Ouest: The clientele of this Upper West Side outfit is definitively swank–it looks like most of them happily traded in their Birkenstocks and cargo shorts for white collars and ties. The food is “meat and potatoes” American, the wine selection is overwhelming, and the beer selection is mostly Belgian. The space is deceptive, though; upon arrival, an entryway bar is crammed with baseball fans eating barside. Beyond, Ouest opens up to intimate booths lining a wood-and-platinum expanse–the luscious chic one might expect of entrepreneur Tom Valenti. The bar staff, though often engaged in gossip-mongering or romantic interludes, will gladly mix up the sought-after Ouest Martini upon request. As for another signature drink, the Hipster–well, that should probably be left to the LES. |
