On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
23rd St-6th Ave (F, V)
23rd St-Broadway (R, W)
23rd Street (PATH)
Loading...
Taj is another NYC Restaurant turned Bar/Lounge,(after 11pm) that NYC is oh so famous for.
I only go to Taj on Saturday night because I have a thing for good music. The thing with bar/lounges in NYC is that the promotions are not done in house, but they hire a 3rd party promoter to pack the place. Sometimes you go to Taj and have a great time, only to be followed by a horrendous time the next time back.
If you're having a bad time, you should ask the cashier for the name of the promoter that is responsible, and swear to yourself to never again attend their events.
If you're having a great time, make sure you get on the mailing list and attend only those events.
When I went, the promoters I met were Troy and Damon, two very nice individuals that have friendly outgoing personalities. They had no problem giving me a contact number in case I am looking for an event to attend.
Taj Saturdays is great, but like all other venues, make sure you get there early and that you know a guestlist to be on. Otherwise they will charge you an arm and a leg for entry.
Sometimes there is a sponsored open bar from 10-11p to attract an early crowd.
Which genius came up with this name? I think I'm gonna start a new club/ lounge and call it JAT. No more promoters, boxy layout, with obnoxiously loud music with DJ's that talks too much. No, I'm parting ways with all the VIP tables and I'll just plug in my ipod with an occasional shout out. (No, not to anyone from the five boroughs). Oh yeah, it's BYOB. Yeah, now we're talking.
Back to Taj. I've been here several times for happy hour during the week, and there's usually no cover. On the weekend, it's $20 bux if you're on a guest list. Why do they call it a guest list when I still have to pay? (must be the same genius that came up with the name "TAJ"). The crowd varies depending on the "occasion", which is fine by me as I like a more diverse crowd. On the weekend, it seems like all the Asians/Caucasians go to Slates and everyone else goes to Duvet or Taj. If you want to know what type of crowd's popping on a given night, just walk by. It's pretty obvious by the lines outside.
Next time you're at the Flatiron area, just look for the nice new spot next to Taj, my new club JAT. I'll be there!
I
i don't like taj either. bah humbug, i hate everything. read my review on duvet. go ahead, read it i'll wait. ok minus the bed, put it in the same area (across the street), the same kind of people and a little less for admission ($20) and you have taj.
ok that was for the night club taj. afterwork taj gets 2 stars. there's a hookah bar upstairs and no cover. drinks are still club prices and the crowd is less rowdy and the place has room to move around.
i don't much care for the layout, the dance floor is wide but slim ya know so during clubbing times, its crowded as hell. the dj, at least everytime i went, talks way too much. "shout out to brooklyn, shout to queens, shout out to my basement apartment in my parent's house". play the damn music.
one star taj, i don't hate u as much as duvet but you're close enough for me to hate you.
Oh Taj. You're down the street from me, yet I tend to avoid that area. I've been to Taj twice in the past year or so. The first time for an Ivy mixer (heh... I was a plus 1) and the second time for a birthday party. The Ivy Mixer was a-ok. The food was ok and the event was crowded. The second time I Went was for a birthday. The upstairs is a good space to host an intimate event. The music isn't bad, you have a "private" bar and you'll get some champagne. It gets extremely crowded, so if you don't like rubbing up against a lot of people, you won't like Taj (or most of the clubs in that area for that matter).
Ive been to TAJ twice and each time there was a problem getting in. The bouncers are ogres and grade-A douche-bags. The DJ sucked, both times. TAJ really turned me off when they wouldn't let my friend and his party in for his birthday. Even after he reserved a table. Not completely TAJs fault, but it left a sour taste in my mouth and I wouldn't go again.
I am almost a bit ashamed to admit that i have been here more than a few times now
they always say 3 is a charm....i say shame on me for taking 3 times to realize that this place is
One Gigantic shi*tshow that I never want to be a part of.
Sh*teous crowd, no d-bags, but downright ghetto
Music is decent, if you fancy Hip Hop that is...i'm not talking about top 40's hip hop..im talking about " Brooklyn we go hard" kind..if you know what i mean .
You'll only here me go " oooo...not another bday at Taj again"
and never go " TAJ..O hot damn, this is my jam, keep me party'in till the am"
On a side note, I would NEVER pay bottle service to get in here...its just not one of those " seen-to-be-seen worthy clubs, I see poor people standing outside with the d-bag bouncer tricking them to open 2 grey goose bottle for 8 people. Poor clueless clubbers have no idea they are being abused. !
12 hours later, I am still traumatized by:
- the sloppy face-sucking action witnessed by the bar
-2 cougars and a horny teen threesome grinding action
Way dissapointing. And such a rip off. I expected much better with so many good yelp reviews.
Had my b-day party here last night. Huge mistake, DON'T DO IT! Arrived early (11:30) and still had trouble at the door. Apparently a $600 table reservation doesn't matter. We were instructed to wait in the "line" which was just a mob on the sidewalk, took 20 minutes to get in.
Once inside, there was a mandatory coat check ($3 per item). The decor was non-existent, they just turned off all the lights in attempt to create "ambiance". Can't believe I spent so much money at this dump. The pics online are really decieving.
The music was just OK, mostly old school hip hop, felt like I was at a wedding for a while. The crowd was just TRASHY. Hoochies in Forever 21 spandex barely covering ther lady bits, showing off all thier cellulite. Skeevy dudes just STANDING on the dance floor.
Was emailing with the promoter, Chris AC, for two weeks. What a joke. He promised "no door drama" and any one on my guest list would not have to wait in line. LIES! A group of friends who arrived later (12:30) were told to go to the back of line, which was of course an hour long at that point. He also said we would have a table on the upper level with plenty of room for my party of 12-15 ppl. Nope! We got shoved into one of the small tables downstairs with seating for only 4 ppl.
I managed to have a decent night only because i was with my friends.
In short, I will never, EVER go back here. You should not go either!
What's the point of having a bouncer and a line, if all you're trying to do is create the biggest fire hazard on the block? I'm fine with crowds, but when it's something else when you can't find a spot on the dance floor where you feel bodies on all 4 sides of you.
Aside from that though, I really like the upstairs balcony seating and bar. Chill upstairs. Dance downstairs. Drink on both. Done and done.
Just... please don't go past capacity and this place will be hoppin...
After reading the reviews I thought this place was going to be dbag city. It wasn't awful. My group started out here early (9:30) on a Friday night. We enjoyed the ambiance (tons of room) and the astronomically priced drinks while we immediately started chatting about somewhere else to go.
I wouldn't go back but I didn't spent the whole time I was there planning to kill myself like I thought I would. The bartenders were fast and pleasant. True story about the mandatory 20% gratuity. $6 on 3 drinks. I tip really well in general (former waitress karma) but it's a little excessive.
Well being that my friend organized my 21st birthday here, I guess I can't complain too much. Music was okay but not the best, guest list doesn't matter because you still end up waiting on the line, and the drinks are overpriced.
ps.
yes its taj lounge, but i find it funny that fellow Indians find the need to fit the stereotype and fill the majority population of this club.
Cool space, open downstairs and a bit more privacy upstairs. Not too crowded on this particular Thursday evening, but the purpose for this visit was a charity event; it's all about the kids. And I'll be damned if I give my liver a rest when the livelihood of our youth is involved.
To the bar I go. First drink of the night is a martini; just feels right to have a martini. Order myself a Bellvedere martini, up, with a twist. Terrible martini. Un-chilled glass, shaken with shards of ice floating and not even a twist, but rather a wedge of lemon. I've never been a martini snob, hell I've never even been a martini type of person, but after a few excellent specimens the other weekend at Koko's in Montreal, I guess my bar has been raised a bit. Oh well, on to Patron and vodka tonics, as well as eventually making a fool of myself.
Overall, the charity event was a big success. As for Taj, the space is cool and seems like it could have some potential. I'll just stay away from the martinis next time so as not to start the evening off at a low.
I went to the Taj Lounge tonight to see a friend of mine give an informal seminar on Social Media profiles like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Very informational presentation in an amazing venue. I had never been before and I am glad I did go.
The atmosphere was beyond chill...beyond comfortable. I got the sense that the world around me was melting away. Nothing else mattered. That is the sign of a good location.
Takes your mind off whatever the reason of why you went there in the first place. LOL...right?
Overall a beautiful location to drink and be merry with friends or make new friends.
Even after carefully reading the reviews on this site yesterday (which were quite negative btw) I decided to go to Taj b/c my friend really wanted me to join tonight. She even got a table!
My take: I'm so BEYOND disgusted with this club/lounge/waste of space!!! After getting there a few min before 11:30pm, I end up waiting in line for over an hour with NO MOVEMENT. I speak with a lady who walked by ONCE regarding guest list/party tables. I give my party's name (who btw were all already inside) and she tells me there's no party by that name. She never comes back again and the bouncers aren't even trying to listen to your story. AND HERE COMES THE WORST
..... After waiting for over an hour, the fat ugly bouncer states, "are ya'll still gonna hang 'cause were not lettin anyone in for 3 hours"...... R U KIDDING ME!!!! I do the whole call/ text my friend who cant seem to get me in!!!!!! So in the end I wasted time, burned gas, and sacrificed a good outfit to NOT EVEN MAKE IT in Taj.
For all those reading... DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME and forget the coming early to avoid the line. Just don't go AT ALL!!!!!
Taj does an invaluable service for me. When I hear someone say their favorite club is Taj, it's like saying to me, "hey let's NEVER hang out".
Disclaimer: read my review of Cielo. Then you'll understand why my review of Taj will be so positive.
First of all, we went to Taj on 8/28 to meet up with friends (aka saviors - again, read review of Cielo). Thanks to our friend having the connection, we got in for free, were stamped, and made our way into the club. We started it off with a round of drinks and made our way to a spot to get our dance on.
The music was awesome - everything we wanted: a mix of new hiphop, great old hiphop, reggaeton, dancehall. Before we left, we were even treated with an awesome merengue urbano hit, and a salsa! My night was complete! The crowd was lively, and the place had an islandy feel to it.
Overall, we had a blast at this spot and I would definitely recommend it to anyone!
When I first got in line, I was pumped about the birthday party that my friends were hosting at Taj.
When I got rejected by the bouncer in front of a big group of friends because I was wearing (clean) Chuck's and a suit vest and shirt...I wasn't all that surprised and understood because of all the retarded New York City dress policies. They told me that I had to either have on dress shoes or a dress shirt but that I wouldn't have to wait in line when I came back.
When I got back around 11:30pm, the line was RIDICULOUSLY long outside. I was let in near the front but still had to wait 30 minutes - it was even that packed inside. Lesson: get there before 11pm if you don't want to wait half the night outside.
Drinks are $10 but the bartender upstairs made them nice and stiff. The crowd in general was 'meh'. The music was generally top 40's.
Unless there is another event going on there, you won't catch me in line again!
Rolled in on a Friday night sometime ago but had a little problem at the door. It was still early but the bouncer wasn't tryin to let me in because my T-shirt had a cartoon character on it. He turned a blind eye when the 4 girls I was hangin with pleaded my case. I'm not only the Player President...I'm a client. And the designated dance partner.
I remember the beautiful Indian motif. Bar to the right side, stairs to the left to the overlook lounge. Mirrored pillars in the middle of the floor (if I remember right) and bathrooms in the back. Music was hip hop (so you know I was down). A couple of ladies, not in my crew, grabbed me and took me to the dance floor but the crowd was kinda light. Maybe I was there too early. But Porkies and Duvet (across the street) were extra packed!! The bar was definately over-priced. You're only paying to keep the doors open when you pay $10 for a beer.
Decor was nice. Bartenders and waitresses were cool. Bouncers were just doin there job so I won't hold it against them (jerks). Dance floor was spacious for a small place. Bathrooms were clean. Music was pumpin but I will have to go back on another night to make sure my drunken view was not blinded by my sunglasses.
from a female friend of mine having a celebration yesterday.
the good: the DJ was good. the place LOOKED sophisticated.
the bad: after about 12:30a, the staff cut off entry for the standard patrons, and began pushing bottle service on people; saying that the lounge was at max capacity (bullsh**, whereas the reality was the lounge was only half full. hell, you had quite ample space to walk to the restrooms). so you know that meant long lines accumulating along the street (for nothing). the service was lagging, and the drinks were so watered down, it was as if you were paying $10+ just for juice. they pretty much force coat check on you, as well.
... and they claimed there was no cover entry and no hassle. it was just a nightlife publicity ploy.
the ugly: overzealous bouncers. a friend of mine was waiting on the line upon overhearing the announcement that only bottle service patrons will be admitted. while trying to contact us, the bouncer snatched his phone, stating no calls while on line. (what this really indicates is that the bouncers and staff are afraid of being called out for what they're doing; for the hoods they're pulling over people's eyes.)
2 stars - because of the DJ rockin' out.
As I was leaving and saying goodbye to a friend someone randomly started grinding on me and I wasn't even on the dance floor. I had quite a few similar experiences at this place all in one night. It's a pretty ghetto crowd. I didn't have an awful time, but I wouldn't go back. The bar tender gave me and my friend shots and left forgetting to charge us.
It was not my type of music - heavily Hip-Hop - but my friend who is into just loved it and winked, waved and cheered the DJ. When we got in mostly sober, the music was too slow for me to dance or anything. However the music somehow improved by the night went on. I would say past midnight? The crowd was average. Since I had good company.. the night was fun but... Overall about the place - a OK
One good thing about was - The BAR - the service was super fast - None of us never waited even when the place was very packed. Maybe that's why we were so drunk by the end of the night. And the drinks were really good - just perfect. We were there on a Saturday night.
If you are into Hip-Hop, you will like the music.
WOW. I am surprised at the negative reviews, because my friends and I had such a WONDERFUL time. We went on Friday night. We got there early to see the last part of a comedy show -- show sucked but when the DJ came on, we were very very pleased. Hip hop, reggae and reggaeton galore. We literally danced all night. We had bottle service and a booth which was nice and offered us some privacy. The service was excellent. Nicole was the best!!! I had questions on the bill and she took her time to explain. She saw me walking to the bar (because I wanted some water) and she told me to go back and she would bring us a carafe of fresh water, which she delivered in less than five minutes. She kept replenishing our juices and ice without us having to ask.
In terms of the space itself, it was nice, spacious, with Middle Eastern decor and touches. I even liked the bathroom -- never had to wait on line, just walked right in each time. The lounge was crowded, but not packed to the point of my feeling overwhelmed or uncomfortable.
The crowd was diverse at first but I did notice as the night went on that the crowd deteriorated. There was a girl who looked like a tourist who threw up in the booth next to us... and there were some idiots throwing ice from a booth across from us. Aaaaahhhh... New York.... you are so very unique.
At that point, we exited stage left. Despite those minor annoyances, we truly did enjoy the music, the ambience and the service. We all agreed that we would come back.
Loved it!
I attended a work event from 6-9 at the venue and have to say I really enjoyed myself.. now the free drinks and appetizers also helped sway me..
My only issue with this place is that lighting .. not enough of it. It feels a bit "black holeish" .. but if you can get past the lighting it is great.
The DJ played lots of old school and new hip-hop (my personal favorite), the drinks were tasty and had I been paying I assume standard NYC prices.
I liked the table set up and the Indian decor was also a nice touch. The "VIP" area is cool .. you overlook the dance floor. Had this NOT been a company party I would have engaged in a more robust people watching session .. but alas I was "working."
Overall .. I would visit Taj again .. apparently the host weddings too .. this I found odd .. but it is a recession .. gotta do what you can.
Quite a wonderful decor, such a wack crowd...
It's been my 1st and only time there when we celebrated July, 4 this year - tempted us with an open bar of Sex on the Beach, which was absolutely not worth it as the drinks were very very weak and it was like filling the stomach with free peach syrup... eww
As some guys mentioned, the crowd is more on the mature side (and I mean like even in their 60-s Lol but true)), and mostly B&T - so if you're looking for an "authentic spirit of NYC" kind of club, you probably won't find it here
As for music, it wasn't bad, but wasn't that good either: a blah mash of mostly the 80's, 90's, some hip-hop... needs more regaetton, to my taste :p
Bottomline: try it - you might like it; but if you really have a choice, shake whatcha momma gave ya in some other place with a cooler vibe
P.S. Watch your belongings, carefully watch them: my friend's bag almost got stolen
Oh boy Taj...I miss going here back in the day. The music is a good mix of hip hop, 80's rock and newer stuff, and it doesn't change much. The layout is pretty decent, with a nice amount of open space and also a good variety of tables. The upstairs balcony is nice as well, with its own private bar. The whole Eastern motif throughout the place is kinda corny after awhile, but its better than the ultra-modern looks many other nightspots go for. The staff is pretty cool considering its a club, with very nice bartenders and fairly easy-going bouncers. Like all nightclubs, they pull the usual bullshit (we're at capacity unless you have $200 to spend on a bottle, "proper attire" even if we're dead inside, overpriced drinks, etc.). Place isn't as young and hip as other nightspots, but I enjoyed it immensely.
I really, really liked the decor and ambiance of this place. It's got good lighting unless you are upstairs in which case, everyone looks really good b/c you can barely see anyone! hahaha. I enjoyed the music as the beat was good. Chairs are comfy and there are private "nooks" and couches where a small group or people can sit, chat, make out, whatever. I liked not having to see people get it on...
All in all, an enjoyable experience. Was a bit tired so didn't get to enjoy the full breadth and depth of the crowd, drinks, or food. Ambiance and decor was great, but then again, depends on what hour, eh?
I was there last night for a big alumni mixer. It was actually a lot of fun.
The Taj Lounge has a great decor. Right now though the glass on the front door is cracked and needs to be repaired. For now, they've secured the glass with tape. It looks like someone threw something or tried to kick it in. It makes for a quick and easy way to find the place though ;) The hosts were nice. When I showed up I said I was early but they welcomed me in.
I arrived a few minutes early I figured it was time to eat. However, I thought their bar menu looked so-so and over-priced. I wasn't in the mood for small portions that I had to pay too much money for. Instead, I excused myself and walked back around the block to the Chipotle taqueria I'd passed on the way in on 6th and got a filling meal for around $10.
One bartender was also nice and let us know that they were having Happy Hour specials of $4.00 for beers and $6.00 for well drinks. By the time I got back from my Mexican food fun, another bartender was also behind the bar. She wasn't as pleasant. I stuck with my usual vodka base and ordered two vodka tonics while I was there.
The only bad thing that occurred was I went to the restroom and left my drink on the bar near the people I'd be talking to. I was in trusted company; they were all college or higher grads and most of whom are working - they didn't want my little ratty Jansport backpack. I left my things on the chair I was sitting on. I was running a tab, so they had my credit card. My stuff hadn't been moved, but the bartender cleared away my drink that was only 1/2 finished?! Boo! ...grumble...
I mean it was crowded and who takes a cocktail to the restroom with them? I got distracted on the way back as I ran into someone who went to my law school, but I had to get out of there around 8:15 to catch my BoltBus back to Philadelphia. I know wasn't gone that long, maybe 10 or 15 minutes, but my drink was. Boo!
Outside of the drink snatching habits of the bartender (don't know which one did it and didn't have time to suss it out), It's in a great location for downtown. I say that because by the time I got out, I had 10 minutes to get to the Tick Tock Diner across from Penn Station where the Bolt Bus picks up. I hailed a cab right away and got there with a few minutes to spare.
Overall, I liked this place. I can't comment on the food as I didn't have any. However, the people who worked there are nice. The bartenders are nice when they're not snatching away your drinks as soon as you walk away. The decor is nice. I'm a fan of hip-hop and R&B, so the music they had going I liked a lot too.
I can't say I LOVED it, but I'd definitely go back if it was in the plan for an evening out.
This place is ran buy a bunch of crooks. Was invited to a bay party here, where they tried to charge my friend $450 for a bottle of gray goose vodka.
Gray goose original price for $375+ $75 gratuity. Lmao
We ended up getting Absolute at $350. originaly priced at $275.
Man i always walked by this place n seen long lines, I asked myself whats so special about this place.... music, n decor was great but it was not worth the price.
I love Taj, when I am there I never feel disappointed, the music is always keeping you pumping, the crowd is well dressed and the staff is friendly.
If your on the guest list (which is easy to get on too) free entry, mandatory coat check (but once winter is over will it matter?) and from 10pm-12am drinks 2 for the price of 1.
They also do many movie pre-release parties, which sometimes means free tickets to movies coming soon!
Taj been there alot lately for some reason ..everyone seems to want to come here ..been there for birthday ...and because i got that "chris ac list" text for no cover ..had a wonderful time drinks are pricey ..there is like a indian them around there are some booths that surround the dance floor but in all good way to spend a sat or friday night
I was here recently for a private event, so while I cannot comment on the 'usual' crowd, I can say that it was a decent experience. Taj is easy to get to, spacious, and drinks aren't *too* expensive (I have my NYC goggles on when 11$ is a bargain for a drink).
The decor is a little over-the-top but kindof chintzy-fun in a way.
I would go back for a similar event.
I have NOT been to TAJ on weekends. So, people who are going there for the weekend IGNORE this review.
I love salsa dancing. So, I go there on Mondays. If you guys love dancing to latin music, this is the place to go. They have a salsa band playing there every week.
Drinks are okay, Food looks delicious. Dance floor is good and the crowd is fun.
There is an entry of $12 and coatch check is mandatory. (I dont like it when they are charging a cover why charge for coat check ?) That is a big downer for me. And the guys at the door force you to check your coat, which I didnt like.
So especially when the economy is in recession, I thought it is better to stay at home. And only if I feel like going out or I have friends who want to go there, then I go there. Else, I am saving my bucks for the rainy day.
I recently went to a party at Taj Lounge to celebrate the launch of my dance teacher 's newest video.
A terrible sound system and over priced drinks does not make me want to dance the Masala Bhangra. The sweet and spicy, Sarina Jain does!
Check her out, take her class, buy her video http://www.beyou.tv/Sa...
The Masala Bhangra is not only great fun..it's a fierce workout.
Balay, Balay!
I've only been to Taj when I was organizing or attending a large private event, and so far, the two times I've been here, it's been fun. Taj makes a considerable effort to remind the visitor that it intends to import an Indian inspired nightlife through its shiva sculptures, mahogony bar, and wooden floors. Still, I could see Taj's potential for intimate dining with that special someone or for a semi-private small party in the mezzanine.
Taj is relatively spacious and can fit up to 400-500 people in the main area. However, for a party of that size, two bathroom stalls could potentially create a long line. And having two bartenders at the small bar just doesn't meet drink demands quickly enough, especially if there are drinks at happy hour prices. I'm not sure if the number two is also Indian-inspired, but Taj should really do something about increasing that number on the aforementioned ends for guests.
The passed hors d'oeuvres at Taj was not particularly special. I sampled the Thai vegetable rice paper spring rolls, Philo puffs with spinach and goat cheese, and grilled chicken satay. Perhaps, my assessment of its food needs a larger, encompassing sample for it to be fair, but I doubt I'd come back to Taj just to try out its dinner menu. However, I will probably come back if there is another party taking place here.
Have only been here for the club/party scene...helped a friend throw a bday party here...its pretty decent...crowd is mostly young mid twenties with a few scattering of 30 somethings....
Drinks are not uber expensive but you will be paying in the teens for a drink....so this ain't no botanica prices if ya know what i mean ($5 cranberry vodkas @ botanica last time I went)
Dance floor and lounge area are kinda crammed together but if you go with friends it will be a great time...
It was pretty fun!
I went with a couple of friends on a Saturday night for a friends birthday and was EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED... It was as cold in the venue as it was outside so we were all shivering as we ate our dinner.
The waitor was nice and the LAMB was delicious but without a doubt this would not be a place I tell my friends they "HAVE TO EXPERIENCE!"
Overall - I left very disappointed.
Taj has a really nice ambiance and the layout is great because you can sit n lounge or get up n dance or just stand n chat.
The drinks are okay... I have had better concoctions. The crowd was... meh! Nothing to write home about.
The music was from the 80's and kinda fun. And thats why they get 3 stars.
TIP: Get there early and skip the line and get discounted drinks.
Drinks: Excellent! Liquor was flowing
Service:
Cocktail/Table waitress was excellent and really adorable.
Date worthy? No...unless you'd like shouting in his/her ear all night.
Bartender....yes you, guy with the super arched eyebrows, I didn't like your attitude when I didn't add tip to the mandatory 20% you already tacked into my bill.
I think this was my 2nd time in Taj but my first time sober. The space is huge and gorgeous. Table are huge and really roomy. Was there for a bachelorette party....congrats Tanuja!. Our waitress was adorable, and delectable..... I would have told her so if I didn't think she'd give me weird looks all night.
Music was a pick of hip hop and pop hits. Crowd was okay. Lots of B&T and just people you generally avoid in NY. The party I was with was lots of fun but I'm not sure I'd venture back in there alone with just 1 girlfriend.
Taj was once a cool, hip, underrated lounge spot that had a fun Indian vibe with its drapes and other middle eastern themed decorations. However, having frequented this place a few times in the past year, it has really gone downhill. The music has turned to a heavy mix of hip hop and the crowd has transformed from a fun lounge set to more of a hip hop urban scene. The place has definitely gone the way of the B&T crowd and it is noticeable in the clientele that form the line (unecessary) outside. Drinks are pricey. I have heard it is better during the week, but my advice would be to avoid at all costs during the weekend nights.
Good mixed crowd venue. It's not that big, but it's not small and suffocating either. Nicely decorated. I enjoyed my time here. There's separate upper- level VIP area. The venue is first a restaurant and then around a certain time, they move the tables so that people can have a dance floor.
I went there last night with a group of people. We got there at around 10-ish (10.10? or something), still had to wait in line for a while, we got in at 10.50 (I looked at the watch), so 40 minutes wasted waiting in line.
When we got in, there was a mandatory coat check. You MUST check your coat, even though the coat is a part of your attire, you MUST, one of my acquintances voiced out her disapproval. After that I was ushered to a bouncer that gave me a monstrous stamp on my hand.
I don't think the decor is bad, I kind of like it, however I didn't see the 2nd floor so who am I to judge. There was a fashion show which was impossible to see since the runway was conducted not on a stage, everybody surrounded the runway and I'm only 5'2 (I cried inside for being short).
People didn't start to dance until 12.30ish AM, the music was not that bad, but not great, I could really dance to some songs.
I forgot to add, the drink was strong enough for me (but I'm an alcohol-little-league lightweight champion).
Overall I enjoyed the experience but I'm not too crazy about the waiting in line and the mandatory coat check (it's not the money, it's the "you-MUST" kind of attitude that I dislike).
Drink Specials:
Neighborhood: Park Slope
$3 glass of sangria
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
Neighborhood: Theater District
Category: Lounges
Neighborhood: SoHo
Category: Lounges
I DIY'd my entire wedding with help from these…
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
Either you are too dressed up or need to burn off…
still searching for my favorite club... I just…
