1.

the cocktails were never any good because DeGroff designed the list but that was it.

the bartenders were untrained, they didn't use jiggers, didn't know cocktails...etc.

basically it was a farce from day one. since they couldn't get a cocktail geek crowd they couldn't rely upon B&T either since the design did not fit in with the regular douchebagging district vibe and the place had no chance.

2.

I agree; the food was just down right boring/awful as well.

3.

Beautiful space, but rather clueless staff, mediocre food and a hazy idea of concept make this unsurprising news.

4.

I can't believe you guys put this place on Deathwatch, I mean they were only charging $14 a drink with no atmosphere to speak of, food was at least as good if not better than that Chodorow steak place. I do like the big leather chairs.

5.

Was this not the " Village Idiot " space - Now that was the meatpacking district

6.

Yes it was the village idot.... They tried have tv shows filmed there(i think it was six degrees) and having newsboy promotions with Hendricks. Nothing really worked..... Sorry to see a great space go!
I think Comix next door might be next on the Deathwatch!

7.

these landlords are so eager to kick out the old tenants for the new hipster places at a higher rent. Now they will have no rental income coming in for at least a few months - why can't they leave good enough alone - The village idiot was there for years and years

8.

I might be wrong (curbed readers, help) but didn't Walker Malloy broker the deal for this spot? IMHO, biggest douchebags in commercial real estate.

9.

Yay! I anxiously await the return of the Village Idiot!

(I won't be holding my breath.)

10.

You guys are all nuts!!
this place is not even close to die!
this deathwatch is Bogus.the bar scene is amazing,the food is great and the place is beautifull.It Takes a jerk ,to send a wrong message and next thing you know speculations arise.
Dum Dums.

11.

#10
With a schill post like that, for sure to close.

12.

you guys are sooo wrong. i LOVE gin lane. amazing atmosphere, food and service and wonderful. it's here to stay.

13.

I love #12 as well as #10. Is this an "Iraq-esque phased withdrawal" for real estate? Are the owners afraid that once blood is in the water the meager crowd that goes here will dry up and necessitate a rapid sale at less than favorable terms?

I live right near by for 10 years and this "johnny come lately" was the wrong fit for the MePa and the antithesis of the entire "faux speakeasy" vibe sweeping the city. Its gigantic, and screams on the (almost) corner spot "look at me". Not exactly prohibition era subtle coolness.

The rent is no doubt crippling, and just getting that "fraternity basement/flooded horse stable/old beer on wood floor" smell out of the village idiot probably cost 250K alone. Just the smell people.
Fortunatley, the mid-30's-40's hedge fund guys that more than likely backed this farce do not need it to pay for their cocktails out in the...(you know where).

Batter up!

oh and comix is definitely next....

14.

Gin Lane done. saw scott connant in and out of the place recently ????? maybe his new home ????