Tag Archives: bars

Modern Mexican food comes to the East Village at The Black Ant

Black Ant, a modern Mexican restaurant, is slated to open in the East Village next month at 60 Second Ave. between Third and Fourth avenues.

The 2,800-square-foot location will have four different dining areas — a small lounge that seats 15 with an additional 15 seats at the bar, two dining rooms seating a total of 60 plus an open garden that will seat 40.

Black Ant also will feature a private dining room with 25 seats.

Owners Jorge Guzman and Mario Hernandez, the general manager and executive chief, respectively, are in talks to launch a Mexican restaurant in the West Village called Bacanora, which is named after a plant that grows in Mexico’s Sonora province. The duo also own Ofrenda in the West Village.

Celebrate Heat season with new RedFrog Bar at AmericanAirlines Arena

The fast-paced action of the Miami Heat and those monster slam dunks from King James deserve to be celebrated with a tasty libation and thanks to the new RedFrog Bar at the AmericanAirlines Arena there’s a new way to toast great plays and victories.

Basketball fans can thank Carnival Cruise Lines, who as partners of the two-time defending NBA champion Heat, decided the best spot to expand their on-board signature brand watering hole was the AAA.

RedFrog beerVisit the 100 Level where you’ll find the RedFrog Bar and Carnival’s private label brew the ThirstyFrog Red, a rich-colored draught beer with toasted notes from the fine caramel and black malts used during the brewing process. The medium-bodied beer has a malty, slightly sweet taste that’s well balanced with elegant European grown Noble aroma hops.

At the 400 Level RedFrog they up the ante with signature cocktails like the Rum Runner Jumper — a blend of two Bacardi rums, banana liqueur, orange and pineapple juice, bitters and grenadine. The mojito, a Miami fave, gets a makeover with spiced rum and brown sugar and the Painkiller packs a punch with two Bacardi rums, coconut syrup and orange and pineapple juice.

Cheer on (and toast) the Miami Heat to a third NBA championship at the AmericanAirlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd.

Discover unique art and cool boutique finds in Deep Ellum

Deep Ellum was once the destination where the freaks came out at night, and folks visited for shows, drinks and to watch (or be) said freaks in scores every weekend during the 80’s and mid 90’s. After a little bad press about the safety of Deep Ellum, the neighborhood has undergone a bit of a transition. While no longer necessarily the “it” place to be on the weekends, the artists in the Deep Ellum community haven’t let a little bad press scare them away from their beloved neighborhood. Now, eclectic boutiques and art galleries still adorn the three-street strip in addition to a sprinkling of music venues, restaurants and clubs that have held their own through thick and thin. Patrons that remember the good ‘ol days can now appreciate a more laid back atmosphere, less hooliganism and free and ample parking.

“Get away” from Uptown without actually leaving Uptown at the Quarter Bar

The Quarter Bar in Uptown in one of the best places to grab a pint without feeling like you’re in “Uptown.” Next door (and attached) to Breadwinners, the Quarter Bar serves the dual purpose of a waiting area for Breadwinners during their rushes. Even if you’re not waiting for a table at the neighboring bistro, the Quarter Bar has a robust beer selection at reasonable prices in a cozy, pub-like atmosphere. They also don a limited Breadwinners “bar” menu. The upstairs bar area has pool tables and video games and the rooftop patio offers a lovely view of McKinney Avenue and is also pooch friendly.

Suite Lounge is Simply Sweet

Orange FluteEntering Chicago’s Suite Lounge is like stepping into a cave with an atmosphere that could leave you thinking you were anywhere from Barcelona to Berlin. Stones line the wall with shadowy uplighting to create a chic and sexy atmosphere. And if you think the atmosphere is sexy, just wait until you see the martinis — like the Carrot Cake which has Kahlua, Jaegermeister, Bailey’s, butterscotch and a frosting rim -mmmm!

From the Banana Split to the PB & Chocolate, the martinis at Suite Lounge are simply sweet! And they don’t stop there, plenty of bubbly, house specialties, scotch and beer round off the menu.

The people here? They’re as beautiful as the cocktails, so don’t skim on your pre-primping routine before coming here or you’ll stick out in a bad way. The music will get the gorgeous crowd moving from time to time, but due to pressure of looking good, expect more bar mingling than dancing here. Besides, there are just way too many amazing martinis to try to leave time for much else: Bottoms up!

The Best Drive is to Universal City Walk

When venturing out to Hollywood to witness the bright lights and eccentricity on the boulevard seems daunting, there is an alternative that takes out the chaos and adds some fun. Universal City Walk is truly one of a kind in that it’s a city within a city, offering everything from movie theaters to restaurants, candy shops to water ballet. Locals and tourists alike are always gathering in the one pPicture 9lace where acting like a kid is commendable.

Though rummaging through magnet stores and a shop completely dedicated to Pez seems over the top, the adults have their fair share of fun, too. Universal has some American dining favorites, from Hard Rock Café to Wasabi. If you are looking for a quick bite to soak up all the fun, Universal has adapted the mall-like food court and offers quick eats from Dodger Dogs to Panda Express.
Once the shopping and eating comes to a rest, Universal City Walk has a nightlife scene offering great alternatives for those who don’t want to venture to the other side of the hill. Places like Saddle Ranch and Howl at the Moon bring in large crowds and keep the excitement alive all night.

Whether it’s daytime fun or nighttime entertainment, the crowds never seem to stop arriving at City Walk. The next time you feel like driving to Hollywood, skip the traffic and expensive drinks and drive to the Walk.