Situated above Creperie Beau Monde in Old City, L’Etage Cabaret and Lounge attempts to recreate a night out in the City of Lights. During the weekend, L’Etage serves as a swanky setting for a post-crêpe drink, a light meal or a late-night dance. The warm red tones and soft lighting create a vibe that is genuinely reminiscent of a bar in Paris, and the imported beer selections on tap add to the lounge’s international atmosphere. Cozy seating alcoves are filled with a diverse crowd and surround a central dark-wood bar. A small dance floor provides just enough room to get down to music provided by the in-house DJs. Unfortunately, while L’Etage succeeds in creating a truly charming French ambiance, the music selection (which included Nelly’s “Hot In Herre”) quickly transports you back to Philly. If you can get past the lack of Euro-chic song choices and the somewhat pricey drinks, L’Etage offers an appealing weekend alternative to the usual South Street venue (and the free coat check is a definite plus).
Although it’s difficult to tell by the run-of-the-mill entertainment provided on the weekends, L’Etage is not just your average bar/lounge. During the week, L’Etage transforms into a Moulin Rouge-esque cabaret, hosting performances that range from absurdist theater to fleshy burlesque. Upcoming shows include “The Erotic Literary Salon,” which invites audience members to share their favorite erotic quotes, stories and authors, “The Lesson,” a comic drama by Eugene Ionesco, and “The Seven Deadly Sins,” which enacts the sins, from lust to vanity, in true vaudeville form. Whether you’re looking for an escape to 19th century Paris, or you just really like Nelly, this intimate and handsome space is an ideal locale to satisfy the Francophile in all of us.
L’Etage Northwest corner of 6th and Bainbridge St. (215) 592-0656 Tues.-Thurs., 7:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Fri. & Sat., 7:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Sun., 7:30 p.m.-1 a.m. For schedule of events, visit: http://www.creperie-beaumonde.com/letage
