Review: Outer Heaven
Come to Outer Heaven for an otherworldly experience.
Why go here: Outer Heaven does the seemingly impossible for LES – it seamlessly mixes a high-end cocktail lounge with a dance club (with enough space to actually dance). Outer Heaven has two sections: a cocktail lounge called the Record Bar, connected to a “micro club” with a raised DJ booth and dance floor.
This place truly is for everyone: If you’re an audiophile, the sound system is incredible. If you want to let loose and dance, there’s ample room to show your moves under the epic light effects. If you just want to chat with a date, enjoy a solid cocktail in the swanky lounge seating. Come to Outer Heaven for a guaranteed great night.
The vibe: With ethereal lights, a truly amazing sound system and phenomenal drinks, Outer Heaven’s vibes are truly otherworldly. The cocktail bar is sleek and elegant, but subtle elements like vintage comic books on the walls and arcade games, tie in the galactic feel of the epic light show in the micro club. Sipping on a yuzu vodka drink, enveloped in waves of colored light, it’s one of the few places in NYC where you can really just get lost. The staff is also phenomenal - spilled drinks are mopped up immediately, and there’s free coat check at the front. The bouncers could also let in more people to fill capacity, but they leave room so that you can enjoy yourself without chaos. It’s clear that every detail is intentional and meticulously planned and it’s the thoughtfulness of the experience that will leave you wanting to come back for more.
The drinks: Despite also being a dance club, Outer Heaven’s cocktails could hold their own against many of the city’s cocktail lounges. The drinks are well-executed and creative. The “Death Note”, a spicy tequila-based drink, offers s twist with yuzu kosho and fruity melon notes. Try the “Exotic Smashmouth”, made with rum, lemongrass, sesame and mint. I’d come back for the drinks alone.
How to do it right: Like all places in LES, Outer Heaven is a wait. Especially if you come on a weekend, plan to wait at least an hour, or come earlier than 10:00pm to get in faster. There’s no entry fees and if you want to book a table, it’s pretty easy to get one. Once you’re in, explore the space – slowly sip a cocktail in the lounge and then get lost in the lights on the dance floor. No matter what you do, Outer Heaven is sure to be out of this world.
