When done right, themed bars can be fun. Will Ferrell's a funny guy and everybody loves a scorpion bowl, so with that in mind, take a look around Le Boudoir, a new subterranean drinking den inspired by Marie Antoinette. Poke around Antoinette's bookshelf, sip French 75 cocktails from silver-plated goblets and pose for photos in the model guillotine relieve yourself in the bathrooms, which are "exact replica[s] of her private powder room."
The owners of upstairs restaurant Chez Moi designed the space to feel like the Queen of France's private entertaining chateau, and its lavish decoration fits with the excesses that were enjoyed by France's detested monarch. Relics of the Queen abound, from a bust behind the bar and a portrait on the ceiling; there's even a doorknob allegedly taken from Antoinette's bedroom. Imagine looking through that keyhole!
Cocktails, designed by The Dead Rabbit alum Franky Marshall, allude to the opulence of the era—for the aristocracy, anyway—like the Dauphin, made with absinthe, chile liqueur, almond milk, coconut and cacao nibs. There's even a reference to Anotinette's famous execution by beheading in 1793 with the Guillotine, a smokey combination of mezcal and scotch with banana and honey.
Les Petits Pleasures are classic French offerings including Crispy Frog Legs, Country Pate with cornichons, cheese plates and croquettes with truffled mushrooms. Dessert offerings include Chocolate Mousse and Creme Brulee, but, disappointingly, may not include any cake.
135 Atlantic Avenue, downstairs, 347-227-8337; website
