21 Seventh Ave. South; (212) 463-0700
It’s only fitting that 2008’s Great Nightlife Hope would occupy the former space of Luke & Leroy, which actually made nightlife interesting for a minute or two in recent years. Financing the slightly sanitized resurrection is former CentroFly and Drinkland owner David Baxley, who jokes that this ambitious, anti-yuppie venture may result in a “not-for-profit organization,” though Le Royale – a name-play on its cross street, Leroy – should be fun in the meantime. Here’s your VIP tour.
– By Brian Niemietz
In the month Le Royale’s been open, moonlighting rockers-cum -deejays have included Bloc Party singer Kele Okereke, Bjorn of Peter Bjorn and John, and The Kills’ Jamie Hince, who recently spinned tunes and made out with Kate Moss intermittently.
In this club’s former incarnation, the semi-spacious lower-level bathrooms served as unofficial smoking lounges. This space is now a revamped table and banquette area, and the commodes now reside in what was a private office.
As Luke & Leroy, this venue begot the Misshapes, who threw their legendary Saturday soirees here until late 2005. There’s also the fashionable Robot Rock party on Fridays, and Patrick Duffy’s infamous gay party on Sundays.
The bilevel venue holds 250 people, and features a
soundtrack heavy on Hot Chip, Stevie
Wonder, Chromeo and all things unappealing to Top 40 types.