Scarlet Lounge — Cocktails with a "Sopranos" Twist

Inside the Scarlet Lounge. Photo from @ScarletLoungeNYC Instagram

The other night, I was at a house party on the Upper West Side when Bada Boom Bada Bing, I found myself at the new Scarlet Lounge, opened by Michael Imperioli (you know that actor from The Sopranos and White Lotus) and his wife Victoria.

Inside Scarlet Lounge

As the name would suggest, the inside is very red. Brothel like. Lush red velvet adorn the walls, windows, benches, and upholstered chairs. It's sexy. It's also very close quarters. The bar area seemed to have a little more space, but if you are on the couch (like we were), you are right on top of the people next to you. It's tight, even by NYC standards. It could be fun if you have some engaging people next to you. It could be a nightmare if you hope to sneak a private movement or find yourself beside someone obnoxious. You have to move for anyone coming in, going out, or waitstaff bringing drinks. If you’re on the one end you’ll have to move often. If you’re on the other end, brush up on your yoga moves to get to your seat.

Our Experience

We arrived around 10 p.m. on a Friday night and had to wait about an hour to be seated. The host will usher you next door to wait at Fred's through an inner connecting door. Fred's bar area is the opposite of Scarlet Lounge, a neon-lit blue-tinged "upscale" divey bar. I love a good dive and was fine waiting here, but if you are trying to impress a date at Scarlet, this might not be what you had in mind. They do have another section that's more of a pub restaurant.

The Drinks

So what about the cocktails? My Smokey Boulevardier and Sazerac were both fantastic, spirit-forward, strong cocktails. Just how I like them. But brace yourself when it’s time for the check. At around $24 a piece, the cocktails don’t come cheap. The Scarlet Lounge also has a few small bites, but we didn't try any of them.

The Verdict

Is it a good cocktail bar for a neighborhood that could use one? Definitely. Am I going to visit again? Probably not, unless I'm in that area. Sure, pop by if you are close and see if you can snag a seat, but I can find plenty of cocktail bars with classy drinks that are closer, cheaper, and have more elbow room.

Verdict: Go if nearby

Website: http://scarletloungenyc.com/

Address: 468 Amsterdam Ave at West 83rd Street