Friday, January 19, 2007

The Best Joint

Isn't this an incredible piece? You can see it much better in this photo than we could in the bar last night, because of the flash.

An old dear pal from college is in town and him being a seasoned New Yorker, we had the intimidating challenge of finding somewhere to take him him in "second city". Last night we went to the best bar I've ever been to...okay in the very top of that kind of list at least, and I've been to some major cool bars over the years. Andrew and I met at the University of Victoria. I was writing for the school paper and my first assignment was to take a poll from students, some photos and a blurb about their persepctive on abortion. Andrew was one of my interviews.(I still have a copy of the photo and story somewhere...I wish I could find it right this minute) We became good friends. When I moved to Toronto (for York University) and he moved to New York (for NYU) we took our friendship to these new cities. For example, he took me on the NYC subway when it was covered in graffiti back in the day, we met Keith Harring and Kenny Sharf at their Fun Gallery openings, we partied with an editor from Vanity Fair, and went to every club we could, Danceteria, Mudd Club, Berlin, CBGB's. New York was still a city for artists and philosophers and club bunnies.


The Green Mill has been open since 1907. In the 30's it was redecorated and was one of Al Capone's speakeasy's. Underneath the floor of the bar runs a tunnel for escape going under the street and allowing a getaway. All of the fixtures you see and the paintings are from the 30's and Al Capone's prime. I have been looking forward to visiting this place, but really had no idea of how absolutely cool it was going to be. The band was incredible. Tons of people dancing. Right behind the bar here, is the booth where Al Capone would reside.

Singer and radio host MC, Lou. (I am sorry, I forgot the beautiful singer's name)
The band's table.

Alan Gresik Orchestra! Click the purple text to hear some of their music.






Andrew and Stagg. The Green Mill doesn't serve food, it is a real joint, but they let us pick up tamales and tacos next door, and we had champagne with some of the best Mexican snacks I've had in ages. I cant wait to go back, we can actually walk to the Green Mill! Below-the doorman.

11 comments:

Karen said...

Oh Candy! A real classic dance hall! That looks fantastic. I bet you had a great time.

Candy Minx said...

Really, Karen, I swear...Stagg had told me I would like this place and about Al Capone etc...no way I could have anticipated how cool this place is...we are FOR SURE ging dancing...pull out the swing dance moves....every week from now on!!! And we can walk there, it's only a few blocks away!

Timmer said...

That top piece is amazing! I like the booths. I like the Sailboat piece. A very interesting venue all around. What a blast you had!

mister anchovy said...

That looks like my kind of place! Sounds like you guys had a gas!

mister anchovy said...

The "doorman" has an excellent outfit and a great stache....but I wouldn't mess with him....

Anonymous said...

Candy, could you read this blog and send a comment. Tim
http://anna-lys.blogspot.com/2007/01/light-opening-of-closing.html

thehealingroom said...

Hi Candy.
I'll bet you will have fun dressing up to go danceing at this place. It just screams Fun.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you had a great time! Stagg looks alot like my brother :-)

Red said...

What a cool-looking place, Candy! I love those joints where you can just sit and drink and chat, or get up and dance if the mood takes you. We don't have anything remotely like this in our area... not even sure there's anything like this in London, to be honest. Top gaff!

Underground Baker said...

That is an amazingly cool bar.

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