The Newsroom — Not a Newsworthy Experience

The secret entryway into The Newsroom. Photo from @Newsroomny Instagram

Sometimes the picture of a place in your head is better than the IRL execution. I was excited when I read about this new speakeasy that features aerial performers. Why not? I found it on another list of cool new places to check out. I envisioned sitting in a dark romantic bar with spotlighted aerial performers twirling above our heads like angels. I was wrong.

Our Newsroom Adventure

The moment you walk up to “the door” you know it’s going to be cheesy. First, you are greeted by two different hosts before going in. Not very secret. The entry way is supposed to be behind a newsstand in a hotel. But instead of looking like an actual working newsstand, it is made with some magazines and bags of chips stapled all around a wood frame. The magazines are old Playboys to prove they are cool and retro like that. The whole thing is like a bad broadway version of what a newsstand should look like.

Cocktails, Food, and Entertainment

Once inside, the drinks were fine. The food was fine. The musician was fine. The aerial performer hung from a low ceiling in the middle of the room and performed for 5 minutes. The whole thing was overpriced, but fine. Nothing I would tell anyone to go out of their way to get, but passable if you find yourself stuck there. Multiple parties punctuated this night. You could tell by the sparklers lighting up various tables all around the room (a far cry from the dark, seedy, sexy vibe I was hoping for). If you are looking for a cheesy good time (sometimes you are), you might find what you want here. Other tables seemed to be enjoying it, but if you are serious about your food, cocktails and experiences, go somewhere else.

The Verdict

We were reminded multiple times we only had the table for an hour and forty-five minutes. No problem. We didn’t need our full time anyway. We left and went to a real cocktail bar closer to home. We should have just gone there first.

Verdict: Find something better

Website: https://www.newsroomny.com/

Address: 11-01 43rd Ave, Queens, NY 11101