The Eldridge: Why's everyone bitching about Matt Levine?

Review: The Eldridge

Sorry folks, we’re just back from a visit to The Eldridge, and Matt Levine is most certainly not a douche.

The lounge has caused a lot of griping, even before it started admitting guests. Owner Matt Levine set it off with an arrogant seeming interview he gave to New York Magazine, and the bloggers have been in a tizzy ever since. Brandying the word “douche” about as if it were Mr. Levine’s widely known nickname, the unhappy online folks have been twittering about the ultra-exclusive nature of the club, the price of the drinks, the champagne bottles lining the walls, and even Levine’s appearance on a VH1 reality show.

We found two examples of the group think that surrounds The Eldridge (posted as comments in this piece by Mr. Levine on Eater) - . 1. If it's so "intimate" why does this tool keep flapping his gums about it, just open your douchebar and shut up 2. Matt Levine is truly the biggest piece of garbage the city has to offer.

Once again, those who comment on blogs prove to possess the height of eloquence.

Never one to believe the cyber buzz – Barfly headed over to The Eldridge to see if the place really should be burnt to the ground for even daring to exist or if the negative nellys of the blogosphere are just complaining because its too shiny for them (hint – washing ones hair more than twice a week might make the shininess less overwhelming).

After a few deliberative cocktails – we came to a verdict. There is not that much to hate in The Eldridge, in fact – there is plenty to enjoy. The attention to detail that has clearly gone into the room stands out – it’s a small space but they’ve gotten a lot out of it. The intimate banquettes will surely make for some healthy mingling at parties (considering you’re able to get in).

And, we’re happy to see that the focus is clearly not on bottle service. An extensive (and delicious) cocktail list, delectable chocolates, intricate Absinthe table service – there is plenty going on here that is far and above schlepping a bottle of Grey Goose to a table of thirsty lawyers.

Yes, the door policy may be super strict, but years ago when Bungalow opened and started it all – this was an exciting thing. We remember the thrill of super-exclusivity, and although we might not agree with the price point, it is far superior to the current trashy mayhem that waits outside the other doors in the city (where the only card required for entry is an American Express).

We hope that Mr. Levine sticks to his strict door, and that it doesn’t just become another marketing ploy to draw the dodders over from Brooklyn in 6 months when things relax. As for all of the bloggy criticism – Barfly feels that it is undue. These same folks sing the praises of other intimate venues like PDT but because of Mr. Levine’s press presence, they have massacred his place. The difference between the venom being spewed at The Eldridge and the praise that surrounded the early days of Bungalow is easy to see.

Back when Bungalow opened – blogs didn’t exist. A club could open, an owner could give a few interviews, and people would be excited at the chance of getting in. Imagine the horrible things that would be left as “comments” if Ms. Sacco participated in the interweb in the early (and far superior) days of West Chelsea.

Now, say a few too many words about Armand de Brignac champagne, and forever you’re a douche. Well, Barfly disagrees. Douches don’t come to places like this, and they certainly don’t drink something as glorious as sparkling rose. We wish the Eldridge luck, and will certainly be back soon.

Review: The Eldridge

Cocktails – 4 olives – After many nights of drinking, we appreciated the protein that was in The Ludlow, a drink made with egg-whites.

Space – 4 olives – The champagne on the walls, the bar tucked away in the corner, the engraved wooden menus – it all works. It is on the small side though – which gives Barfly an idea. We are pleased to announce that the next super swanky exclusive club is going to be in our 1 bedroom apartment. Details to come.

Online whining – 1 olive – Really – we have better things to do. Like go to The Eldridge.