PicoBlog

“I think I started going clubbing when I was 14. I remember I made a fake ID and laminated it myself. ” ~ Julia Fox

Photo by Stephen Yang

Alright. It’s summertime in the city and while we all collectively sweat through our clothes in between beach escapes to neighboring states whose weather doesn’t mirror Satan’s doorstep, we also unfollow all our friends who are posting their Italian vacations. But if we’re stuck in the city for a weekend or two, there’s nothing better than an air conditioned, 70s-Rome-inspired bar filled with New Yorkers in minimal clothing just trying to beat the heat. Let the summer of ABBA, Donna Summers, and Diana Ross continue.

And right on queue with the times, the Queen just released a gay, voguing, disco, erotic album of perfection. (If you haven’t listened to the album the whole way through by Monday, I don’t trust you.)

Photo from Google Maps

📍Location: 97 N. 10th St. Williamsburg. A disco bar located exactly one block away from another new disco bar, Cafe Balearica? Let the turf wars commence.

📚 History: “We have created Ciao Ciao as if it’s the late 1970s, and you are strolling along the side streets of Trastevere on a beautiful day, and you stumble upon a hidden gem of a spot, and end up having the night of your life,” Brad Gallagher, co-founder of Freehold Hospitality, which owns Ciao Ciao, told The Post. Whether we want to admit it or not, Freehold knows how to throw a party.

💫 Vibe: Ciao Ciao is inspired by Italian discotecas, merged with a hint of Brooklyn grunge in the form of red lighting and graffitied walls behind the bar. You’ll also find plush seating, a sculpture bust draped in a Pride flag, exposed brick walls, a framed painted picture of Sofia Loren, hot bartenders, and, of course, disco balls. Where Cafe Balearica has a disco dungeon, Ciao Ciao has a smaller disco room in the corner off of the bar. It’s a bit more intimate but there’s plenty of room for a DJ and dancing.

🍸 Taste: The drinks are good. While I can’t remember the exact menu, they had an array of fancy cocktails served in coup glasses or on the rocks, as well as a pretty good selection of beer. (Is this vague enough?)

💸 Price: A bottle of the fine Japanese Sapporo is $8, Miller Lite is $7, cocktails are $15 or $16.

🚽 Bathroom: There are two gender neutral bathrooms off of the dance floor that are dark and moody with mirrors to take post-pee bathroom selfies. My fav!

💿 Music for your journey: SUMMER RENAISSANCE by Beyoncé, Please by Jesse Ware, PURE/HONEY by Beyoncé, and Ring My Bell by Anita Ward. Also, here’s a playlist of all of the music from the past Pour One Outs for your listening pleasure!

💭 Final Thoughts: If I’m being honest, Ciao Ciao is the smallest of the disco bars out of Williamsburg’s growing disco scene, but so far it’s my favorite. The location is stellar — right by Williamsburg Hotel if you want a pre or post dance view from the water tower, and close to an array of restaurants — the vibe is fun and carefree and casual, yet you could decide to dress to the nines and somehow also fit right in. Despite their lack of social media or online presence (so ~underground~ of them), they won’t lack the foot traffic. This bar is perfect for a dancing night out with friends or your boo thang.

Photo from Google Maps

That's all for now folks. If you go to Ciao Ciao and like it, tell me more and send me selfies. If you hate it, forgive me and tell me why.

Catch you next week my ~S A U C Y~ friends! ;)

[Pitch a bar I should review and give me feedback, follow my poorly executed Instagram, and share my unsolicited opinions with your friends!]

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