Buddha Bar

Secreted behind sheer red curtains along the hipster-heavy part of St. Laurent, is a pure breath of fresh air. It can be easily missed due to the absence of a flashy, eye-catching sign, but that kind of understated simplicity is exactly what this place is all about. Seek out the large female Buddha statue flush to the sidewalk surrounded in wafting incense and sitting in a sand-filled base full of coins. The money is from those who have mistakenly thought her to be a prayer post-- and from patrons who simply enjoy wishing upon an idol.
You will also notice a distinct lack of line-up and an absence of cover charge. This is purely intentional. Owners Samer and Amer Yehia (identical twins), Sam Salah, and brothers Arden and Armen Dermofsesian, are all adamant about this. When the two-tier club is up to its 400 person capacity, they would rather turn people away than let them cool their heels in line. And refusing to charge cover is their way of saying that everyone is always welcome here. It seems to be working. Although the club is only a little over a year old, it has already garnered a very loyal clientele of believers ranging in age from 25 to 40.
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