Kava Lounge at Parea: There’s a certain unmistakable sheen to the restaurants of Park Avenue South that’s safe and comfortable, albeit sometimes stagnant. Step ever so slightly off that beaten path, and you’ll find Parea is doing something a bit more adventurous in its lower level where ouzo-based cocktails, Mediterranean wines, and nouveau Greek dishes are served until the early morning. Those treats all fit nicely along the bar top and tables that are spread throughout the dark and small but spacious room, which is a solid pick for a first date. The crowd will most likely fit the neighborhood—late 20s to mid 40s white-collar types skewing more toward the financial sector than S&M motorcycle clubs. There isn’t enough energy here to make it a place where one might dine upstairs then go to the lower level to lounge for a few more hours, but we would suggest doing one of the two from time to time. |
