If live music, tasty cocktails, and hype dance floors are your scene, Howl at the Moon is the perfect spot for you.
I came across this venue on a Thursday night, just in time for the continuation of their official opening celebration. Arriving at 5PM with zero expectations (well, more expecting a sports bar vibe), I was pleasantly surprised by the décor of this venue. This location features two floors complete with a mezzanine that overlooks the main stage with the live music performance. A 360° bar smack middle in the venue, with six flat screen TVs that cover all corners of the venue.
It was a rather immersive surrounding—definitely a haven in the midst of the surrounding fast-paced midtown area. The most accurate description of this venue would be that it felt like a New Orleans jazz club. It was also apparent that the owner, Jimmy Bernstein, did not skimp out on his renovations for this new midtown location.
I couldn’t visit a bar without trying the drinks, and per my waitresses’ suggestion (personally I’m into sweet drinks), I ordered the Honey Mango Margarita for my first round. It was a hit. I felt like I was drinking a mango flavored mocktail, but the buzz I felt assured me otherwise. Safe to say the drinks are not watered down. My second drink wasn’t out of the ordinary though, I ordered the St. Germain Lemonade (I wouldn’t recommend this one).
Another thing I have to rave about is the performance at this venue. Let me just say, I fell in L-O-V-E. Not only with the songs they were playing, but with the musicians as well (10/10 for how cute and into the songs they were). From “Uptown Funk” to “Living on a Prayer”, you hear it all; you can also request songs, but there’s no guarantees. I requested “Sugar” by Maroon 5 but they tried their best and ended up playing “This Love” instead. Nevertheless, a solid effort followed with a strong performance.
At this point (around 7 PM), Howl at the Moon actually started filling up quite quickly—it soon transformed from a live music bar into this high-energy, bar-club hybrid. A couple girls celebrating their friends’ birthday led the crowd into a late night of dancing.
All in all a very solid venue, great for large groups, and even better if you want to have an early start to your night.