As sad as it may be, 2009 saw a lot of great hot spots close around the country. Whether this was as a direct result of the struggling economy, or perhaps somewhat due to changing trends, New York City alone lost a number of venues that some of us just weren’t ready to let go of. Here’s a look at a few of the most memorable venues that were shut down throughout the past year. As more luxurious high-end venues began to target individuals who had the means and the desire to enjoy an evening of bottle service, many venues in New York struggled to keep up with the trends as the economy rubbed some salt on their wounds.

Lot 61

The incredibly successful bar was opened by Amy Sacco in 1990 and quickly became famous for its 61 flavors of martinis and a memorable cosmopolitan, which may not seem like much to you now, but consider the time. Lot 61 managed to maintain success for several years even after the nightlife scene began to transform.

Centro Fly

This venue was an attempt to create a more sophisticated setting for an older crowd who no longer enjoyed having their ears blasted out at the usual night club scene. The lounge was named after a store in Milan, featured a mod design and offered both food and dancing. Eventually, the place closed down and was replaced by an equally unsuccessful Duvet, which was just ordered to be closed as well.

Spa

This water-themed dance club located near Union Square operated under the business model of pricey entrance fees, a booming sound system, and a lively crowd. Remaining true to it’s water theme, Spa also sold 16 different types of bottled water, which was perhaps a trend of the time, but seems rather ridiculous to many of us now.

Lotus

Not long after it’s opening, Lotus became the place for everyone, dancing, dining, conversation, and wildness in the Meatpacking District. As the area surrounding Lotus expanded and grew in popularity in its own right, so did Lotus. Unfortunately for those who loved the venue, Lotus was unable to keep up with the flurry of openings in the area and attract a new crowd.

Studio B

This Brooklyn nightclub was a former Polish dancehall which gave people a popular alternative to traveling into Manhattan in the wee hours of the night. Unfortunately for Studio B fans and the club owners, the community was never in favor of the venue. When Studio B attempted to get a rooftop expansion it began what turned out to be a very lengthy and confusing demise.  

Bungalow 8

Amy Sacco opened her second venue in West Chelsea in 2001. Sacco and Bungalow “rode a Sex and the City wave and the space quickly became the hot spot of the beginning of the decade.” The club’s success led to a number of imitators, and although they never achieved Bungalow 8’s success or notoriety, they did change the area surrounding Bungalow 8, creating a difficult neighborhood for the club to maintain its high end crowd.  The seedier crowd that had taken over the street was a turnoff for Bungalow 8 customers. Sacco is currently in the process of preparing a revamp of Bungalow 8 in 2010, so keep your eye out for it.  

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