Bar of the Week: Bowery Electric

Bowery Electric is the newest addition to the Bowery's recent bar boom, and, rest assured, it's one that comes from a good lineage. BE is brought to us by the long-time East Village rock bar proprietors Mike Stuto (HiFi), musician Jesse Malin, and Johnny T (both of Niagara and Black & White). Located where video voyeur den Remote Lounge once was, the three gave the new digs a good gutting, replacing the former tenant's surveillance cameras and day-glo color scheme with navy hues, bare vintage bulbs, steam trunks and black wainscoting. All that gives the space a sleeker, decidedly more sophisticated charm than the owners' other ventures. Sorry, HiFi jukebox fans, this joint comes without an epic music selection, but there is a DJ booth next to the bar. Although unmanned the night we went, the mix of Luscious Jackson, the Four Tops, and Iggy Pop playing over the stereo had clearly been selected by discerning ears (finishing touches are also being put on a downstairs space for live music). The drink menu's no frills, and includes the usual top shelf suspects plus a dozen $6 beers on tap (standouts include Old Speckled Hen and Victory Prima Pilsner). Those looking to get fancy, however, need only ask -- the night we visited, our bartender was cool enough to take our vague request for "something with vodka" and whip up a refreshing concoction of fresh lime juice, soda water, sugar and Absolut Pear ($10). She wasn't too cool, however, to suggest it be called an "Absolut Pear-adise." Overall, Bowery Electric is good news: a space that subtly reflects the neighborhood's high-end makeover without falling prey to cheesedom and certainly without taking itself too seriously. 327 Bowery, (212) 228-0228