The Nines — Restaurant in New York

It's hard to be anyone on the front of house team at a massively hyped and hugely overrated supper club that's just about to be past its prime, but it's relatively easy to not do cocaine on the job and to not treat guests like the scum that builds up on the bottom of winter boots in NYC. My girlfriend and I went to the Nines last night to join a table who'd just wrapped dinner. We mentioned the name we thought the table was under, and when the maitre'd - a tiny man with an even tinier head covered in slicked-back black hair that framed beady brown eyes and a rodent-like face - couldn't find the name, we asked if we could take a quick look. He looked at me like I had asked if I could urinate at the bar. "Walk with them," he said to one of his stooges, a 7-foot tall woman who seemed abused.

We of course found our party right away, but someone had spilled and broken a glass in a section of the banquet, and because the staff hadn't cleaned it up, we couldn't sit with them. We figured we'd order a $26 drink at the bar while we waited for the staff to sort out the spill. Within 20 seconds of ordering a drink, the maitre'd slithered over and with dead eyes told us that we couldn't just sit down at the bar.

I explained the situation, and without even blinking he repeated himself, asking us to "kindly leave." I told him we understood that reservations were required for seating, but that he could have ousted us with even a modicum of respect. Again, he just repeated himself - "kindly leave."

I've lived in NYC for 26 years. I've been to most of the buzzy places in town over the years, and I've suffered through evenings at all of Jon Neidich's underwhelming places with their stupid, self-indulgent names and low-IQ automatons working the door, but never in my life have I been so bewildered by the treatment we got by this particuar urchin. I thought perhaps it was just us, and that maybe he had been beaten up by a redhead when he was a kid, but I heard from the other folks in my party this morning that he had body-blocked another friend of ours from walking in after she had already checked in with another host.

I get that it's hard to find good help in hospitality these days, but surely there are other ambulatory individuals who can look for names in a computer and walk guests to their tables without throwing massive shade and ruining the vibe of an otherwise fairly cozy room. Obviously never setting foot in the Nines again, and every time someone mentions the Nines or even the number 9 in my presence, I'm going to...

I was thrilled to finally visit The Nines, a seductive lounge that had been highly recommended by several of my well-connected friends. This hidden gem lived up to its reputation, offering an intimate and enchanting experience that left a lasting impression.

Venturing into The Nines with a group of 5 friends on a Wednesday night around 11 p.m., we anticipated a memorable evening. The entrance, albeit slightly delayed for about 10 to 15 minutes, did little to dampen our excitement. Once inside, we were immediately captivated by the lounge's irresistible charm.

While our friends had secured a table indoors, the limited space led us to gravitate towards the inviting bar area. It turned out to be fortuitous as we encountered a skilled bartender who not only possessed an impressive knowledge of spirits but also had the ability to curate custom cocktails tailored to our individual preferences. With mezcal as our shared passion, he expertly crafted concoctions that surpassed our expectations, elevating our experience with each sip.

The Nines' ambiance, heightened by soulful live music resonating through the venue, created an intimate and captivating atmosphere. Whether as a final destination for the night or a prelude to the exhilarating chaos of a late-night club, this lounge provided the perfect backdrop for engaging conversations and a sultry vibe.

While The Nines could benefit from improving the promptness of their entrance service (it would have made sense to let us find our friends inside), the allure of the establishment more than compensated for the minor inconvenience. As someone well-versed in NYC's nocturnal offerings, I can confidently affirm that this hidden gem lives up to its hype, delivering an intimate and sophisticated experience that keeps drawing crowds.

To summarize, The Nines is a seductive haven where mixology intertwines with soulful melodies, and its well-deserved reputation has spread through word of mouth. For those seeking an unforgettable night out in the heart of New York City, this enticing lounge is a must-visit destination that promises to leave you captivated and...

The Nines was everything you want for a special night out in New York—elegant, vibrant, and full of surprises. We celebrated Elliott’s birthday with a 9 PM reservation, and from the moment we walked in, the night felt electric. Gabrielle, the singer and piano player, was absolutely sublime, setting the tone with her incredible voice. Later, the vibe shifted seamlessly to a cool DJ, and the energy stayed high.

The place was packed but never chaotic, with everyone dressed to impress. Service was flawless. Manny started us off—professional but with just the right amount of cool—and we ended the night with Oliver, who kept things smooth. Madeline, one of the managers, even stopped by to introduce herself and check on us, which was such a thoughtful touch.

We began with drinks: The Nines cocktail (tequila blanco, bright and fresh) and the Sazerac, which was bold and classic—definitely on the masculine side. For food, we started with the tuna tartare and hamachi, both beautifully done. We had ordered one baked potato with caviar, but in a fun twist, two arrived, along with two glasses of champagne—courtesy of a very generous little bird who sent it for Elliott’s birthday. Such a moment!

For mains, I had the filet with fries (perfectly cooked, classic, and just what I wanted), and Elliott had the gnudi, which was rich and satisfying. Dessert was over the top in the best way—the Sundae was indulgent, playful, and absolutely worth it.

The night didn’t end there. We stayed late, soaking in the crowd, the music, and the unbeatable energy of the room, with Casa Dragones Blanco and Manhattans keeping the celebration going. It was the kind of evening that only New York City can deliver—timeless, glamorous, and unforgettable. The Nines isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience, and it was the perfect place to toast Elliott. A night we’ll...