|
|
 |
|
October 13, 2007
The plan all along was to end up at a swanky dance club. Not my usual setting I admit, but I was not complaining. The night started with a party thrown by my friend Amanda and her friend Melissa. It was quite simply a party for no reason other than to get a bunch of people together for a night of fun. What I love about night's like this is, for the first few hours, you get to break the ice. I met a whole bunch of great people that, had we gone straight to a club, I would never have talked to. By the same token, I doubt we would have had such a large crowd on the dance floor if this were a different kind of night. Branch (226 E 54 St) falls into the swanky category indeed. The design is flowing and warm, curved and organic giving it a welcoming, free-spirited feel. Dark wood and brick mixed with various earth tones. And of course if you're so inclined to dance, you could find a little spot on the crowded, loud floor blinded by the usual flashing lights and stage smoke. One word of warning for the rhythmically challenged like myself; the DJ had this annoying habit of cutting off the music to make announcements. A common occurrence I know, but once you're in a groove, the last thing you want is for the music to drop, off beat and be blasted with birthday or bachelorette callouts. He also had a hard time deciding the right punch-in points when jumping from one 80s gem to another. Or you could relax in one of the many curved couches booths. The bar was staffed by a fast, friendly bunch. I swear there were four bartenders behind this small modern structure and several others walking around. No one had to wait very long for a drink even at the club's most crowded peak. You just had to actually get to the bar, but once you did, service was quick. I was pleasantly surprised by the drink prices which seemed more along the lines of a pub than a club. And since I was still on my alcohol-free sabbatical, I was doubly impressed with the complimentary water. This may not seem like a big deal, but these upscale-type joints not only normally charge for water, they try to sell you some faux-designer water at $4 or $5 a pop. But Branch will serve you iced tap water for free. As for the dancing ... well no real surprises there. I did more of my signature side to side awkward sway as my new friends danced and frolicked around me. But since people watching is more my forte than rhythm, I was having a fine time. The fact that I was sober garnered some welcome smiles from folks who were amazed at the good time I was having. I have to admit this period of sobriety has really taught me that a good night has way more to do with atmosphere and people than booze and dizziness. So, if you decide to go out dancing and want to impress your date, Branch could be the place. Don't let the scene at the entrance intimidate you. You'll still be corralled by a velvet rope and a big bouncer. And if you don't have a connection like our group did, you'll pay a cover. Sorry, I didn't hear what it was but as always I'm sure there are ways around that obstacle. Either way though, once inside you can have fun without too brutally breaking your wallet. Links:
|
|
©2007 Murphguide.com All Rights Reserved
