Bar of the Week: GalleryBar

Art and alcohol have long been constant (if not co-dependent) companions. So it seems a foregone conclusion that a new art-themed bar would eventually open on the lower Lower East Side, the city's liveliest geographical pocket of creativity (Max Fish and Lit have had the more northern art-bar market cornered for years). That's what GalleryBar, a fastidiously clean, exceedingly well-lit new watering hole is hoping to capitalize on. The bi-level space has an industrial-gallery feel upstairs and a rustic, candle-lit basement, a lovely combination of airy and convivial vibes. Owners Josh Boyd (of Plan B), Darin Rubell (cousin of Studio 54 magnate Steve Rubell) and Derrek Vernon have done an impeccable job creating the sort of environment that will feel welcome to both collectors and party people. When they launched the bar in late January, they were showing the work of Kevin Berlin, a painter and sculptor whose exhibit was called "Slaves of Fashion" and featured, in addition to plenty of naked-lady paintings, a 240-pound bronze sculpture of a bellybutton (inny, in case you were wondering). The owners say they're going to cycle through artists once every six weeks, displaying artwork and photographs that will be for sale while also function as conversation pieces as the crowd imbibes the usual beer, wine and spirits. That's to say nothing of the old-school photo booth at the back upstairs -- an invitation to make your own art. What a welcome addition to the neighborhood. Jonathan Durbin

120 Orchard St., (212) 529-2266