New York’s Top 10 : Bars and Lounges

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  1. King Cole Bar and Lounge

    Maxfield
    Parrish’s famous mural of Old King Cole, rich mahogany paneling, and
    sumptuous seating set the stage for New York’s most famous hotel bar,
    which has only been admitting women since 1950. Lush, luxurious, and
    very expensive, the soft piano music sets a mood that makes it easy to
    clinch a deal or spark a romance.

    • St. Regis Hotel, 2 East 55th St, between 5th and Madison Aves

    • 212 753 4500




    King Cole Bar

  2. Bar 44 at the Royalton

    Located
    in the heart of Manhattan’s Midtown, the Royalton launched a legion of
    boutique-style imitations when it first opened in 1988. A $17.5 million
    renovation to the lobby, bar and restaurant in 2007 bid adieu to the
    post-modern Philippe Starck interior. Bar 44 is now cozy, with elements
    of brass, steel, wood, velvet, suede, and fur, while Brasserie 44 is a
    light, airy space with teak banquettes and cream-colored leather.

    • Royalton Hotel, 44 West 44th St

    • 212 944 8844

  3. Monkey Bar

    A
    sophisticated spot with a whimsical theme – monkey murals and light
    fixtures, even a Purple Monkey cocktail. Monkey Bar is a long-time
    favorite, which serves Chinese food with a modern twist. The bar
    attracts a well-heeled, well-dressed crowd.

    • Hotel Elysee, 60 East 54th St, between Madison and Park Aves

    • 212 838 2600




    Monkey Bar

  4. Flute

    Proudly
    stocking over 150 types of champagne, several of which are available by
    the glass, this former speakeasy successfully blends high-end opulence
    and a sumptuous menu with a romantic atmosphere and friendly service.

    • 205 West 54th St, between 7th Ave and Broadway

    • 212 265 5169




    Flute

  5. Campbell Apartment

    This
    is a gem hidden in Grand Central Terminal. Housed in the richly
    paneled, luxurious former offices of 1920s railroad tycoon John W.
    Campbell, this bar features leaded glass, a beautifully painted beamed
    ceiling, and a carved wood balcony, all inspired by a Florentine
    palazzo. Single-malt scotches or vintage wines are appropriate choices
    to complement this elegant setting. The dress code is business-casual.

    • West balcony, Grand Central Terminal, 15 Vanderbilt Ave at 42nd St

    • 212 953 0409

  6. Pen-Top Bar and Terrace

    There
    is a stylish new look after a 2008 renovation but the views of city
    lights needed no improvement at this 23rd-floor oasis. The outdoor
    terrace is an unbeatable spot on a balmy summer night. Devotees say it
    is well worth the steep tab.

    • Peninsula Hotel, 700 5th Ave at 55th St

    • 212 956 2888

  7. Plunge

    Enjoy
    superb views of the New York skyline and the Hudson River from this
    rooftop bar at the trendy Gansevoort Hotel, in the Meatpacking District.
    Although a little on the expensive side, this is a great spot to hang
    out in the summer months.

    • Gansevoort Hotel, 18 9th Ave at 13th St

    • 212 206 6700

  8. Boathouse Bar

    Watch
    the sun set and the lights come on across the skyline at this outdoor
    bar beside the lake in Central Park, a location worthy of a movie set.
    The setting is particularly romantic on warm nights when rowboats and
    gondolas glide by.

    • Central Park near East 72nd St

    • 212 517 2233




    Park View at the Boathouse

  9. Hudson Bar

    With
    a backlit glass floor, elaborate, hand-painted ceiling and unusual
    Louis XV meets Star Wars decor, the bar at the Hudson Hotel draws a
    stylish crowd. Punters love the vibe here despite the high price of
    drinks, and those looking for a quieter spot can always head for the
    hotel’s Library Bar.

    • Hudson Hotel, 356 West 58th St

    • 212 247 0769

  10. Ñ

    Head
    for this out-of-the-way block in SoHo to discover an absolute gem: a
    raffish bar with polka dot walls, reasonably priced drinks, and Spanish
    tapas to be enjoyed with a choice of sherries, fruity sangria, or
    Spanish wines. Live flamenco music in the evenings adds to the
    atmosphere. This place is small and extremely popular so get there early
    to ensure a seat.

    • 33 Crosby Street, between Broome and Grand sts

    • 212 219 8856