Many of the best hotels in New York have fascinating histories to go with their impeccable rooms. The same goes for the city’s hotel bars, some of which have played host to literary giants, political figures and Hollywood stars, solidifying their status as cultural institutions in their own right. From late nights spent with some of the best jazz artists at Bemelmans to the timeless elegance of the Plaza’s Champagne Bar, these venues have witnessed the evolution of society, and continue to be the epicenter of sophistication in the city that never sleeps.
Today, New York’s best hotel bars take many forms, from hidden, subterranean co*cktail dens to high-in-the-sky rooftops with stunning views. Whether you seek a classic co*cktail in a Gatsby-esque setting or a modern, chic atmosphere with cutting-edge mixology, there’s always a reason to check in at these top-notch hotel watering holes.
The Portrait Bar at the Fifth Avenue Hotel
NoMad
Hidden within the historic Fifth Avenue Hotel, the Portrait Bar is an unexpectedly cozy haven. Despite having just opened winter 2023, it already feels like a timeless fixture in the city, thanks to its rich mahogany walls, plush leather seating, eclectic decor and dimly lit ambiance. Here, savor expertly crafted co*cktails inspired by different cities around the world, while surrounded by an impressive collection of portraits showcasing the faces and figures that have shaped the hotel’s history. Grab a seat by the fireplace and enjoy menu standouts that include an umami-rich take on a Martini, inspired by Andalucia, and shareable Comté Gougères.
The Bar Room at the Beekman Hotel
Financial District
Located right in the crosshairs of FiDi and Tribeca, the Beekman Hotel is one of the city’s original skyscrapers and a shining example of 19th-century New York architecture. Their stunning Bar Room is housed within the hotel’s atrium, with soaring views of eight floors of intricately terraced balconies leading to its rooms. The hotel itself refers to the lobby bar as “New York’s Living Room,” which is an apt description if you happen to enjoy Empire State Negronis in the comfort of your own home. Come on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon to enjoy a live jazz brunch, just don’t forget to make a reservation in advance.
How Manhattan’s Back Bar crafts its affordably high-end drinks menu
Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle
Upper East Side
Adorned with whimsical murals hand-painted by Ludwig Bemelmans, the creator of the beloved Madeline children’s books (they say the Carlyle offered the artist and his family residence at the hotel for a year and a half in exchange), this beloved hotel bar is a New York institution. It’s a must-visit for its live jazz performances, transporting patrons to a bygone era of glamor. Renowned bartenders curate a Martini-forward co*cktail menu, which will set you back at least $24 each. Make sure to have a reservation here unless you’re prepared to wait in a hefty line, and be aware that there is at least a $10 cover charge for their jazz artists after 5:30 p.m.
Bar Blondeau at the Wythe Hotel
Williamsburg
Across the bridge in Brooklyn, Bar Blondeau within the Wythe Hotel exudes an effortlessly chic atmosphere, with panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River. With a curated menu of handcrafted drinks and a stylish setting that transitions seamlessly from day to night, Bar Blondeau promises an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Brooklyn’s trendy Williamsburg neighborhood.
Bar Calico & Broken Shaker at the Freehand Hotel
Flatiron District
The Freehand Hotel is home to an impressive number of food and beverage concepts, including the Latin American-inspired Comodo and dance lounge, Georgia Room. Our picks for co*cktails, though, have to be the Southwest-themed Bar Calico and the iconic rooftop bar, Broken Shaker. The interior decor and co*cktail offerings from Broken Shaker take on a more tiki-inspired vibe, with a younger after-work crowd clamoring for a seat on the plant-filled open-air patio. Come here for a classic Margarita and chips and guacamole for only $20 during happy hour, or opt for a tipple at Bar Calico if you prefer environs with ornate wooden details and co*cktails inspired by artist Georgia O’Keeffe. Feeling adventurous? Try their sotol flight — an ode to the smoky spirit made from a Mexican desert shrub, which is quickly gaining popularity.
Lounge on Pearl at The Wall Street Hotel
Financial District
Soaring ceilings and plush furnishings frame this refined bar within The Wall Street Hotel, which is so stylish you’ll be just as shocked as we were to discover it in the Financial District. The crowd here is as expected: suited folks grabbing a well-earned libation after work, as well as a variety of international guests and business travelers. Martinis are the name of the game here, with three varieties to choose from. We suggest grabbing a New York Happy Meal: the iconic duo of a Martini and fries.
Swan Room at Nine Orchard Hotel
Dimes Square
You’d be hard-pressed to find a bar in the city with more historic architectural details than Nine Orchard’s Swan Room, located in a former bank teller room with vaulted ceilings and grand industrial details. Unique, produce-forward co*cktails highlight ingredients such as carrot and dill (Le Jardin) and pistachio, lime and cucumber (Haymaker), and are best enjoyed with a platter of a dozen oysters with mignonette sauce. Not your typical weekday happy hour bar, this is the kind of place you’ll want to get a bit gussied up for.
Saint Tuesday at the Walker Hotel
Tribeca
This subterranean haven below the Walker Hotel in Tribeca is unlike any hotel bar you’ve experienced — a stylish co*cktail bunker featuring tasty libations and nightly musical entertainment. The Walker Hotel team actually found the space as a surprise after ground was broken during initial construction on the property, giving the bar an even more impressive backstory. Once inside, find industrial-cool vibes, cozy booth seating, tasty co*cktails and live jazz after 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and 10:30 p.m. on weekends.
Darling at Park Lane Hotel
Midtown
Perched atop the Park Lane Hotel, a luxe getaway situated right on Central Park South, the Darling Rooftop commands top-notch views of the park and the skyline. The indoor portion of this rooftop gem offers an intimate atmosphere with limited seating and bespoke murals depicting fairytale-esque nature scenes inspired by Central Park. Sip on artisanal co*cktails and enjoy small bites like wagyu sliders and Petrossian caviar blinis. If you plan on inviting out-of-towners to impress them with the view, try to grab a seat on the awning-covered patio.
The Lobby Bar at Ace Hotel Brooklyn
Boerum Hill
Right on the dividing line of Boerum Hill and Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn’s Ace Hotel enjoys one of the most convenient locations for a happy hour tipple, especially thanks to its close walking proximity to Atlantic-Barclays. Inside, find a gorgeous open-concept lobby with a long bar to the right — backed by two halves of a large circular window and etched wooden paneling. Besides a curated co*cktail menu, the Lobby Bar is all about programming, from lively dance nights with DJs to artistic exhibitions. Our tip? Bring your laptop here in the afternoon to take advantage of the lobby’s expansive, stylish seating options and reliable wifi, then grab a well-deserved drink at the bar after.
The Champagne Bar the Plaza Hotel
Midtown
The Plaza Hotel is kind of like the main character of New York City, with appearances in beloved books like Eloise and movies like Home Alone 2. New Yorkers and out-of-towners alike visit the hotel for special occasion afternoon tea at the Palm Court, but their ritzy Champagne Bar shouldn’t be overlooked for an evening out on the town. Champagne (obviously) shares the menu alongside elegant renditions of classic co*cktails, and Plaza Champagne Punch for at least two people. Live music makes the vibe here even more magical, and the service is unparalleled.
Lobby Bar at the Hotel Chelsea
Chelsea
For old-school New York vibes minus any possible pretension, the Lobby Bar at the Hotel Chelsea is a must. Ornate architectural details, immaculately eclectic decor and top-notch people watching make it the kind of bar you’ll want to post up at for at least a couple hours — especially with free bar snacks and tableside Martini service available. Popular for a reason, you can expect a bit of a wait for a table, especially on busier weeknights and weekends. Our tip? Head to El Quijote, the hotel’s other bar and restaurant, for your first round after putting your name in. You can even opt to enjoy your co*cktail in the actual lobby of the hotel if El Quijote is too packed for your liking.
The Bar at Baccarat Hotel
Midtown
There is perhaps no bar in New York, hotel bar or not, that makes you feel more worthy of a James Bond film than the one found inside the Baccarat Hotel. The French luxury brand is best known for their exquisite crystal, so it’s no surprise that their hotel bar is bedecked with enormous crystal chandeliers, or that the space is painted a very French rouge. On the floor, black and white checkers lead you through the arched space, with a long bar on one side and bistro seating opposite. co*cktails here will set you back at least $26, and up to $450 (yes, you read that right). We suggest you splurge on at least one Baccarat Old Fashioned that lands in the middle at $55.
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