Water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink.

Or so it seems when you find yourself thirsty and poised for mischief on the north reaches of the East Village. You know there’s a cool bar around here somewhere …

Ditch the teeming masses on A, B, and C and head downstairs at Second and 12th, into the Blue Owl, which opens tonight. This being 2006, they’re calling the bar a speakeasy, with all the requisite accoutrements: secret back entrance and private room; top-shelf hooch and ’20s-inspired cocktails.

We dug the ottomans and banquettes made with copper and steel ceiling tin (so original, so cool) and fit with low lights to show off pretty shoes (so smart, so fetish). That space by the DJ booth? Don’t call it a dance floor. But feel free to, you know.

We also liked the cocktails. (Okay, a lot.) The DC Sampling Committee almost came to blows over which was better: the Bobby Burns (made with Famous Grouse scotch) or the Blue Owl (made with Magellan gin), but owner Ashley Smith and barman Charles Hardwick kept the love flowing.

Some would call the Blue Owl an oasis in the desert.

We’re just calling it our new roost.

Blue Owl, 196 Second Avenue, between 12th and 13th Streets (212-505-2583).

Hey straphangers! (Beloved PATH riders, you too.) Here are the answers to Friday’s subway quiz.