It’s Thirsty Thursday, and I’m so excited to
have two weeks off from school! After surviving
the snowstorm from hell yesterday, I decided
to return to my roots and check out burlesque
night at Hell’s Kitchen Lounge in Newark. Now
back in the day, I used to be an avid QXT’s
attendee. I wore fishnets, dark sultry makeup,
etc. It really got me into the pin-up culture, and
being that it is International Women’s Day, I figured
what better way celebrate?
The commute to Hell’s was relatively simple, and I even learned
it’s going to be practically walking distance from my new residence
(which is always a plus). It’s also very easy to find! Just look for
the bright lights of the sign marquis on Lafayette street, and you’ve
made it to your destination. Once I walked inside I was greeted
by bar manager, Dave Menace, and his bartender for the evening,
Melissa. Their smiling faces made it a very comfortable welcome,
and Melissa was very engaging with everyone that came through
the door.
The atmosphere of Hell’s Kitchen is both relaxing and even
gives off a seductive, alluring type of feel. It combines the look of
retro pin-up, combined with a hint of 50’s downtown lounge. Now
one of the things that I loved about this place, is that the bar area
seems like a slightly different world compared to the lounge part. It
has ample seating, and more than enough flat screen TV’s for you
sports fanatics, while the lounge area has a more intimate vibe. It
had candles, and plenty of tables available to enjoy the live entertainment
from the stage in front of you.
Now onto my favorite part, food! Once my friend Manny
arrived, we were seated by our server and guide for the
evening, Sunni. I immediately asked her to direct us to the
crowd favorites, and she suggested 2 house favorites: The
Guinness Burger and Brick City Burger. Now you might be
saying to yourself, “burgers are so cliché.” Believe me when
I say, these burgers live up to their reputation. The Guinness
Burger came with bacon and melted Guinness marble
cheddar on top, and Manny’s favorite: onion rings. It was a
perfect combination of sweet and salty flavors and grilled to
medium perfection. The Brick City Burger came with BBQ
sauce (my favorite topping ever), chorizo, onion ring, and
cheese with some shoestring fries on the side. I have never
felt fuller in my entire life after eating it, but it is a must try
for those of you needing a bit of change from your normal
burger routine.
After that huge meal, Sunni recommended we try some
drinks before the show began. She pointed us to two mixed
drinks, The Angels and Demons and 7 Deadly Sins, that
she guaranteed would have us practically floating for the
evening. Intrigued, I couldn’t resist a challenge, and neither
could Manny, so we decided to give the Angels and Demons
a try first. The Angels and Demons is a mixed drink
comprised of Bacardi Superior Rum, Bacardi Coconut Rum,
Cream of Coconut, Pineapple Juice, and Strawberry Puree.
My first impression of it was that is looked like a regular
strawberry daiquiri with whipped cream and a cherry on top.
It’s not so much sweet, which surprised me a lot, but upon
partaking it you’ll taste the coconut through and through.
This drink is perfect for college students looking for something
that reminds us of laying out on in the sand, instead of
dealing with the piles of snow we are currently being dealt
with. Overall it was a delight to try, and the perfect after
dinner treat.
Once we finished our first round of drinks, we decided
to take a break and enjoy a few sets of burlesque from
the gorgeous Amber Ray. The show was very colorful and
engaging and I simply couldn’t take my eyes off it! If you
haven’t checked out a burlesque show before, it is a once in
a lifetime experience that you must try. Between the music
and dancing, you won’t be disappointed, and I highly recommend
making Hell’s Kitchen the one to pop your cherry
for your first show.
As the night was nearing its end, Manny and I were so enveloped
by the show we almost forgot to try our last drink:
The 7 Deadly Sins. Now if you’ve ever tried a Long Island
Iced Tea, I can say for sure this drink will kick its ass, and
then some. It’s a combination of Absolut, Sailor Jerry Spiced
Rum, Tanqueray, El Jimador Tequila, Cointreau, Sour Mix,
and Cola (woof)! Although it may appear innocent at first
glance, don’t let that one little garnished cherry fool you.
Heed my advice on this when I say that this will be the drink
of all drinks, and you will definitely be seeing stars after it.
Dave Menace brings both spectacle and delight with
Hell’s Kitchen Lounge in Newark. This close to home find is
perfect if you’re looking for favorites such as Taco Tuesday,
Friday Night Dance Parties, and don’t forget the Brick City
Burlesque on Thursdays. Between its combination of friendly
staff, awesome food, and spicy entertainment, you’ll never
want to go to New York City again. Don’t forget to check
out other staple events at Hell’s Kitchen, such as Woofstock.
My overall experience was amazing, and I’m sure yours will
be too. Cheers, and see you next Thursday!