In the space formerly occupied by Prey, a new 1940s-themed bar and lounge called Catch-22 is the latest venue aiming to attract the Flatiron crowd.

Hits: Hungry drinkers can sample goods from behind enemy lines--like spiced ricotta-stuffed squash blossoms (Italy)--or re-ally themselves with lobster and crab cakes from the good ol' U.S. of A.

Misses: Despite the be-vested barstaff, drink-appropriate glassware and swaths of seating, historical purists won't find themselves in a 1940's looking glass, nor, perhaps, will they be inclined to linger amid the hopped-up decor.

Check out our full editorial review of Catch-22, then peruse other new and notable bar reviews, nightlife news, recent closings and our list of spots that are too new to review (but not too new to get you bombed).

Next week, we'll take you inside the latest Chinatown cocktail spot that causing a stir, Apotheke.

Photo of White Star borrowed from Yelp

Another day, another drink ... This time, though, the drinks are made of absinthe, and they come courtesy of cocktail impresario Sasha Petraske's new Chinatown drinking den, White Star.

Hits: The refined, relaxing environment in which to relish old-school absinthe service and a sweet selection of herbaceous spirits.

Misses: After the novelty of the green fairy wears off, slow bartenders backlogged by time-consuming absinthe orders may become frustrating. Also, who knew so many bankers hung out below Delancey Street?

Check out our full editorial review of White Star, then peruse other new and notable bar reviews, nightlife news, recent closings and our list of spots that are too new to review (but not too new to get you bombed).

Next week, we'll take you inside Catch-22, the Flatiron District's latest attempt at coolness.

The longest short week of all time is finally over, which means it's time for another installment of New Review Fridays. This week we review Whiskey Tavern, the latest endeavor from the dudes behind boozy East Village bar Whiskey Town.

Hits: After a hard day of work downtown, you'll thank the heavens that this bar serves stiff bolts of bourbon and hunger-killing burgers both veggie and meaty.

Misses: The area is still a nightlife no man's land, and Whiskey Tavern tends to be populated by too-drunk dudes, screaming to be heard over ear-splitting rock songs.

Check out our full editorial review of Whiskey Tavern, then peruse other new and notable bar reviews, nightlife news, recent closings and our list of spots that are too new to review (but not too new to get you wasted).

Next week, we'll take you inside Public Assembly (aka, the "new" Galapagos).

Remember way back in February, when we brought you news of a new midtown spot called Houndstooth, slated to open last spring? Well, you probably didn't notice when it didn't open. But today we received word from co-owner Nicholas Cohen, who says, "We got our license approved and will be open in 3-5 weeks," and also promised to send us photos "the day we take them."

And there you have it.

Yesterday afternoon, while I was wasting time on Facebook working, I happened to stumble across a group for something called Rattle 'N' Hum Bar (above--click to enlarge). I haven't heard anything about it, but according to the FB page it's slated to open tomorrow at 14 East 33rd Street, and will offer 65 microbrews on tap, two cask-conditioned hand-drawn beer taps, a menu of Irish-American food, eight plasma and four big-screen TVs, and regular weekly events (like Service Industry Night ("S.I.N."), with cheap drink specials geared toward waiters and bartenders). Now I know what you're thinking: "A bar in midtown that serves beer and pub grub, and has theme nights? How remarkable!" But wait--there's more:

"Rattle 'N' Hum will be doing a loyalty/drinking program called frequent beer miles program (every beer you have will be equal to 100 sky miles), [and] you get your own personal Rattle 'N' Hum beer miles card. More points/beers you or your company add up will entitle you to rewards like free Rattle 'N' Hum clothing to open bar to free dinners and parties. So make sure you and you're friends sign up asap. We will also have corporate cards for our drinking program, the more you and your company associates drink and hang out at the bar we will reward you with parties, etc."

The only thing I'm loyal to is my drinking program, so as gimmicks go, this one appeals to me (at least in theory, since I don't travel north of 14th Street if I can avoid it). Perhaps more appealing is the fact that the bar will be open during the exact hours when I usually like to drink: 8am to 4am daily. So if Rattle 'N' Hum succeeds in drawing in the neighborhood's after-work crowd with promises of free things and liquor, you can bet that drinkers with a midtown problem will all be asking the same question: Are you a cardmember?

It's the Friday before Labor Day, and we're still chained to our desks. We're hoping they'll let us go soon, but in the meantime here's a taste of this week's featured new review, (Le) Poisson Rouge.

Hits: (L)PR is all about accessibility. Concerts cost, but there's no cover to get into the side carriage bar, which is also uber-cool, pumping out eclectic jams from Manu Chao to Nirvana.

Misses: Seating arrangements vary in the listening room; sometimes 200 chairs are set up in rows, at other times it's standing-room only, causing some patrons to awkwardly squat on the floor pre-show.

Check out our full editorial review of (Le) Poisson Rouge, then peruse other New & Notable bar reviews, nightlife news, recent closings and our list of spots that are too new to review (but not too new to get you hammered).

And be sure to enjoy the long weekend--unless your employer observes Columbus Day, it's the last one 'til Thanksgiving.

Monday I was traipsing about Williamsburg when I saw a sign in front of Mulholland's advertising "Free Beer 8-9pm." Now, I'm no economist, but this sounded like a pretty good deal. However, it was only 10pm and the bar was completely empty. It seems like there should have been at least a few freeloading stragglers, but no--apparently free beer just wasn't enough.

This might have been because Mulholland's is a fairly non-descript sports bar right in the middle of Hipstertown, USA. I've passed by on Friday nights and seen it barely occupied while Clem's, just a block away, was packed to the gills. Occasionally if there is a big game, say, the Super Bowl, there will be a respectable number of people there, but I think it's fair to say that if free beer doesn't bring in a crowd, not much will.

The problem is a matter of taste. Hipsters enjoy sporting events only if they are ironic (see The Gutter, McCarren Park kickball, etc.), so a slick, modern look coupled with un-ironic $2 Jäger shot specials were probably a bad idea.

Seven easy steps for turning Mulholland's around:

1. Weathered photos of old-school sports heroes like Vince Lombardi and Dr. J.
2. Table hockey games circa 1970.
3. Skeeball!
4. No drinks called the "Orange Flirtini."
5. For the love of god, slick doesn't work in Williamsburg. Just distress the hell out of everything in your bar and you're good to go. Everything should look like it was built in 1935.
6. Indie rock jukebox featuring ironic nods to your sports bar theme like "Eye of the Tiger."
7. If you must be about sports, focus on soccer games. Hipsters love to pretend they know things about soccer, and the numerous Italians and French people in the 'hood would totally be into it.

There are definitely sports fans in Williamsburg, they are just a picky people with an aversion to anything that looks like it could just as easily exist in midtown. In Mulholland's defense, I've heard that the staff is super-friendly, so all it needs is a makeover. Or it could just start paying people to drink there.

We took a few weeks off, but "New Review Fridays" are back and they're here to stay. This week we review Macondo, the street eats and cocktails spot that recently opened in the space formerly occupied by the LoSide Diner.

Hits: In a festive setting, you'll snack on tasty small plates and sip affordable and insanely inventive cocktails that push the boundaries of beverages.

Misses: The design feels a bit gimmicky--think Disneyland meets a Latin republic--and if you're not taking advantage of the drinks then paying top dollar for tacos may disagree with you.

Read our full editorial review of Macondo and then peruse other New & Notable bar reviews or check out our list of spots that are too new to review (but not too new to get you hammered).

It's Friday again, and this week we review Carroll Gardens' swanky new cocktail den, Clover Club.

Hits: Though cocktail hounds may sneer, the menu graciously explains the distinctions between cobblers and highballs, bucks and mules, and swizzles versus royales, introducing the uninitiated to the nuances of high-class cocktails.

Misses: Those left without a table or a seat in the back room are forced to precariously clutch precious stemware at the main bar, amid the at-times ferocious weekend crowds.

Read our full editorial review of Clover Club then peruse other New & Notable bar reviews or check out our list of spots that are too new to review (but not too new to get you hammered).

Coming next week: The fancy new Pool Deck at the Empire Hotel.

Digital renditions of the Eldridge provided by Matt Levine

Unless you spent last week in the Hamptons or in a coma, chances are you saw something on the interweb about Matt Levine's soon-to-open bar, The Eldridge. Butlers? Laser-engraved cards to get in? Escalade taxis to chauffer you home (well not you, but those who may actually manage to get in)? And all of that on the Lower East Side? Good heavens, no!

The story broke and ballooned out of control; it was madness, even sparking some blogger beef between our friends at Down By The Hipster and Guest of A Guest. The rumors were rampant, and since we're too drunk and lazy busy to waste time speculating, we went straight to the source himself, owner Matt Levine--a man who was hitherto known primarily for his clothing line, Steelo' and his parties. So what's the real deal with The Eldridge? Here's what Matt had to say ...

How long has the idea of opening the Eldridge been in the works? How did it come about?
The Lower East Side is full of culture and character, it's where trends start and style is created. When the location of The Eldridge became available, our concept and vision followed. It's truly the perfect size, perfect location of what is currently missing in New York City.

Was The Eldridge influenced by any of your own favorite New York bars?
As far as my favorite spots go, I'm pretty diverse--from hot spots to wine bars, and speakeasies to hotel bars. The Eldridge combines the intimacy of a date spot, the signature cocktails of a speakeasy, the sound system of a studio, the comfort of a lounge, and the customer service of a concierge. We just wanted to bring a creative atmosphere to nightlife, one that fuses comfort with entertainment. There are not many places in New York City to comfortably enjoy table service and listen to great music, with privacy and intimacy.

Do you have any experience operating a club?
No, I don't have experience with operating a club, but I have been involved in putting together special events for the past several years. But we have brought in an amazing supporting cast. Our general manager, Jason Lawrence, a fixture in the Miami nightlife scene, moved to New York City specifically to operate The Eldridge. Jason has experience in running and operating many of Miami's hot spots, and he is an extremely important part of The Eldridge.

Will you still be involved in running Steelo'?
Yes, I am very hands-on in everything I involve myself in. I still 100% own Steelo', and handle all the creative control and designing of Steelo'. I have signed on to be represented by an amazing showroom, The Green Room. They have a great roster of other brands, and have done a great job since I signed on with them. I still oversee every aspect of Steelo', and although in a showroom, I still approve all the distribution and sales keeping distribution exclusive and limited. You should check out the website--we're shipping to such stores as Atrium New York, Bill Hallman Atlanta, Fred Segal Santa Monica and Traffic Los Angeles (just to name a few) for fall '08.

When exactly are you looking to open as of now?
We are in no rush to open, but really the opening depends on when the staff is fully trained and the signature cocktails are perfect. Our GM, Jason Lawrence, has been training the staff for several weeks now. We have put together an amazing staff--many of our waitresses and bartenders come from a variety of hotels that focus on hospitality and service--like 60 Thompson, Ritz Carlton and The Plaza--which reiterates our goal of quality customer service.

New York Mag reported that The Eldridge would be closed on weekends, since your clientele tends to leave the city on weekends. Is that policy limited to the summer, or year-round?
Closed on the weekends just for the summer. We will be launching weekends with New York Fashion Week.

There's been quite a barrage of press since news of the Eldridge first broke. Is there anything you want to set straight, any rumors you want to confirm or deny?
The Eldridge is not just about Matt Levine, it's also about the support system. It starts with our door staff, and ends with our chaperones, our table attendants, our butlers, our porters, our hospitality consultants, and of course our GM, Jason Lawrence. We have put together an amazing staff that all share the same vision and concept of what nightlife should be, and what is currently missing in NYC now. Most bars, lounges and nightclubs focus on drinks and bottles. At The Eldridge, we focus on customers. It's not the drink you make, it's how you deliver it; it's not about bringing over a bottle, it's how you present it. We are just trying to bring a unique, creative experience to one of the oldest industries, to fuse creativity, privacy, quality, service and sound, and to emphasize that it's not just about a drink and a bottle, it's about the process and the service--and more importantly, the environment in which it is created.

Also, The Eldridge will be the first lounge-only venue to be GRA Certified, part of the Green Restaurant Association, helping us to create an ecologically sustainable lounge.

Will you be making the space available for private parties? Will you have to be a laser-engraved cardholder to rent it?
Yes, The Eldridge is available for private parties that fit into the concept and vision of The Eldridge. All private parties inquiries can be directed to events@theeldridge.com or call 212.505.7600.

What's the most expensive thing on the menu? What about the least expensive?
Drinks are anywhere from $12 to maybe $32 for our signature cocktail, The Eldridge, which uses Armand de Brignac Rose and real golden flakes. Bottle prices are standard. We are using all premium liquor in our well, and all of our cocktails will use fresh fruits and premium mixers. Our staff training has gone to extra lengths to make serving a drink an art form, an experience. The handcrafted cocktail list was created by Charlotte Voisey. She's a famed mixologist who took guidance with the Gorgeous Group in London in 2002 when they opened Apartment 195 together, which was soon awarded Bar of the Year. Charlotte went on to win the title of Best Bartender at The UK Bar Awards in 2004. She has traveled the world showcasing top brands through mixology in Aspen, Las Vegas, Kuala Lumpur, Mexico, New Zealand and New York. Recent consulting projects include The Dorchester Hotel in London and Ian Schrager's Gramercy Park Hotel here in New York. Still competing internationally, Charlotte took silver medal at the World Female Bartender championships in Italy this year.

Other than celebrity DJs, do you plan to have any live performances?
Sundays we will have a saxophonist, Mondays we will be doing a movie night, Tuesdays we will have a trumpet player, Wednesdays we will have a drummer, and Thursdays a flute player. All the live music will accompany the funk, jazz, old-school, R&B, rock, and soul music of our DJs. It's truly a place where we encourage our DJs to play the music they listen to on their iPods, not what they are paid to play at other venues.

As you know, NYC hot spots often have a short shelf-life, even when there's a lot of buzz surrounding the openings. How do you plan to avoid that?
Many venues open up their doors with financial projections and monetary goals. With The Eldridge, it's a business, but it's not about the money. What has been lost in NYC nightlife is that the nightlife scene should be about the people, the experience, and not business about bottles. It's the business of providing an atmosphere and a concierge-like environment for our guests. Most NYC hot spots focus on drink and bottle sales; we focus on quality customer service. The mission of The Eldridge is create a nightlife that provides the highest quality customer service with heightened focus on elegance, luxury and sophistication, while maintaining the strict privacy of our guests instead of the number of bottles we sell.