air conditioner tv restaurant

Tonight we went to Warren 77, Sean Avery's Tribeca bar/restaurant.

It was a delight.

We got there at about 7:45. It was a little busy. While a magical dream of a server made us up a table for four out of nothing at all, a stylishly rumpled brunette walked by us in the entryway, and smiled at my friend's talk of the Yankees game. In short order, she was joined by her bespectacled pallie, stunning in a t-shirt and jeans. Her pallie was Sean Avery. We're in the place 30 seconds and we're face to face with Sean Avery. Yes. Yes. Yes.

We were welcomed, seated and perusing the menu in less than two minutes. Our table enjoyed two of the signature cocktails, the Pimms Cup (Pimms, cucumbers, mint, ginger ale, duh) and the Red Velvet (champagne and berry puree), both very delicious and very reasonably priced at $12. A Coke was $3 (In a bar? In Manhattan? YES.) Gin & tonic was $8. Can't complain even a little.

TVs were tuned to the Yankees game, then the NBA playoffs (then Law & Order, inexplicably - Mr. King MSG shout out?). They were spinning what sounded like the soundtrack to "Stand By Me" for most of our time there, not terribly original, but completely enjoyable. Then they played Belle & Sebastian's "We Rule the School" followed by the Archies' "Sugar Sugar." Possibly broadcast from my iPod.

Anyway, we ordered several drinks, plus the mac and cheese ($14), grilled cheese with tomato soup ($9), a burger and fries ($14), and cookies ($7) to finish up. All completely delicious. I can speak more on the grilled cheese because I had it. Yum. The tomato soup was extra great - thick but light and very freshly tomatoey. The grilled cheese was crispy and cheesy and perfect for dipping. If you order a cheeseburger, they ask "cheddar or blue." Two cheeses, and one is blue? This is where I belong.

PS As I write this, Dollie is singing "Inigo Montoya, you killed my father" to the tune of "Kokomo." Please deliver me from evil.

So yeah, between the attention of our gorgeous (in that amazing fresh-faced pink-cheeked, dark haired, fair skinned Snow White way) server and the constant back and forth pacing of Sean Avery himself - who didn't come over and speak to us, but was definitely keeping an eye on all happenings - there was no lack of hospitality. We all felt comfortable and happy and eager to return for more.

PPS Dollie is singing "Karate, I love it" to the tune of "All Night Long." Yeah, really.

As for the atmosphere, there's sports stuff hanging up, but in a very non-obtrusive way - if you weren't looking, you wouldn't see the shot of Avery scoring on Brodeur behind the bar - and TVs are there if you're watching but easy to avoid. I don't know if it is the comfy darkness or authentic side-street atmosphere, but the place really reminded me of the Cooler (late of West 14th Street) - a ringing endorsement from me that may sound scary to those who prefer their Meat Packing to come with velvet ropes and table service rather than tranny hookers with stab wounds. (Long story.) Warren 77 is, of course, in a totally safe, um, upscale, area. It just doesn't feel like a sterile startup.

A note on the bathroom: I've never been to jail, but now I have peed like a detainee (in a pristinely clean, well-appointed prison.)

Warren 77, I give you five stars. I want to go again tomorrow.