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?

Monkey Bar, aka that bar where Carrie and Big hooked up in "Sex and the City," is being sold by the Glazier Group, who acquired it 14 years ago. Full details of the deal haven't been disclosed yet. Here's what the company said in a press release:

"While we love Monkey Bar, we wanted to focus on our other businesses including the Strip House brand, Michael Jordan’s The Steakhouse N.Y.C. and our catering operations," said Peter Glazier, owner. "We are committed to bringing high-quality dining experiences to all our guests in our other properties.  We wish the new owners the same great success that we have enjoyed at the Monkey Bar."                               

Behold Inc Lounge, the new cocktail lounge and party spot nestled within the Time Hotel in midtown. So, what's the verdict? If you should you find yourself in midtown in need of a drink--and let's be honest, finding yourself in midtown is probably reason enough to start drinking--then it's as good a bar as any.

Hits: The mod decor makes the place feel chic, an abundance of couches make it feel comfortable, and the fact that it's nestled inside a hotel makes it feel like a hidden gem.

Misses: The cocktail menu is a bit uninspired, with most standard bar drinks (like apple martinis and cosmopolitans) going for $13-$14.

Read our complete editorial review of Inc. Lounge, 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).

After 24 years in New York, China Club is no longer, and in its place have sprung three new nightlife wonderlands, albeit it in midtown: Opera, Crest and Eden. This Thursday, nightlife impresarios, scenesters and Bottomless Dish readers have the opportunity to celebrate the grand opening of Eden, the rooftop bar (above), at an after-work debut event sponsored by our friends over at Joonbug.

If, like me, you take great pains to avoid midtown at all costs, be advised that it's in the middle of a major resurgence. In addition to these local favorites, a flurry of new hot spots  have opened in recent weeks, like Highbar, another rooftop spot that's bringing sexy back to what was formerly the least sexy 'hood on the island. And perhaps more importantly, Eden isn't just a trashy Times Square boite geared toward the B&T crowd. In fact, rumor has it that Eden is being run by Scott Sartiano, Richie Akiva, Jeffrey Jah and Ronnie Madra--also known as the crew behind 1 Oak. So if, like me, you can't get in there, maybe Eden will turn out to be the next best thing. Hey, it could happen.

DJ Scott Melkor will be spinning, and there will be free vodka from 5pm to 6pm, courtesy of Trump Premium Vodka--so you know it's gonna be uber-classy. And this is just the first of many a debaucherous after-work party in midtown, because Joonbug is flipping this into a weekly event they're calling St. Tropez Thursdays, which will continue throughout the summer.

The party starts tomorrow at 5pm and ends at 10pm. Don't forget to RSVP.