aking “antique” new by spelling it with a “k” is so trendy it makes me want to wear leggings under my cut-off jean shorts. The only other direction Antik’s owners could have been going with that name that I can think of is a pun off “antic” - in which case I still don’t get it. Name quibbles aside, Antik is one of New York’s newest watering holes to be seen in.

Antik is located in the old Marion’s Marquee space on Bowery Street. Owners Larry Kramer and Craig Koening, who also own Retreat and King’s Cross, are hopeful about their new project. The vibe of their new spot is all about VIP privacy and self-aware chic. The door of the narrow eight-table space isn’t too tough to get through but reservations are never a bad idea. If you do indeed manage to get a seat, don’t even think about going to get a drink at the bar. There sin;t even a bar in sight. They only have a service bar at Antik which forces customers to order drinks from their server.

This arrangement can be annoying for independent double-fisting types who don’t want to wait around for their server to pay attention to them. To ensure decent service, learn your server’s name at the beginning of the night and let her know what kind of drinking pace you’re on. Setting this precedent at the start of the evening will save you frustration at Antik.

The mysterious man behind the curtain mixing up $12 cocktails is bartender Jesse Lee Carr. He makes a mean Mexican and a stiff Manhattan. He seems like a nice guy but it’s hard to pick his brain since he’s secluded and not supposed to converse with customers.

Antik isn’t for everybody. If you like chatting with bartenders and ordering your own drinks you will hate Antik. If you enjoy fancy drinks in a dark setting that tries to make you feel like a somebody because they let you in, Antik is for you. If you’re not quite sure which camp you fall into, check out Antik and bail to Marion’s or King’s Cross if Antik leaves you unimpressed. –J.T.