Billed as the everyday answer to Thursday night at Halo, Wet Bar's gay-friendly atmosphere has all the elements of a future crossover bar for cosmopolitan straight folk who appreciate beautiful people, stiff drinks and house music (piped in from next door neighbor Blu). The all-male staff dons black muscle shirts and tight jeans, proving that late-night living doesn't have to take a toll on your mid-section. (The secret apparently is a gym membership and liquid lunches and dinners).
The street buzz about Wet Bar ensured that its silent opening in mid-December brought a packed crowd to its two bars on two stories. Colorful design and elaborate, but not distracting, mood lighting downstairs includes a visual effect of water trickling down a brick wall, reminding just about everyone of Halo. A climb up a long flight of stairs leads to a smaller bar and a second-floor patio that has one of the best views of the Midtown and downtown skylines. Comfy outdoor furniture includes supersized couches that are great for chilling out or making out.
Either Wet Bar's out-of-control hype or the owners' far-flung connections probably accounted for the appearance of the "Fab 5" from "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" on opening night. Dozens of men thanked the makeover mavens for their talents, and all five appeared to be gracious and poised to party.
The bar's hip urban design reflects the city's affinity for all things metal and stone. With a concrete block wall glimmering with votive candles and exposed black heating ducts twisting across the ceiling, the look is upscale industrial. The no-smoking policy gives Wet Bar the breathe-easy feel of a post-Bloomberg Manhattan nightclub. (Although it should be noted that one of the Fab 5 was smoking freely and unmolested by management. Ahh, the spoils of stardom.)
Aside from a few glitches with the cash registers, not uncommon for any bar's opening, Wet Bar's Midtown address and detailed design will surely give Red Chair and Halo a run for their money. -- Matt Monroe
