Designed by Rockwell Group, TAO Downtown offers a distinct sense of arrival and discovery and is the first TAO venue where guests descend into a multi-level space. The subterranean restaurant, located in the heart of Chelsea, is intended to look and feel as if it has been there for decades and only unearthed recently to reveal the artifacts within. Upon arrival, guests immediately encounter a long corridor with a dragon scale patterned screen and Chinese calligraphy murals mounted on weathered brick walls. Tucked away within the grandeur of Tao Downtown’s restaurant is a hidden gem and “in the know” oasis called Tao Downtown Nightclub. Separate from the restaurant, the 2500 sq foot drinks-only lounge has kept a low-key profile attracting VIPS and celebrities for late night/wee-hour cocktails, music and dancing.