By JUSTIN ROCKET SILVERMAN
Posted: 3:21 am
August 24, 2008
Eden
760 Eighth Ave. (between 46th and 47th streets); 212-398-2188
Hours: Thurs. and Fri., 5 p.m.-4 a.m.; Sat. 10 p.m.-4 a.m.
For a decade 760 Eighth Ave. was the address of the infamous Hell's Kitchen China Club. Now, that tri-story megaclub is shut down, but the rooftop has been converted to Eden. While there's also an indoor dance floor, the real gem is the open-air lounge, where diverse crowds of party people drink and boogie into the wee hours. "These days," says Eden manager Anthony Michael, "it's like if you go out and fail to pick up a girl or guy, then it's not a fun night. Clubs didn't used to be like that. The party itself used to be the draw." Eden does an admirable job recreating that great party atmosphere. Here's your VIP tour.
The ponytailed doorman outside is none other than Tony Montana, a nightlife veteran who used to work at Life and "can see style" approaching from a block away. So, dress to impress.
Yup, that's a real oak tree towering above the rooftop lounge. It's petrified, though, so don't expect to see any falling leaves come autumn.
Monday through Wednesday the whole club is available to rent for private parties, and it seems like every law firm in the Midtown area has taken advantage of the great outdoor space.
Eden's Thursday and Friday night happy hour begins at 5 p.m, and mixed drinks are a steal at only $6. After 10 p.m. they go for double or triple that.
The club's signature drink is the organic Going Green Mojito ($15), although Grey Goose and cranberry ($12) is what fuels most customers.
Watch for two more clubs to open in the building. "Opera" in October, and "Crest" in December.
