NYC Bars
Take a look at my selective list of Manhattan bars, hand-picked (and, uh, extensively “researched”) for you to enjoy. Women, alone or in groups, should feel perfectly comfortable at any of these watering holes.
You’ll find fun martini bars, classy wine bars, elegant hotel bars, some trendy and hip (but not intimidating) choices, restaurant bars, several bars with great views, and a few cabarets and jazz clubs (more on those in the Entertainment and Nightlife section).
You will not find any of those velvet-rope, scenester clubs, underground dance parties, and such, cuz, well … I have to face it … I’m a bit past that age. (And even when I was younger, I wasn’t all that hip. Sigh.) If that’s your thing, try searching in the resources listed in the For More Info* section at the end of this article.
My list is an excellent start, but there are over 800 bars in Manhattan; part of the fun is exploring on your own. Please explore and share your favorites with us! Also, since management changes, and bars and restaurants come and go, do let me know if you encounter problems at any Lipstick Getaways favorite.
LIPSTICK GETAWAYS’ FAVORITE NYC BARS (listed by neighborhood)
Upper West Side
Café des Artistes
1 W. 67th St., (btw. Central Park West and Columbus Ave.)
212-877-3500
Subway: 1,9 to 66th St.
www.cafenyc.com/cafedesartistes
I have dined at this expensive restaurant with the famous art-nouveau murals, and it is nice enough, but I think there are more interesting places to spend your splurge-dining dollars. However, the small bar is a lovely spot to relax with a glass of the house drink, pear champagne.
Lobby Lounge
MOBar
Both are at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Time Warner Center
80 Columbus (Columbus Circle at W. 60th St.)
212-805-8826, 212-805-8881
Subway: 1,A,B,C,D to 59th St-Columbus Circle
www.mandarinoriental.com/newyork/
Both bars (and the pricey restaurant, Asiate) are located on the 35th floor of the luxurious new Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Time Warner Center. Fantastic Central Park views from the Lobby Bar; MoBar is more tucked-away. Expensive but highly recommended for a drink, lunch, light fare, or afternoon tea.
Prohibition
503 Columbus (btw. 84th and 85th Sts.)
212-579-3100
Subway: B,C to 86th St.; 1 to 86th St.
www.prohibition.net
Popular, fun, upscale-funky, with a somewhat younger crowd; the front features a variety of interesting live music every night; pool table; surprisingly good, reasonably-priced New American food.
Rosa Mexicano
61 Columbus Ave. (@62nd St.)
212-977-7700
Subway: 1,9 to 66th; A,B,C,D to 59th St.
www.rosamexicano.com
Eye-popping design, new branch of this popular upscale Mexican restaurant (see other NY location in Midtown East; also in Washington DC, Atlanta, and Palm Beach) famous for pomegranate margaritas and guacamole prepared tableside. Interesting entrees as well. Fun bar scene.
Stone Rose
Time Warner Center
10 Columbus Cir.,4th fl. (@59th St.)
212-823-9769
Subway: 1,A,B,C,D to 59th St-Columbus Circle
www.midnightoilbars.com
Beautiful Central Park views, hotspot scene, beautiful people, expensive cocktails, light food available from Jean George Vongerichten’s kitchen next door. Service is warm and friendly, so don’t be intimidated! Try the signature Stone Rose martini.
Upper East Side
At the Carlyle Hotel:
Bemelmans Bar (Piano bar, lounge)
Café Carlyle (Cabaret)
35 E 76th St (@ Madison Ave.)
212-744-1600
Subway: 6 to 77th St.
www.thecarlyle.com
Fanciful murals painted by Ludwig Bemelmans, author/illustrator of the Madeline books and former resident of the hotel, adorn the walls at Bemelmans Bar, a sophisticated, classic New York hotel piano bar/lounge. Live jazz (and a cover charge of $20-$25 at a table, $10 at the bar) most nights after 9:30. Café Carlyle is a second, more expensive cabaret/bar. Woody Allen and his band play there most Monday nights.
Cavatappo
1728 Second Ave., btw 89th and 90th Sts.
212-426-0919
Subway: 4,5,6 to 86th St.
Small, neighborhood wine bar featuring mostly Italian wines cheeses, and lovely nibbles. Also daily sangrias. A nice stop after shopping or museum-going.
At the Metropolitan Museum of Art:
Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden Café
Great Hall Balcony Bar
1000 Fifth Ave. (@82nd St.)
212-535-7710
Subway: 6 to 77th St; 4,5,6 to 86th St.
www.metmuseum.org
Balcony Bar: cocktails, appetizers, and live classical music overlooking the Great Hall. Open Fri-Sat, 4:00 – 8:30 (last call 8:00).
Roof Garden: Spectacular view of Central Park, Manhattan skyline; very modest and limited self-serve beer, wine, mixed drinks, snacks. (People rave about this place; I was underwhelmed. Just me?) The fifth floor entrance is tricky to find: it’s by the elevator in the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Galleries. Open in the summer, weather permitting, Fri/Sat 10a-8:30p; Sun, Tue-Thurs 10a-4:30p, closed Mon.
At the Pierre Hotel:
The Pierre Bar
The Rotunda
2 E. 61st St. (btw. Fifth and Madison)
212-940-8195
Subway: F to Lexington Ave.-63rd St.; 4,5,6 to 59th St.; N,R,W to Lexington Ave.-59th St.
www.tajhotels.com
Elegant, old-fashioned luxury hotel. The hotel’s restaurant, Café Pierre, is very expensive but I’ve heard it’s worth it.
Pierre Bar: Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, snacks, piano.
Rotunda Room: Beautiful trompe l’oeil murals; breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, cocktails, bar snacks.
At the Regency Hotel
Feinstein’s at the Regency
540 Park Ave (@61st St.)
212-339-4095
Subway: 4,5,6, to 59th St., N,R,W to Lexington-59th St.
www.feinsteinsattheregency.com
An elegant nightclub by renowned vocalist, songwriter, and musical archivist Michael Feinstein, who describes is as “the perfect place to hear the greatest and most exciting interpreters of American popular song.” But a visit here is an expensive Big Night Out: tickets will be about $60, with another $40 food and drink minimum. Classic New York experience.
Midtown West
At the Algonquin Hotel:
Lobby
Blue Bar
Oak Room (Cabaret)
59 W. 44th St (btw. Fifth/Sixth Ave)
888-304-2047 212-840-6800
Subway: 7 to Fifth Ave/Bryant Park; B,D,F,V to 42nd St-Bryant Park; 2,3,7,N,Q,R,S,W to Times Sq./42nd St.
www.algonquinhotel.com
Classy, civilized, recently restored landmark hotel, bar, and cabaret. The legendary critics, actors, writers, and wits of the Algonquin Round Table (Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley, George S. Kaufman, Harpo Marx, and others) met here every day in the 1920’s, for lunch and witty repartee. You can enjoy coffee, cocktails, light fare in the Lobby; cocktails and pub fare in the Blue Bar; and cabaret, jazz brunch, and musical theater in the Oak Room. Check website for event schedule and cover charges.
At the Chambers Hotel:
Town
15 W. 56th St. (btw. Fifth/Sixth Aves.)
212-582-4445
Subway: F to 57th St.
www.townnyc.com
Even if you are not dining at the highly-rated Town restaurant, try to stop in for a creative cocktail in the posh, sophisticated bar. Expensive, but quite lovely.
Flute Midtown
205 W. 54th St. (btw. Broadway and Seventh Ave.)
212-265-5169
Subway: N,R,W,Q to 57th St.; 1,9 to 50th St.
www.flutebar.com
Intimate, Art-Deco inspired lounge featuring champagne and sparkling wines – over 100 available by the bottle and 15 by the glass. Also fine wines and full bar, appetizers (including a selection of caviars), and desserts. DJ’s play Thurs, Fri, Sat; live jazz Weds. Another Flute is located in Gramercy.
At the Hudson Hotel:
Hudson Bar
356 W. 58th St. (btw. Eighth and Ninth Aves.)
212-554-6500
Subway: 1,A,B,C,D to 59th St-Columbus Circle
www.hudsonhotel.com
Still-hip (but somewhat older) hotspot with fabulous Philippe Starck décor: chartreuse-lit escalators, glowing glass floor, jungle-style rooftop garden, beautiful staff. Stop in for a great signature drink and just check out the scene.
Morrell Wine Bar & Café
1 Rockefeller Plaza (@ 49th St, btw. Fifth and Sixth Aves.)
212-262-7700
Subway: B,D,F,V to 47th-50th Sts.-Rockefeller Center
www.morrellwinebar.com
Classy wine bar and restaurant, an offshoot of the owner’s wine store next door. Stop in for a glass of wine, appetizers, lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch.
Midtown East
At the Beekman Tower Hotel:
Top of the Tower Restaurant
3 Mitchell Pl., corner of E 49th St and First Ave
212-355-7300
Subway:4,5,6,7,S to Grand Central (then a 10-15 min walk north and east)
One of our favorite late-night stops for a nightcap and a 360-degree view of the city lights and the East River. A “just like in the movies” moment. It is a few blocks out- of-the-way, but I just love the view.
Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Oyster Bar
The Campbell Apartment
89 E. 42nd St. (near Vanderbilt)
Oyster Bar: 212-490-6650
The Campbell Apartment: 212-953-0409
Subway: 4,5,6,7,S to Grand Central-42nd St.
www.grandcentralterminal.com
Classy drinks at the train station? Yup!
Grand Station Oyster Bar is beautiful, classic spot to enjoy a glass of wine and oysters, a quick dinner, or an excellent meal (see also listing under Restaurants: Midtown East).
The Campbell Apartment, formerly the luxurious office and salon of 1920’s mogul John W. Campbell, has been restored to glory as a gorgeous, swanky lounge; voted one of America’s top 20 bars by Playboy magazine. You might want to call ahead, as it is often booked for private parties. Proper attire.
At The Peninsula Hotel:
Pen-Top Bar & Terrace
700 Fifth Ave., @ 55th St.
212-956-2888
Subway: E,V to Fifth Ave-53rd St.; N,R,W to Fifth Ave.-59th St.
www.newyork.peninsula.com
Open-air rooftop bar with overpriced drinks and amazing views of the surrounding cityscape.
P.J.Clarke’s
915 Third Ave. (@55th St.)
212-317-1616
Subway: E to 53rd St.
www.pjclarkes.com
This classic (ca. 1884) NY institution was recently and lovingly renovated and restored; stepping through the doors is like stepping into a time machine. (See also listing under Restaurants: Midtown East.)
Rosa Mexicano
1063 First Ave. (@58th St.)
212-753-7407
Subway: N,R,W,4,5,6 to Lexington Ave-59th St.
www.rosamexicano.com
Busy, popular upscale Mexican restaurant with a fun bar scene, signature pomegranate margaritas and guacamole made tableside. Other locations Upper West Side, Atlanta, Washington DC, and Palm Beach.
At the St. Regis Hotel:
King Cole Bar Lounge
2 E. 55th St. (btw. Fifth/Madison Aves.)
212-753-4500
Subway: B,D,E, to Seventh Ave.
www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/index.html
Classy, sophisticated, warm dark woods; famous Maxfield Parrish Art Nouveau mural behind the bar. Old money, stiff drinks, great Old New York ambience. Proper attire.
Flatiron/Gramercy/Union Square
Beauty Bar
231 E. 14th St. (btw. Second and Third Aves.)
212-539-1389
Subway: 4,5,6,L,N,Q,R,W to 14th St.-Union Sq.; L to Third Ave.
www.beautybar.com
An actual classic retro beauty parlor, with many original furnishings, is now a hip theme bar with DJ’s, party music, and “Manicure and Martini Happy Hour” Weds-Sun. I believe the crowd is mostly young (I haven’t been) but this place sounds like such a hoot that I just had to include it! Check the website for scheduled events.
Cibar
Located at the Inn at Irving Place
56 Irving Pl. (btw. 17th and 18th Sts.)
212-460-5656
Subway: 4,5,6,L,N,Q,R,W to 14th St.-Union Sq.
www.cibarlounge.com
Small, refined upscale martini lounge located in the lovely twelve-room townhouse, Inn at Irving Place. Fireplaces, bamboo garden, light appetizers; nightly DJ’s play “timeless classics from Tony Bennett to the Rolling Stones.”
Flute Gramercy
40 E. 20th St (btw. Park Ave. So. and Broadway)
212-529-7870
Subway: 6 to 23rd; N,R,W to 23rd.
www.flutebar.com
Plush, sexy spot to enjoy champagne and sparkling wines – over 100 available by the bottle and 15 by the glass. Also fine wines and full bar, appetizers (including a selection of caviars), and desserts. DJ’s play Thurs, Fri, Sat; live jazz Sun. eve. Another location in Midtown West.
Luna Park
Union Square
50 E. 17th St. (btw Broadway and Park Ave. South)
212-475-8464
Subway: 4,5,6,L,N,Q,R,W to 14th St.-Union Sq.
New Yorkers love a chance to relax, eat, and drink outdoors, and this open-air bar/café is just perfect on a warm summer afternoon or evening.
West Village
(The West Village is full of so many great bars, you should really stroll and wander; you’re sure to find favorites of your own!)
Employees Only
510 Hudson St. (btw. Christopher and 10th Sts.)
212-242-3021
Subway: 1 to Christopher St.-Sheridan Sq.; A,C,E tp 14th St.; L to Eighth Ave.
www.employeesonlynyc.com
Classy, sexy, deco-inspired, retro-speakeasy cocktail bar/restaurant with expertly mixed drinks. Look for the fortune teller in the foyer.
La Lanterna di Vittorio Restaurant and
Bar Next Door at La Lanterna
129 MacDougal St. (near 3rd St.)
212-529-05945
Subway: A,B,C,D,E,F,V to W. 4th St.-Washington Sq.
www.lalanternacaffe.com
On my first trip to New York, an ‘insider friend’ took Shirley and me to this cozy restaurant for a late-late-night dessert. The intimate, candlelit Bar Next Door, has live jazz, cocktails, and a full menu available 7 nights a week.
Rouge Wine Bar
99 Bank St. (@ Greenwich St.)
212-929-0509
Subway: 1,2,3 to 14th St.; A,C,E to 14th St.; L to Eight Ave.
www.pariscommune.net
Located under the Paris Commune restaurant, Rouge Wine Bar features a fabulous and decadent “Belle Epoque” Paris ambience and a vibrant, original mural of can can dancers by renowned artist Bill Rancitellian. Wine, champagne, interesting tapas and desserts. Pssst … tell them you’re a “Paris Commune Insider” and they will graciously offer you a free glass of champagne! (If you want to be honest about it, sign up on their website.)
the otheroom
143 Perry St. (btw Washington and Greenwich Sts.)
212-645-9758
Subway: A,C, E to 14th St.; L to Eighth Ave.; 1 to Christopher St.-Sheridan Sq.
www.theroomsbeerandwine.com
Relaxed, classy, candlelit beer and wine bar (no cocktails). NOTE: Cash only.
Zinc Bar
90 W. Houston St. (@ LaGuardia Pl.)
212-477-8337
Subway: 1 to Houston St.; A,B,C,D,E,F,V to W. 4th St.-Washington Sq.
www.zincbar.com
Narrow, cool, world music/jazz spot. Tiny stage and live music in front; I love the quiet back room lounge (but I almost missed it my first time — be sure to wander back and check it out!) Reasonable cover and minimums, Latin Thursdays, African Fridays, Bossa Nova Saturdays, and Samba Sundays. Try the mojitos.
SoHo/Nolita
Baltahzar
80 Spring St. (btw. Crosby and B’Way)
212-965-1414
Subway: 6 to Spring St.; N,R,W to Prince St.
www.bathazarny.com
I love Balthazar (the just-like-Paris-restaurant) for breakfast, lunch, and noisy dinner, and so does everyone I’ve ever taken with me. (See listing under NYC Restaurants: SoHo.) The bar is also a fun place to have a drink.
Chibi’s Sake Bar
238 Mott St. (btw. Prince and Spring Sts.)
212-274-0054
Subway: N,R,W to Prince St.; 6 to Spring St.
www.chibisbar.com
Cozy little sake bar, extensive selection, helpful staff, sake tasting menu, delightful bar food. Free mushroom dumplings on Tues and Weds! Live Jazz Sundays.
CubRoom
131 Sullivan St. (@ Prince)
212-677-4100
Subway: 1 to Houston St.; C,E to Spring St.
www.cubroom.com
Named after the VIP room at the Stork Club, the swanky NYC nightclub of yore. There is a restaurant and plush, comfortable bar/lounge with huge windows so you can watch the SoHo street life stroll by. Celebrity-spotting potential.
Pegu Club
77 West Houston St., 2nd fl. (btw. W. Broadway and Wooster)
212-472-7348
www.peguclub.com
Wonderful cocktails, expertly mixed, using the best spirits, fresh juices, hand-crafted flavorings, and served in a tranquil, British-colonial style lounge (named after a 19th century British officers club in Burma). Lovely bar food as well.
At the 60 Thompson Hotel:
Thom’s Bar
60 Thompson St. (btw. Broome and Spring)
212-219-3200
Subway: C,E, to Spring St.
www.thompsonhotels.com
Enjoy an expensive martini and possible celebrity-spotting at this sleek, Deco-chic, cozy boutique hotel bar.
*For More Info:
For more complete listings of the over 800 bars and clubs in Manhattan try: www.nymag.com, www.nyc.com, and www.newyork.citysearch.com.
If you’re looking for the younger, hipper clubs, try searching at www.timeoutny.com, www.partythisweek.com, www.cutnyc.com, or www.joonbug.com.
