Times Square seems to have awoken to the fact that most people -- even those who work in a tourist district -- always like an after-work drink. In this vein, the owners of Downtown Lounge (aka 203 Spring) have opened Fashion 40, although fashion doesn't really have anything to do with the place. It's more of a location name: The spot strikes a pose on Fashion Avenue and 40th Street. Still, there's a haute-couture slickness to it, with interiors done in subtle earth tones that avoid theme-bar pratfalls -- so last season. The second floor is the most inviting and intimate part of the space, with couch-flanked conversation pits affording a view of the bar beyond the iron railing, and ceiling fixtures evocative of starlight. Drinks are a little on the high-heeled side, like the F40, with champagne and lychee, but a bar menu that includes panini and other solid appetizers keeps the model-with-anorexia jokes at bay.

Address:     See Map
202 W. 40th Street
Btwn. 7 & 8th Aves
New York , NY   10014
Phone: (212) 221-3628