Opening Reports: The Varnish, By Sasha Petraske and Co.

Downtown: Finally open in the tiny space behind Cole's French Dip is the Varnish, the "speakeasy bar" from Sasha Petraske (of the renowned Milk & Honey), Eric Alperin and Cedd Moses. Its entrance—through the Cole's dining room—is marked only by a lonely cocktail sign; as for the 50-person space itself, the ridiculously-detailed decor is straight out of the Prohibition era, from the floor tiles to the vintage booths (fun fact: they are made with original seating from a trolley graveyard in New Orleans). But of course, the main draw is the cocktails, which start at $11. Further reading on the Varnish can be enjoyed at Mattatouille, Thrillist, and Daily Candy. 118 East Sixth Street; (213) 622-9999; website
—By Harlow Quinn