New York

11.29.07

Tropical 128

128 Elizabeth St, near Broome; 212.925.8219

As the weather cools, men's thoughts turn to more exotic climes, e.g., Bora Bora, Thailand, and...Elizabeth, near Broome? For balmy imbibing without being forced to watch Hairspray on an airplane, hit up Tropical 128.

A sprawling Polynesian lounge, the recently remodeled 128 now abounds with tiki, e.g., fake rock walls, riotous ersatz foliage, and a two-way mirror'd aquarium that allows you to safely see the bar from the bathroom (a rare opportunity to hold your penis while looking at clothed people). Drinks-wise, there's 20+ beers, a house-sanctioned $8 Sake Bomb, plus rice-wine cocktails like the Pink Pearl, Sake Lemon Drop, and Sake Screwdriver -- "for the flavor purist". The shockingly cheap food menu focuses on chicken/duck/pork skewers, plus snacky seafood like fish balls and Otoko Yaki -- dumplings made from octopus (as opposed to Octopussy, which would include the reconstituted bits of Roger Moore's dreams).

Wander past the lounge, and you'll find a low-lit, low-steeze pool hall with ten regulation tables and one snooker table so gigantic, you'll have to bide your time with John Travolta's obese tranny-antics just to travel from one side to the other.

Check out the menu