The details:
75 9TH AVE
NEW YORK NY 10011-7006
Buddakan – The Lowdown
When Buddakan opened in 2006, it was harder to get Saturday-night reservations than a key to Bungalow 8. Now, it’s infinitely more accessible to grab a table at the pan-Chinese restaurant and its buzzy, nightclub vibe. The first-class experience, however, remains the same. Stephen Starr’s airport hanger-sized restaurant sits adjacent to Chelsea Market, and features Gothic, ornate chandeliers, elaborate gilded accents, and a VIP library den for those intent on avoiding prying eyes. While check-in feels a bit like handing over your passport at JFK, the overarching focus is on efficiency. Despite seating 275 people and an extra 50 or so in the bar area across the venue’s 16,000 square feet, staff make you feel like royalty. For those that hung up their clubbing days many moons ago, Buddakan provides a nice alternative with its thumping house music, sultry mood lighting and its well-heeled clientele. Tip: try a Smoke craft cocktail – a blend of chipotle-infused espolòn tequila, mezcal, pineapple, applewood and smoked sea salt.
