Tenement (CLOSED)

A former brothel and gaming parlor has been transformed into one of the most alluring venues on the Lower East Side—an intimate, sexy bar and dining room that leads to a lush outdoor garden lit with twinkly lights. But like so many good-looking things, this one doesn’t quite live up to expectations. The menu at Tenement needs some home improvement. The kitchen tends to stick with safe snoozers like a mixed-green salad with avocado and grilled shrimp, or pan-roasted sea bass with bok choy and plain white rice. A duck breast entrée that sounded slightly more exciting than others failed to impress. Stick with the bar: Order a cocktail (or two) and enjoy the calm before heading out to some other neighborhood restaurant for a bite.