AVA Lounge 210 W. 55th St. (Broadway & 8th Ave.)
Midtown
212.956.7020
AVA Lounge:
If the Jetsons and the Jeffersons moved in together, this is what their living room might look like. AVA is decked out with mod armchairs upholstered in white and gold leather, while armless sofas are covered in avocado and brown stripes. Circular lighting fixtures provide minimal glow; all the light you need comes from out the window, where Times Square shines in the background. The same signature drinks served downstairs at Dream are served here—the Tiger Lily (zygo, peach schnapps, and lime juice) is a female favorite, while the gents favor AVA’s Gin & Sin. An extra-long hors d’oeuvres menu, including green curry and sesame chicken sate, pulled pork corn cups, and asparagus parcels, is on hand for snacking, while the good-looking crowd is a feast for the eyes, as is the rooftop garden that this place becomes during the summer.
Had a birthday party there last fall, and found the staff to be rude to many of my guests. We were even harassed by waitresses for bigger tips! And for a party of 30, we were given a small bench that seated 6. A beautiful venue, but you have to be able to tolerate classic NYC snobbery at its finest.
