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Home > Nightlife & Music > The Distinguished Wakamba Lounge

The Distinguished Wakamba Lounge

543 Eighth Ave., New York, NY 10018 40.754191 -73.992033
nr. 37th St.  See Map | Subway Directions Hopstop Popup
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Photo by Shanna Ravindra

Hours

Daily, noon-4am

Nearby Subway Stops

A, C, E at 34th St.-Penn Station

Payment Methods

Cash Only

Profile

The most distinguishing thing about the Distinguished Wakamba Lounge is probably the murder that took place on its doorsteps: In 2000, undercover cops fatally shot an unarmed security guard after unsuccessfully trying to buy crack from him here. Despite its grim notoriety and seedy Eighth Avenue location, the Wakamba is surprisingly fanciful, with faux sea creatures, fishing nets, and other nautical- and beach-themed curios strewn about the room. The lounge still attracts blue-collar types after quitting time, as well as slumming FIT grads whose favorite pastime is playing “DT Undercover or Postal Worker?” with the crowd. These days, the only crime committed at the Wakamba is (over) charging for a bottle of Bud.

9.0 "Highly Recommended"
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The Distinguished Wakamba Lounge

Nice people @ 12pm

LazPhilly from 19148 | Posted on 10/24/09

Overall Rating: 109 (Highly Recommended)

We got off the bus from Philadelphia and needed a drink... First place we went to was the Wakamba and we made it a point to go back before disembarking to Philly again. On our short visit, this was the coolest place in the city we hung out at. Good music and hot bartenders! Loved the decor as well. Crowd was really cool to us too, and we were rocking our Phillies gear to the max. As for the prices, they didn't seem out of hand compared to anywhere else... at least we had fun here. Brush up on your Spanish before you try to flirt with the bartenders.

The Distinguished Wakamba Lounge

The Culture

Kseitles681 from 10018 | Posted on 8/14/09

Overall Rating: 109 (Highly Recommended)

The experience, the people, and the beautiful bartenders. Need I say more?

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