Acme Downstairs Bar

Review

Serving avant-garde Nordic cuisine, Acme is one of the hottest restaurants in New York and this basement lounge is serviced by the same kitchen.

Like many a good New York bar, the entrance to Acme Downstairs is somewhat hidden away, so here follows some helpful directions: Enter the ground floor lobby and take the stairs on the left down to the basement. Walk along the long corridor ignoring the closed doors on the right until you get to the very last unmarked door. There's no bell or secret knock - just open it.

You'll find yourself in a large dimly lit atmospheric room with tables and booths with a bar heaving with luxury spirits and liqueurs warmly lit by flickering nightlights. This is the domain of the affable Ben Hehir, veteran manager of London's famous Atlantic Bar and Grill. Ben has successfully brought some of the Atlantic's party atmosphere with him and late night, late week you're likely to find fashionistas, creatives and media types dancing on the tables and partying hard till the early hours.

Cocktails are quickly and efficiently turned out and the food fabulously presented and tasty, if perhaps a tad poncy. That's avant-garde for you.