
(732) 376 9090
website

Studio 9 may be a nightclub, but it’s probably more appropriate to call it a nightlife complex.  Sprawling across 18,000 square feet, Studio 9 gleams with an expansive main ballroom decked out with a state of the art audio and video system and a stage for live acts.  Studio 9 serves up different themes and acts, so call ahead to get the schedule.  An intimate lounge offers more privacy with elegant drapes separating it from the rest of the club.  Ninety-Nine’s, their slick restaurant serves up nouveau American and Asian inspired fare.  Studio 9 has several bars including a martini lounge, one that is stocked exclusively with top shelf liquor, and a private bar in the VIP lounge with a view of the dance floor.

For photos from events at Studio 9, click here

For a list of upcoming events at Studio 9, click here

Has anybody been to Studio 9 recently?

Venue Review: Martini Blue - New Jersey

Martini Blue
1300 Park Ave
Hoboken, NJ 07030
(201) 653 2583

It would be easy to mistake Martini Blue for a posh hoity-toity lounge.  Pressed Tin celings, atmospheric lighting, and plush, comfy couches, and of course – a diverse list of martinis.  Throw in some strong DJs and a relaxed, refined atmosphere, but one trip here and it’s easy to see how lots of people think of Martini Blue as relaxing in someone’s living room.  The staff is very accommodating and friendly, and while the energy here is pretty strong on the weekends, the vibe is pretty downtempo. 

Here’s what Digital City thought about Martini Blue

For photos from events, click here

For a list of upcoming events at Martini Blue, click here

Has anybody been to Martini Blue lately?

Venue Review: Planet - New Jersey

Planet
16 Hudson Pl
Hoboken, NJ 07030
(201) 653 6888
website

Planet is an odd mix of down to earth sensibility and a fair amount of North Jersey club vibes.  With a fairly relaxed dress code, imposing doormen, hefty cover charges, and standard club tracks, you pretty much know what to expect, and the party vibe here is very strong.  Happy hours at Planet have the usual bells and whistles, but things don’t really start kicking in until later on in the evenings.

Here’s what Digital City thought about The Planet

For photos from events, click here

For a list of upcoming events at Planet, click here

Has anybody been to Planet lately?

Venue Review: Goldhawk - New Jersey

Goldhawk
936 Park Ave
Hoboken, NJ 07030
(201) 420 7989
website

An eclectic and down-to-earth charm runs through Goldhawk drawing in crowds with open mike nights, live acts, and house DJs.  Stylish touches include a sleek copper bar, subtle lighting, and a back-room lounge with bright vibrant colors and cushy seating areas.  An impressive menu of appetizers and bar fare, lots of drink specials, theme nights, and a great staff make Goldhawk a great and unpretentious neighborhood hangout.

Here’s what Digital City had to say about Goldhawk

For photos from events, click here

For a list of upcoming events at Goldhawk, click here

Has anybody been by Goldhawk recently?

Venue Review: Rodeo Ristra - New Jersey

Rodeo Ristra
230 Washington St
Hoboken, NJ 07030
(201) 216 1550
website

Rodeo Ristra has a wonderful diversity presented in a slick and polished, yet warm and inviting space.  Kick back on big comfy couches, shoot some pool, or enjoy some original bands.  Rodeo Ristra is passionate about new acts, open mike nights, and displaying original art.  The downstairs dance floor gets packed with people grooving to some pretty strong hip hop, house, and reggae tracks. 

Here’s what Digital City thought about Rodeo Ristra

For photos from events, click here

For a list of upcoming events at Rodeo Ristra, click here

Has anybody been to Rodeo Ristra lately?

Venue Review: Caruso's - New Jersey (NJ)

Caruso’s
65 Route 4 West
Paramus, NJ 07652
(201) 556 9111

Caruso’s is a wonderful combination of Northern Italian cuisine in more than generous portions in a relaxed atmosphere on two floors.  The main room can accommodate 250 along with an upstairs area geared more for private parties & special events.  On Thursday nights, tables are cleared out for some DJ-spun beats.  The bar area has booths and can accommodate bottle service requests. 

For info on a hot New Year’s Eve Party at Caruso’s & to buy tickets, click here

For photos from events, click here

For a list of upcoming events at Caruso’s, click here

Has anybody been by Caruso’s lately?

Venue Review: Elements Lounge - New Jersey (NJ)

Elements Lounge
1072 Ocean Avenue
Sea Bright, NJ 07760
(732) 842 1100

Elements balances the vibe you’d usually find in New York uber-clubs along with a more down-to-earth Jersey sensibility.   Matthew Bongiovi (Jon’s younger brother) used his considerable experience as Bon Jovi’s tour manager drawing inspiration from nightspots all over the world.  Along with a childhood pal, Matt created Elements using the Chinese principles of feng shui to create a welcoming atmosphere with the elements (natch) of water, wood, fire, earth, and metal as the main decorating themes.  A giant waterfall, a panoramic seafront view on the upper level, and rows of candles are just some of the touches here along with a wide cocktail list and a pan-Asian menu.  Elements has a sophisticated and down to earth vibe that's incredibly welcoming.

For info on a great New Year’s Eve Party at Elements & to buy tickets, click here

For photos from events at Elements, click here

For a list of upcoming events at Elements, click here

Has anybody been by Elements lately?

Venue Review: Platinum - New Jersey

Platinum
13 Paterson St
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 937-6113
website

Club Platinum offers New Brunswick all the bells and whistles you’d come to expect from uber-clubs in NYC.  Bottle and table service are here for people that want to kick back in VIP style, and the lounge area is complimented with a visually stunning bar and some pretty cushy banquettes.  This is about the best place in Platinum to have a conversation.  The dance floor can get pretty loud with a rotating list of DJs.  There are college-friendly nights, a fairly relaxed dress code, and more than enough drink specials to keep the uber-club attitude to comfortable levels.

Here’s what Digital City had to say about Platinum.

For photos from events, click here

For a list of upcoming events at Platinum, click here

Has anybody been by here recently?

Venue Review: Diva Lounge - New Jersey

Diva Lounge
369 Bloomfield Ave
Montclair, NJ 07042
(973) 509-3000

While Diva has more than a few touches of the swanky lounges across the river, it is refreshingly down to earth.  More than a few local celebs and stars hang out here for the relaxed vibe.  The plush velvet couches are ultra-comfy, and table service here only means an advance reservation and a $20 minimum.  20 bucks.  Take into account a kitchen that whips up some great tapas dishes, and a stout bar staff, and it’s easy to see how Diva fills up from afterwork crowds to the wee hours.

Here’s what Digital City had to say about Diva Lounge.

For photos from events, click here

For a list of upcoming events at Diva, click here

Has anybody been by here recently?

Venue Review: Sandbar - New Jersey

Sandbar
11 Marin Blvd
Jersey City, NJ 07302
(201) 714-5000

Sandbar is a hefty combination of a restaurant/bar and a nightclub.  With two dance floors, a separate dining area, lounges and outdoor bars, Sandbar offers up a wide selection of music on different nights and with a full calendar, you’d be best off to call ahead to get the schedule and info on cover charges, drink specials, etc.  One of the biggest draws Sandbar offers has to be the prime nighttime view of the Manhattan skyline.  Refreshing when the energy from the dancefloor gets to be too much.

Here’s what Digital City had to say about Sandbar.

For photos from events, click here

For a list of upcoming events at Sandbar, click here

Anybody been here recently?

Venue Review: Maxwell's Restaurant & Bar - New Jersey

Maxwell’s Restaurant & Bar
1039 Washington St (at 11th St)
Hoboken, NJ 07030
(201) 798-0406
website

Intimacy and charm are the main reasons Hoboken’s faithful keep coming back to this wee club. This
isn’t an ultra-lounge, and bottle service here means a cold beer. The menu couldn’t be called “nouveau” by any standards. Maxwell’s brings in some pretty good local bands, and sometimes you feel like a burger, beers, and some good live music with no attitude.

Here's what Digital City and Citysearch had to say about Maxwell's.

For photos of events, click here.

For a list of upcoming events at Maxwell's, click here.

Anybody been here lately?

Venue Review: Chakra - New Jersey

Chakra
144 Rout 4 East
Paramus, NJ 07652
(201) 556-1530

Chakra is a wonderfully tranquil dining experience in Paramus. Nothing about this place hits you over the
head with attitude. Chakra is meant to put you at ease with lush décor, palm trees, and cushy pillows.
The menu is inventive and not overpowering while the bar serves up traditional and house cocktails.

For more info, here's what Digital City had to say about Chakra.

For photos from events, click here.

For a list of upcoming events at Chakra, click here.

Anybody been to Chakra lately?

Venue Review: Abyss - New Jersey

Abyss
Highway 35N
Sayreville, NJ 08879
(732) 727-5252
website

Abyss stands out as the best clubs in Jersey with strong resident DJs and an even stronger sound system. The elite atmosphere in Abyss ranges from the strict dress code to the fairly hefty menu prices, and hoo boy, there’s the VIP area to think about. Then again the well toned crowds came to have one of the best club experiences in the area even if there is serious damage to the wallet.

Here's what Digital City thought about Abyss.

For a list of upcoming events at Abyss, click here.

Has anybody been by recently?

Venue Review: Sound Garden - New Jersey

Sound Garden
1 S.Main St
Lodi, NJ 07644
(973) 778-4433
website

You gotta love a large, decked out joint like Sound Garden. The strength here lies in live acts and cover bands throughout the week and headliners on Fridays as well as DJs spinning the latest hits. That’s it. While the space may be big, Sound Garden doesn’t rely on elaborate promotions, and it still brings in a pretty diverse crowd.

Here's what Digital City had to say about Sound Garden.

For a list of upcoming events at Sound Garden, click here.

Has anybody been by here lately?

Venue Revue: Mixx (at the Borgata) - New Jersey

Mixx (at the Borgata)
One Borgata Way
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 317-1000
website

A lot of uber-clubs pay more attention to drawing people to the dance floor or the VIP Lounge with some interesting appetizers (and that’s about it) but Mixx approaches each of its parts with equal passion. The restaurant offers surprising dishes influenced equally by Latin and Asian cultures. These influences run throughout the club with the décor in the lounges and the private rooms. The wine and cocktail list was carefully picked to compliment the food and spices. As the night wears on, the DJs change from chillout to the higher energy of trance, house, and hip-hop. Mixx strives to bring the best DJs from all around to give it’s patrons a singularly atmospheric and rich nightlife experience.

Here's what CityAtlantic.com had to say about Mixx.

For a list of upcoming events at the Mixx, click here.

Has anybody been down here lately?

Venue Review: Beau Rivage - New Jersey

Beau Rivage
128 Taunton Rd
Medford, NJ 08055-8811
(856) 983-1999
website

Well worth hunting down for some of the finest classical French cuisine in the area, Beau Rivage offers up sumptuous, rich fare. While the menu is the same throughout this cottage, the wine cellar affords patrons a cozy grotto – like atmosphere, the main floor evokes the French countryside while the upstairs area is decidedly more palatial. This is not for people watching their calories, but rather for people who enjoy fine food with a passion.

Here's what Citysearch had to say about Beau Rivage.

For a list of upcoming events at Beau Rivage, click here.

Has anybody been by here recently?