There’s something sexy–and naughty–about inviting your date to a motel, even if there’s no chance of an overnight stay. This new lobby lounge sans hotel (from Mas’ Hubie Greenwald and John Manion) provides a stylish hang without the hassle of checking in under an assumed name.
Inside: The only signage is on the door, so it’s easy to miss the entrance (on Larrabee, just north of Bockwinkels grocery store). The interior, done in orange, brown, tan and green, pays homage to ’70s decor, but the overall vibe is more sleek than campy.
Just inside the door, two U-shaped, orange leather booths offer prime seating. Much of the roughly 2,000-square-foot space is dominated by other comfortable loungey pieces, including long, brown leather-like benches and ottomans and low suede-upholstered wood chairs flanking coffee tables–perfect for reclining in a Barbara Stanwyck sort of way. Subdued lighting, a la candles and cigarette-inspired ceiling lamps, add to a slightly sultry atmosphere. Long, vertical, upholstered panels cover much of the exposed brick wall near the seating area.
Much of the length of the south wall is covered in stone, with cutouts for a small gas fireplace and back-lit liquor bottles displayed behind the bar. The bar itself, dark wood with a glowing orange honeycomb-patterned cut-out strip running its length midway down the front, provides seating for about 14 with sleek aluminum, high-backed bar stools. Four TV’s offer ample sports-viewing options.
Service: Friendly and unpretentious waitstaff (sporting blue, short-sleeved T’s with Motel’s logo and black pants) remained attentive despite the throngs.
Drinks: The focus is on traditional cocktails such as the Rob Roy ($8) and Harvey Wallbanger ($7). The beer list features microbrews and exports ($5-$6) with some higher end Belgian beers, such as DeKoninck ($7).
Eats: Although you can’t order in your PJ’s, the affordable menu, aptly titled “room service” (get it?) offers upscale comfort food such as classic steak tartare ($9) and petit grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup ($7).
Crowd: Opening night attracted everyone from hip twentysomethings to a well-heeled older crowd, but stylish thirtysomethings predominated.
What to wear: Women dressed jeans up with skimpy halters or sleeveless shirts in flirty fabrics. Men wore plain or subtly patterned untucked collared shirts.
Sounds: The jukebox provides background music without overpowering conversation. The eclectic mix includes Curtis Mayfield, Yo La Tengo, Charles Mingus, Led Zeppelin and Jay-Z.
Bottom line: Retro cocktails and sexy decor make Motel worth a stay.
