The Gates

I like the crowd. it’s a kind of a small space, so not much room to dance, especially in the back where you would want to. the seating in the back takes up too much space.
the drinks are a tad bit pricier but there’s no cover. good drinks. good crowd. good music.

My friend had her birthday party at The Gates. There was a doorman with a clipboard which usually means I probably am not going to like the place. (this is my poor attempt at foreshadowing)
It was 11pm and we had to wait in a line outside and bouncers weren’t letting anyone in, even though we were on the guest list. One we waited and got in — surprise, surprise — the place was basically empty.
The bday girl got a free bottle of vodka which was a nice touch but after that was done we had to pay for $ 12 – 14 vodka sodas. The pricing actually differs depending on which bartender you get! At that rate I knew I needed to put my card down.
Later on when I cashed out I notice they put an automatic 20% tip on my bill! Are you kidding me?! One bartender was nice and I would’ve tipped her well, but the other one was awful and wouldn’t have been so lucky. I attempted to scratch out the tip and reinsert my own. We’ll see what actually gets charged on my card.
The music at this place is fine, but really loud. The crowd is skeezy and a number of guys were walking by and putting their hands on my waist. That’s the worst. The main room is actually decorated really nicely, but the bathrooms were gross.
All in, I had fun because I was with my friends (we could’ve been anywhere). Avoid this place and have your bday party somewhere else! Friends don’t let friends have parties at The Gates.

Lounge bar.
To be fair, this was a promotional night I stopped by — free vodka all night long, and two Playmates to boot plus two dancers for the back room. No cover, either, as I was on the guestlist, and there were plenty of friends and other people. Couldn’t tell you what the real drinks cost or taste like.
It’s just big enough to have a little dancing, but the music really varies…
Lots of fashionable and beautiful people here of both sexes. Not sure anyone’s there for anything other than for the random hookup (based on the way some of these people were getting at it in the back) or just to be seen (a couple TV stars there).
I have no idea why they turned on the fireplace in the middle of a very hot summer.
Like Emma C. noted, hard to get into without knowing someone running a promoter or party here.
Oh, no coat check that I’m aware of.

Maybe it wasn’t a good night… ehh idk. but im not interested in going back… the music was alright, the crowd was pretty snobby… i think im starting to get into the low key, non pretentious kinda spots now, like local bars lol…
drinks r pricey, people are snobby, way too small, and too crowded

Came here on a Tuesday night at 1am (or technically Wednesday morning) and it was closed!

My best friend and I went to this spot because it was recommended by one of the promoters. We arrived early so the after work crowd was coming out. The people at this after work event (Friday) were a bit rowdy in very casual clothing.
We waited along with two other women for the evening party. Once we were ready to be let in, a doorman asked what list we were on. My friend told him the name and he checked with the doorman we knew had a relationship with the promoter we knew. He returned to us and informed us that it would be $ 50.00 minimum for drinks for entry.
Few things —
–We are women
–It is 11:00 pm
–No guest performer
–Are you crazy?
Never, ever have I been told that I must pay a cover at 11pm, knowing one of the promoters especially one as exorbitant as $ 50.00.
We told the girls behind us to go ahead of us. The nice Italian ladies were allowed to enter without any issues. I am happy they did not experience the strange $ 50.00 cover story, but unfortunately it makes you wonder. My best friend and I were dressed and put together well. We have been to many nightspots (exclusive/​regular) and NEVER had any issues. hmmmm? Maybe The Gates were feeling themselves that particular night or maybe it was a full moon. I hope it isn’t more than that.
However, there are no hard feelings against The Gates; there are many hot spot in New York City for me to shake my tail at.

Imitation of a club imitating to be a lounge imitating to be a bar. So The Gates is a bit of bi-​polar, because the place is minuscule enough to be a just a bar, but then they have dancing in the back. I have no idea why they have a dance area because the music they play is rather atrocious and rather difficult to get your groove on.
The place is extremely difficult to get in if you don’t know a promoter, aren’t on the list, and don’t want to pay ridic cover at the door. Drinks are eyebrow-​raising, alarmingly high. I ordered 4 shots of tequila and not joking, my bill was $ 86.00. That means each shot was $ 21.50 for Patron Silver, and I didn’t even ask for Patron — she just assumed that I needed to have the most top shelf liquor and decided to rip a gaping hole through my wallet without asking for my consent.
Aside from that, the place gets packed to the hilt and drunk B&Ters have the uncanny ability to aim straight for your shoes when spilling drinks. The «dance floor» consists of awkwardly hovering around the tables in the back, trying to find an inch of space where someone isn’t practicing their wannabe ABDC moves on you.
The only nice things about this bar slash lounge is that the décor is very emo-​goth, with lush velvet walls, opulent chandeliers, and cushy chairs. Crowd is very good-​looking, expect lots of tan girls teetering on 5 inch platforms and dudes decked out in blazers.

I’m petrified of velvet rope-​d spots, as I’m not a fan of getting rejected. (Ouch — my pride.) Experts say that the way to eradicate a phobia is exposure. (Granted, that method is meant for irrational fears, but whatever.) I might add that it also helps to have someone lead you into the snake pit.
On a recent Wednesday night, my companion and I walked out of the Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theatre at around 11p and were considering our follow-​up options. He fixed his gaze on the two gigantic brass gates across the street. I took one look at the bouncer and started to panic a little.
«Umm… So, Black Door? It’s relatively close.»
«Nah, I’ve been there already. Let’s try that place. It looks interesting.»
(And by interesting you mean exclusive…) «But, but… ugh, dammit.» And I ran to catch up to him.
Our entrance was completely hassle-​free: No line; No cover. Once inside, we parked at the bar briefly. One $ 17 combo of a Corona and a teeny, tiny vodka gimlet later (Wait, this isn’t Salon de Ning…), we looked for an area in which to settle: The lounge area was completely occupied; The bar area in the front, however, remained relatively empty, so we returned there and plopped in a banquette.
The Gates is really quite beautiful: It’s Jekyll/​Hyde meets Tower of Terror décor. In a good way. It emits a kind of eerie-​chic. The furniture pieces — guilded mirrors, old-​school chandeliers, fireplace, etc. — give the place an antique-​y, but not overdone, look. Very lovely. The place certainly exhibits the aura of a bygone age. Oh, and did I mention the dusky lighting?
Note: I wasn’t really paying much attention… but I’m somewhat certain that the majority of the patrons were female. Perhaps Wednesday is Ladies Night???

Gates to Hell indeed. Huge exaggeration from the site. The club is pretty plane. Nothing much to be expected. The place was not spacious either. The crowd was 90% Long Island and Jersey Jewish people. Not really a dope place at all.
Also, a rude bouncer named «Danny» who must weigh about 150lb. Dude has mouse ears. Who meets a bouncer that they can beat up… c’mon son.

I have a mixed feeling about the Gates. The first time I was there was for a fashion week event with interesting fashon crowds. Not saying the model-​ish, but the people working in the industry. However, other times that I have been, it was quite a cat clawed attitute across the place.
The place is quite nice and rather gothic & old fashioned a bit. 80% of crowds are in very attractive side for both sexes without being too dressed up, let’s say casual. I am not sure they are models (just to point out, not all models are so gorgeous if you ever noticed) or just flat out regular cute crowds. But, there was some preped girls who sat on a certain spot not moving and claiming their territory by radar screening you with piercing eyes and pushing you in competing manner. They aren’t dancing nor drinking nor belong to any of the tables, which we found somehow ridiculously stupid. What are you, here to hunt or something? LOL
There are once in a while finger food trays around which are usually tastefully done when there are events.
The bathroom downstairs is unisex and plenty of space and time for chatting in line which if anyone find it useful for whatever purpose. Upstairs are obnoxious packed most of the time. Whenever you pass through the crowds, you feel like you’ve come out of some kind of a tight hole. Music is ok. Once you get tired of the main ball, you can go to bar area where you can talk.
I found this place A Ok but always feel like I need something more. Maybe beauty needs some subtance?

The Gates is a prime example where the website really exaggerates the quality of the club. My expectations were unmet.
I came here for a networking cocktails and fashion event, and I was rather surprised that it was not a grand looking edifice, as it is made out to be on its website. Also, it was disappointing that it was not as spacious.
The downstairs area was where the restrooms were located. It’s narrow and reeks of urine, which was by no means, impressive at all.
Regardless of these defects, the plush couches, wood furnishings, and fireplace could be pleasant, but the warmth was also a deception. I was freezing in the lounge area because it seemed as if they had the freaken A/​C running in the middle of winter. wtf.
But why, oh why, is the Gates, the type of place where models and bottles and money predominate? Don’t understand, but I must congratulate the Gates’ business and marketing team for doing a fantastic job of pulling wool over people’s eyes and raking it in when it’s actually sub-​par.
Fail.

ahh typical models and bottles type club. Once I got in, once I got denied. The time I got in was actually really fun. My friend was with a promoter so we chilled at their table. The music was really good. It was just mad small, definitely not a club. It’s a lounge with loud music.
Now the time I got denied — went to the door. The door guy was really cool, at first. I dropped the name of my frends promoter friend and he said «ahh idk, I can’t let in two guys right now.» (this was around 1:30/2 a.m.) the guy told me to tell the promoter to come out and get me. I bbm’d my friend and had her come out & the dude became a major douche. I think he was pissed that I a few hot girls come out to get me. Seriously he was like bipolar. My friend went back inside to get the promoter and the guy said either way we weren’t getting in so my friend and I left. Hey, it happens.
I’ll probably check this place out this Thursday b/​c my friend promotes this spot now (not a friend of a friend lol)

chandeliers, high ceiling, marble, opulence and exclusivity — check! even though this kind of place isn’t really my scene, we had a great time at The Gates. A friend of ours is a member so we didn’t have to wait in line or pay a cover. The drinks, like anywhere in NYC, were expensive but that was expected. And the music was a real good mix of all kinds of music. The crowd was young and just looking to have fun — very carefree. we got there around 1am and partied the rest of the night, so fun.

2 situations are playing the main role when you experience a club. First at all how are you gonna get in. Second, how is the club itself .
For the first, you know how it works. Some nice venues, like The Park, doesn’t give you any trouble (more than no sneakers). There is a lot however, where is critical to follow certain rules including dress code, bottle service (guys), cover, long lines, be surrounded by girls, to deal with the bouncer or you can just take the fast way; either to know someone or meet a party promoter who can easily get you in.
The Gates belongs to the second type… exclusivity is imprinted in the front. I guess I was lucky? since it has been already 2 visits to this place. First time, a fashion party during the last Fashion Week edition and second time as part of a party promoter list. I know, being a girl helps
Said this, you can guess to cross The Gates wasn’t a issue for me.
Once you are inside you can appreciate how different The Gates looks like comparing to another venues. Vintage-​baroque its how I can described it. The drinks wasn’t bad, even better than in other places same kind. We stayed there however just around 40 min and then we left for two main reasons: the crowd and the music.
The Gates is for me a bar pretending to be a lounge and/​or a dance club without success. too loud for a lounge, to small and pack with furniture and people to dance easily, The music, even being a personal opinion, it was just a weird mix. Some old hip hop hits, and some pop and rock but without any sense and not the best selection.
And then the crowd. First time it was a Fashion Party. It wasn’t that bad; I deal however with some kind that I could recognize again in my second visit, during the normal life at The Gates. Kind of good looking people everywhere. but not very polite… you push me, you don’t even say sorry. why you girls check me up and down that much? are you jealous? and the guys, the men, are you fishing? I’m glad I wasn’t enough interesting for them. The servers wasn’t nice as well and they will push you if you are in their way. There were only 2 persons I found nice during that time. The lovely man in the bathroom and a guy in the bathroom line who ask me sorry million of times being me who step on him.
Gates, I though I would never say this, but I’m very happy that you are that exclusive

This place made me mad. Lots of hype, we went on a Tuesday, got in free and still mad. It’s one long long corridor, with VIP seating in the center of the main area and on the sides, so it is absolutely impossible to dance except in the wasted space between the bar and the main room.
Also, who thought a live fireplace was a good idea in a crowded bar? They need to limit this to lounge only or change the seating because it was just badly designed.
They were playing electro-​pop, some hip hop and house-​dj was actually playing a good selection, minus the absolute lack of transition. Just give up before you start and put it on itunes if you’re gonna go that way.

By Gates do they mean the Gates to hell, because that is what it felt like? I guess this spot is perfect, if you love that line/​list, $ 500 bottle, pretentious people type of place. Definitely not my jam. To entertain myself I came up with a list of articles of clothing/​styles that should never be worn by a human ever:
1. Hats with zippers
2. Overly gelled hair that looks «wet»
3. Thongs poking out of low riders
4. Thongs poking out of short dresses (ok if you’re a stripper and that is your job)
5. Vests on dudes with nothing under them
6. Orange tans
7. Sunglasses indoors (unless you are blind or an A-​List celeb)
8. Double popped collars

After having those vile samplings of what they like to call «tapas» at Death & Co. and Mayahuel, I was rather weary of this new revamping of the bar menu trend that’s sweeping the scene.
I gave a chance to Gates due to the fact that I’ll be working for their PR company, plus I wanted to get a real feel for how they have developed since they opened in April.
The Savory:
Truffled Wild Mushroom Flatbread $ 13 — Crispy crust, warm goat cheese and perfectly sliced portions make this dish #1
Flat Iron Steak Skewers $ 12– More like Fillet Mignon on a stick!
BBQ Pork Belly Pizza $ 12 — Not much of a pork belly taste but the hot peppers add an uplifting zest to the dish
Chef’s Special $ 15– Not on the menu and may not be available on normal service days but utterly delightful nonetheless. Includes sliced chicken breast over garlic mashed potatoes and a mushroom gravy with a side of spinach mmmmmm.
The Sweet:
Ever the posh setting, I’ve notice the addition of 6 feet tall model waitresses — nice touch. Plus instead of being snooty and stand offish, they tend to be very friendly, and accommodating to your every request.
House Made Truffles $ 7 — I would have liked a tray of the White Chocolate Peanut Butter instead, but with 3 sets (9 pieces) of bite sized samples I was satisfied with the assortment.
The Bitter:
I expected more of a crowd on a Friday night, but like Above Allen I believe the words «Members Only» tends to thin out a place more then fill it these days.
I’m accustomed to high priced cocktails (Eh hem Eldridge) but I expect them to hit hard for $ 18. The Fruto de Leicha was over packed with ice and light on the rum. I actually opted to get our next drinks at the Eldridge instead of ordering a second cocktail.
On another note… this was sort of strange… we’re accustomed to owners and managers sending us over dishes… but we never get billed for them! The truffles were sent over unrequested… ummm on our dime. I’ll be sure to send back any extra dishes that come our way next time.
Definitely worth trying for dinner, I would advise anyone to avoid being bashful at the door, and come here to start the night out like an A-​Lister.

One word comes to mind when I think of The Gates.
«WOW!»
I’m going to tell my story a little differently from my fellow Unilocalers who have already been lucky enough to check out this place. I know there are the Ambassadors, and the friends of Ambassadors and industry insiders who frequent the new «it» spot but I happen to be great friends with one of the partner’s and his wife. So when I was extended a personal invitation to check the spot out, it was an opportunity I could not pass up. You must be crazy!
OMG the place is friggin’ GORGE!!! As in GORGEous!
Even though its on a sketchy block on 8^th avenue with CVS at the corner it hardly seems like the idyllic hot spot place. But I pull up and all that’s missing was a red carpet for the nights events. Pretty girls, with short dresses greet you at the door, holding their clipboards waiting to check off your name on the list (I’m sure they’re almost wishing they couldn’t find your name just to have a little fun). But we just breeze by the crowd of fashionistas outside and inside was a side of NYC I thought only existed in legends. How did I end up here? How did I get so lucky? AND WAIT… is that a CHIHUAHUA? Yes, a Paris Hilton look alike walked in with her little rat dog and everyone’s letting out a collective sigh…“awww, how cute.” A dog got in before most of the public was able to. Haha, only in NY.
I don’t know about you. But when I heard marble everything and decadent crushed velvet and gold and the works, I thought «how tacky.» But it works together beautifully. The opulence is not their downfall but instead a beautiful tie in with the modern details they’ve introduced to the place. Little crystal chandeliers, mirrored walls, high ceilings, a fireplace. Just classy, stunning, seductive and lots of fun.
I was whip-​lashing all night just people checking. The girls dress to the nines with all the must have shoes, bags and hair. The guys are, well probably gay but still yummy eye candy. If SATC was still on air right now, I’m sure they would have shot an interesting scene here.
We got to try a sample platter of some of their yummy bar food. Mac & Cheese lollipoops, veal burgers the size of half dollars, steak skewers, lobster grilled cheese, truffled mushroom and goat cheese pizza. It was all soo tasty and exceeded my expectations. We even got a private kitchen tour and thanked the Sous chef (the head chef was off that night) for an amazing meal.
I hear that they are slowly opening up to the public once the press frenzy period is over. But weekends and late nights still belong to the Ambassador and members only crowd. I think if you can manage to get your name on one of these lists, this place would totally be worth it. I haven’t enjoyed myself this much at a hyped up place in a very long time. The Gates delivers and you won’t regret it. Now I can die knowing I’ve walked through those Gates.

Granted I was late and missed the Tribeca Film Festival afterparty, I did get a chance to go inside and have a drink.
It was a soft opening, but I can tell you that this is going to be a page six type of place. The lounge has marble floors, a fireplace, and a nice sized bar. They are anti-​promoters, so you will have to know someone to get in.
You’ve been warned!

Everyone is talking about the Gates lately because of it’s sort of novel exclusivity. See, they’ve chosen 100 «ambassadors» in NYC that represent the different niches and circles of people they’d like to make up their lounge scene. Each of these ambassadors gets to choose 5 friends that become «members» and get the next tier of privileges. The privileges range from an private cell phone number that gets you through the door regardless of the outside queue, special private parties, etc. As far as I know these privileges come free of charge.
Though I’m not one of these ambassadors (clearly my invitation was lost in the mail) I did have a chance (thanks to the fabulous Gia V’s determined persuasive techniques) to check out the space at a private after-​party for the film Handsome Harry that had screened Saturday at the Tribeca Film Festival. As such vodka drinks were free so I cannot comment on the likely pricey cocktails but the space was pretty gorgeous. Floor to ceiling is entirely decked out in marble with gold accents and shiny chandeliers softly lighting the main room. Structured like a long rectangle the front bar was a solid wood and the back room ended with a roaring fireplace. There were mirrors on the walls and the tables along the banquettes were topped with large mirrors which mostly reminded me of the coke fiend scenes in Boogie Nights.
The guests were beautiful and dressed to the nines but as it was an industry event I can’t be sure what the 100 ambassador guestlist will be like or how they’ll open it to the public. As it is, I’m looking forward to future adventures through those gold gates on 8^th Ave.