Belmont Lounge

One can tell the owners of this joint are just waiting for the day when Uma Thurman or Kevin Spacey walk through the door and finally give legitimacy to the claim that they cater to celebrities and beautiful people. Until then they are going to have to be satisfied with a crowd of laid-back Union Square/Flat Iron District professionals who want to pop in after work for a martini and some light snacking. The place does have a nice atmosphere, some couches in a more than dark back room and the ever-present smell of some kind of nachos being shuttled from the small kitchen. Happy hour’s a good deal, not too crowded and a step up from some of the local bars. [MF]

117 E 15th St.