The lounge at the bottom of the downtown W Hotel is both mysterious and polished. With the sharply uniformed staff and their liberal application of hair gel, Whiskey Blue feels as smooth as a long black Cadillac. Its atmosphere of loud music and dim, blue-tinted lighting makes conversation a tad difficult, although it also provides a convenient excuse to ignore comments you'd prefer not to hear. Of course, that sword cuts both ways, so if you can't get your voice heard, you might want to walk your whiskey into brighter lighting and quieter music in W's other lounge, located inside the hotel lobby. There, the music plays more quietly and the seating gives more space to the patrons.

Neither Whiskey Blue nor its companion bar in the lounge is meant to house a raucous bachelor party or a formal meal. Though the lobby lounge has a kitchen attached, Whiskey Blue serves liquid only. The drinks are marginally more expensive than at most bars, and there are rarely, if ever, specials to ease the burden on your wallet. Even though sit-down dinners are out, Whiskey Blue still works as a spot for an after-work drink (especially if you can get the boss to pick up the tab), or a nightcap following an evening on the town.

Centerstage Reviewer: Patrick Corcoran