A Review of Madame X in New York City

I arrived in New York early in the morning and already I started asking around for a nice place to kick up my heels that night. Even though my hotel was located Midtown, everybody I talked to kept pointing me in the direction of an obscure red velvet lounge at 94 West Houston, down near Bleeker Street. When I heard the name of the place, I feared the worst. However, I was intrigued enough to try out this bar known as Madame X.

I have been weary of places that come so highly recommended. Such recommendations often send me to Industrial Clubs, Gothic Salons and gay parties. But my sense of adventure wouldn't let me back down from this challenge. I arrived at Madame X's that night and was instantly glad to have taken this leap of faith. Though I surely stood out in my tan suit, the people there would have you believe I was a regular.

The inside of the establishment, true to its self description as a "sexy red velvet bar," had more red velvet than a vampire's closet, and with a bar stocked with Yuengling, I knew I wasn't too far from home. The staff at Madame X is extraordinarily friendly, and the crowd that frequents the place ranks high up there as well.

Madame X also features an outdoor smoking area, an amenity not seen very often in New York City since the smoking ban went into effect. The outdoor smoking area, located behind the bar is safely nestled between city buildings, it's like a whole different world. The ability to smoke at Madame X's only enhances that surreal Film Noir feeling you get when you first walk in, expecting Bogart to walk in any minute, fedora, trench coat and all.

I cannot imagine a person who doesn't like Madame X. If you're in the city and looking for a place to go and meet a friendly crowd, you'd be a fool to pass Madame X.