by Ashley Parriman
Anytime after 7:30 p.m. and sometime before dawn, walk north on Second Avenue and make a right on 89th Street. Look for the distinctive red building with the American flag hanging in the window and lanterns flanking the entrance. That’s how you’ll know you’ve found it. No, there isn’t a sign to let you know that you’re in the right place. This isn’t one of those conventional joints. Enter through the double doors. If you’re under 25 and it’s a weekend, you might not be admitted. And darling, take off your fur, or you most certainly won’t be welcome.
“What?” you ask. “No sign, no fur, and no one under 25? What kind of place is this?” It’s the answer to your nighttime cravings for booze and brooding sophistication on the Upper East Side. And if you are under 25, I dare you to take a chance and test the 25 and older requirement rumor. You won’t be sorry for trying.
Upon entry, look around. You could be in someone’s home. Someone’s home from an earlier century, that is. But this century is present too, with an incongruous television making an appearance. Closely inspect your surroundings, looking up to the molded ceilings and down to the Persian rug draped floor. And in between, you’ll find all of the drama you desire. Have a seat on one of the plush cushioned Victorian chairs or loveseats. Take in the eclectic details. On the exposed brick walls hang gilded mirrors and a dizzying array of nude paintings. 
There’s a chandelier or two and a fireplace mantle but no place for a fire. Burgundy window treatments line the windows. Smell the incense wafting in the air. Send your date to fetch you a drink at one of the bars, yes there are two, one in each room. Or better yet, go fetch the drinks yourself so you can get a closer look at the spirits glowing before the candlelight, the bottled kind, I mean. Maybe you’ll have one of the quiet bartenders concoct a mixed drink for you. It will only set you back about $7. Or perhaps you’ll try one of the beers on tap, it will cost you about one Lincoln, or even a glass of wine. If you’re alone, maybe you’ll settle in on one of the chairs at the wooden bar and have a chat with the bartender while candlelight flickers off the walls. Why don’t you and the bartender inconspicuously discuss the other patrons? They can be an interesting group, ranging from twenty-somethings to middle-agers. They arrive donning suits and jeans. They are weary of sports bars and they find solace here. So will you. They and you will come for the sophisticated surroundings which are complemented by the chill atmosphere. The furnishings are old-fashioned, but the music is not. The music is selected as carefully as the cocktail ingredients. It’s a hip blend of new music that's not mainstream and quirky classic rock. You might hear Johnny Cash and you might hear Snow Patrol. But you won’t hear pop or funk. If you’re lucky enough to get one of the cushioned seats, you can lounge for a long time and chat intimately with someone while enjoying the diversified mix of music. This is a place to whisper secrets and share your deepest longings. It’s a place to make declarations of passion.
I’ve had some interesting nights here, my friend. I was introduced to this place by a new love. I’ve brought old friends here. And I’ve met some new ones here too. On one occasion, an actress from New Zealand approached me and my friends and started chatting with us about the book she recently had published. If you’ll join me you’ll have some interesting nights here too with friends old and new. If you’re one of those people who delights in the unexpected, a place that feels well worn and loved but still relevant, this will become your haven.
VITALS:
Auction House
300 E. 89th St. at Second Avenue
Nearest Subway: 4, 5, 6 at 86th St.
Open Daily from 7:30 p.m.
Closing Hours: Sun-W 2 a.m., Th 3 a.m., F and S 4 a.m.
American Express, Mastercard, Visa
212-427-4458