"Tryst"
District
180 Lincoln St
Boston, MA 02111

District is one of the newest lounges to open in downtown Boston. Located on Lincoln St (technically in the Leather District, hence the name), District adds a wonderful, chic and fashionable lounge/restaurant to that too often overlooked area of the city between Chinatown and Downtown Crossing. Art Bar attended an evening called ‘Tryst” that was to be boss nova and house music. The night looked promising, and District has been generating a positive buzz.

Delightfully decorated in a black and white motif, complete with shiny leather seating, fantastic bubbled walls lots of birch (yes, real birch tree limbs and branches), the décor and ambiance of District and definite and extremely well thought out. And for a restaurant fashioning itself more a lounge in the vein of Saint and Sanctuary, this well thought out design and detail is essential. The mix of soft padded walls, wiry chandeliers and real wood walls created a very distinct mood of relaxation and luxury that is perfectly accented by a few hints of red popping up in various sports.

The drinks were ok. The bar was very slow and the bartender didn’t seem able to handle such a large crowd. I am confident this will improve; the restaurant is still so new that the drink list hasn’t even been printed yet! The food all looked and smelled great, but none of the Art Bar staffers had anything to eat other than a few passed appetizers.

The music was suitable and was basically some great up-tempo bar grooves tracks courtesy of a DJ “spinning” on his PowerBook. To put it simply, we didn’t really notice the music. Whether this was the intent or not, I am not sure. I tend to think that it wasn’t, because the music had been promoted heavily in the flyer. Regardless, the sounds were appealing and once the right crowd finds its way here, the bar will really come alive.

We weren’t sure what exactly made up the “Tryst” part of the night and we were overwhelmed by a lot of people who came out to be seen, but mainly to get free booze. In a month or so, hopefully sooner, the appropriate contingent of after work socialites, house loving martini drinkers and lounge goers will find District and settle in.

Bottom Line: We loved the décor, liked the bar and endorse going over and checking our District!