Get us in your inbox

Search

This speakeasy opens one night a week under a fancy Manhattan seafood restaurant

Will Gleason
Written by
Will Gleason
Advertising

When you first enter Blue Water Grill, an unremarkable set of stairs leads down away from the entrance to the lower level. Most nights, patrons simply walk past the staircase and check in with the hostess. For one night a week, however, a subterranean restaurant and cocktail lounge opens its doors to the public. 

Metropolis, named after the historic Metropolis Bank vault of which it's adjacent, launched the intimate live jazz series Speakeasy Thursdays earlier this year. From 5:30pm to 11:30pm, guests can make a reservation and enjoy live performances in the historic space, surrounded by warm grey paneling and walls covered with velvet drapery. The sleek venue features hand-painted murals by Miami artist Aquarela Sabol as well as a show-stopping gold ceiling inspired by “champagne, oysters and aquatic life.”

Not surprisingly, the food served here is excellent seafood, similar to the better-known venue located above it. An extensive oyster list and raw bar can be enjoyed while you sip Prohibition-style cocktails and enjoy the music. For the full schedule of upcoming performers, as well as to make reservations, you can visit the official Metropolis site.

Photograph: Liz Clayman

Photograph: Liz Clayman

Photograph: Liz Clayman

Popular on Time Out

    You may also like
    You may also like
    Advertising